KNU International Graduate Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded

Imagine pursuing a graduate degree in South Korea’s technology hub without worrying about tuition fees. The KNU International Graduate Scholarship 2026 makes this possible for high-achieving international students. Kyungpook National University (KNU) in Daegu is one of South Korea’s top public research universities. This fully-funded scholarship offers a complete tuition waiver for admitted Master’s and PhD students. In short, it provides generous financial aid (full funding) so you can focus on cutting-edge research and study.

As the application deadline (31 October 2025) approaches, now is the time to prepare. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the KNU scholarship: the program overview, eligibility criteria, funding benefits, and step-by-step application instructions. We also give you a quick profile of KNU and life in South Korea, plus practical tips to make your application stand out. By the end, you’ll have all the information to apply confidently for this life-changing opportunity.

Overview

Kyungpook National University’s International Graduate Scholarship (often called KINGS) is a university-funded grant for exceptional international Master’s and PhD students. It is offered for the 2026–27 academic year and supports graduate study at KNU. Eligible programs include a two-year Master’s degree or a two-year PhD degree, as well as a four-year combined Master’s+PhD track.

In all cases, the scholarship provides major tuition support – typically a 100% tuition fee waiver. (KNU also awards 50% waivers in some cases.) The scholarship can cover up to 4 semesters (2 years) for Master’s/PhD programs and up to 8 semesters (4 years) for combined programs, matching the normal program lengths. The goal of the scholarship is to attract global talent and foster research excellence at KNU.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Open to all international students of any citizenship. KNU encourages applications from around the world.
• Degree Level: Available for Master’s (2-year) and Doctoral (2-year) programs, as well as the combined Master’s+PhD (4-year) program.
• Admission: Applicants must apply for and be offered admission to one of KNU’s eligible graduate programs before receiving the scholarship. In other words, you need an admission offer from KNU’s graduate school.
• Language: Proficiency in English or Korean is required. You should have valid test scores (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL for English or TOPIK for Korean) that meet KNU’s requirements.
• Academic Performance: Candidates should have a strong academic record. New students are typically selected from the top-ranked applicants recommended by their department. Continuing graduate students generally need to maintain a B0 grade (approximately a 3.0 GPA) or higher to keep the scholarship.
• Additional: Applicants should meet KNU’s standard entry criteria (e.g., having completed a bachelor’s degree for Master’s applicants). International students must hold valid passports and study permits.

Coverage / Benefits

• Tuition Coverage: The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees for the entire graduate program. This is the core funding benefit (full tuition waiver). In some cases, a 50% tuition waiver is awarded instead.
• Renewal: Funding is granted each semester. Master’s and PhD students can receive the waiver for up to 4 semesters (2 years), and combined-program students for up to 8 semesters (4 years). Each semester, the scholarship is reviewed based on academic performance. Recipients must maintain high grades, as continuation is not guaranteed.
• Number of Awards: Each semester, KNU selects up to 70 new international students and 210 continuing students for 100% tuition waivers. This makes the scholarship competitive but offers a fair chance for qualified applicants.
• Other Benefits: Scholars have access to KNU’s full resources: research labs, libraries, campus events, and student support services. The university provides a multicultural campus life, helping international scholars integrate.

(Note: This International scholarship does not cover living expenses, travel, or health insurance; students must arrange these separately.)

Host Country & University Info

South Korea: South Korea is a vibrant, tech-forward country with a high standard of living and a strong education system. It attracts many international students with its modern campuses, globalized cities, and rich culture. English is widely used in academia, and many programs are taught in English. Korean society is safe and welcoming, with advanced public transportation and support services for foreign students. International scholars enjoy a high-tech learning environment – South Korea leads in innovation worldwide.

Kyungpook National University (KNU): Founded in 1946, KNU is one of South Korea’s most prestigious universities. Located in Daegu, KNU has 19 colleges and 14 graduate schools, offering a wide range of graduate programs in STEM fields, humanities, arts, and business. It is known for producing skilled graduates who contribute to innovation and sustainable development. The university campus provides modern labs, research centers, and a global learning environment – ideal for international graduate students.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit KNU Admissions Website: Go to Kyungpook National University’s official international admissions page and locate the “Graduate Scholarship / KINGS” section. This section contains details about the scholarship and application procedures.
2. Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents as per KNU guidelines: undergraduate/graduate transcripts and diplomas, a Statement of Purpose or study plan, recommendation letters, and English/Korean language test scores.
3. Access the Online Portal: Create an account on the KNU graduate application portal (or log in if you already have one). Fill in your personal and academic information accurately.
4. Submit Your Application. Make sure nothing is missing. Double-check entry fields and documents.
5. Meet the Deadline: Submit the completed application before 31 October 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
6. Await Decision: KNU selects scholarship recipients from among admitted students. There is no separate scholarship form – once you are admitted to a qualifying program, eligible candidates are automatically considered for the scholarship. After applying, monitor your email and KNU portal for acceptance notifications and scholarship results.

Important Deadlines

• Application Deadline: 31 October 2025 (for the 2026 intake). Submit all materials by this date.
• Program Start: KNU’s academic year typically begins in early 2026 (spring semester).
• Scholarship Renewal: Scholarship review happens before each semester up to the 4th (Master’s/PhD) or 8th (combined) semester. Maintain good grades to renew.

Tips for Applicants

• Tailor Your Application: Research KNU’s graduate programs and faculty. In your statement, explain why KNU is a good fit for your goals and mention relevant professors or labs.
• Strengthen Language Skills: Prepare and schedule your English/Korean proficiency tests early. Strong scores (e.g. IELTS ≥6.5/TOEFL ≥90, or TOPIK Level 4+) will boost your candidacy.
• Highlight Achievements: Emphasize any academic awards, publications, or research projects. A high GPA and relevant experience will make your profile stand out.
• Secure Good Recommendations: Ask professors or mentors who know you well to write detailed letters. Strong endorsements of your academic potential can set you apart.
• Demonstrate Motivation: Let your passion shine through. Explain your career vision and how this scholarship and KNU will help you achieve it. Committees seek enthusiastic, driven students.
• Be Organized: Submit a complete, error-free application well before the deadline. Ensure all forms are filled correctly and all documents are clear. Missing or sloppy paperwork can hurt even a great applicant.
• Engage Early: If possible, contact KNU faculty in your field with a polite inquiry about their research. Showing initiative and a good fit with the department can improve your chances.

Conclusion

The KNU International Graduate Scholarship 2026 is a golden opportunity for international students to earn a fully funded Master’s or PhD degree in South Korea. By covering 100% of your tuition, it removes a major barrier and lets you focus on academic excellence and personal growth at KNU. We encourage eligible students to apply early, prepare a strong application, and take full advantage of this financial aid program. Good luck with your application, and be sure to share this opportunity with others who might benefit.

FAQ

Q: What is the KNU International Graduate Scholarship 2026?
A: It’s a fully funded scholarship for international Master’s and PhD students at Kyungpook National University. It covers 100% of tuition fees for the program.

Q: Who is eligible for the KNU International Graduate Scholarship?
A: Applicants of any nationality admitted to a KNU Master’s, PhD, or combined Master’s+PhD program can receive this scholarship. Essentially, all international graduate students admitted to KNU are eligible.

Q: What degree programs are covered by this scholarship?
A: The scholarship covers all KNU graduate programs at the Master’s or PhD level: 2-year Master’s programs, 2-year PhD programs, and the 4-year combined Master’s+PhD program.

Q: What expenses are covered by the scholarship?
A: The scholarship provides a full tuition waiver (100% of tuition covered) for the entire graduate program. Other expenses (living costs, travel, etc.) are not covered and must be self-funded.

Q: When is the application deadline?
A: The deadline for the 2026 intake is 31 October 2025. Make sure to submit your complete application by this date.

Q: How do I apply for the KNU International Graduate Scholarship?
A: Apply to KNU’s graduate program via the official online portal. Once admitted to a qualifying program, eligible international students are automatically considered for the scholarship.