Scholarship Overview
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Overview
Chonnam National University (CNU) in Gwangju, South Korea, offers several scholarship pathways for international students entering graduate programs in Spring 2027. These awards provide full or partial tuition coverage for the first semester only—they do not constitute fully funded degree packages with living stipends.
For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, CNU presents an opportunity to access Korean graduate education with reduced initial costs. However, applicants should plan additional funding sources for subsequent semesters and living expenses.
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Scholarship Benefits
CNU’s Spring 2027 admission scholarships are strictly tuition-focused and semester-limited:
- Global Top-Tier Scholarship: Full first-semester tuition waiver
- Global Scholarship: Full first-semester tuition waiver
- TOPIK Scholarship: Full first-semester tuition waiver
- SRS / BK SRS: Full first-semester tuition waiver
- Academic Excellence Scholarship: Approximately 12–17% tuition reduction
Important limitation: No universal monthly stipend is guaranteed. Students must confirm potential living allowances, research assistantships, or laboratory support directly with prospective professors.
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Eligibility Requirements
Academic Qualifications
- Master’s or integrated master’s–PhD: Hold or expect to receive a recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- PhD: Hold or expect to receive a recognized master’s degree or equivalent
Nationality Requirements
The standard route requires applicants and both parents to be non-Korean nationals. An alternative overseas-education route exists with separate documentation requirements for those who completed qualifying studies abroad.
Language Proficiency
CNU accepts multiple pathways:
- TOPIK Level 3
- Completion of CNU’s Korean Level 3 course
- English qualifications: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 59, CEFR B2, NEW TEPS 202, or TOEIC 700
Department-specific exceptions: Business Administration requires IELTS 6.0; nursing programs require a nursing license. Test scores must fall within the two-year validity period specified in the admission guide.
English exemption: Citizens or nationals of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States are exempt from general English proficiency requirements.
Application Deadlines
| Round | Online Application Deadline | Results Announcement |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 2026-10-08 (18:00 KST) | 2026-11-11 |
| Round 2 | 2026-10-30 (18:00 KST) | 2026-12-23 |
The Spring 2027 semester begins on 2027-03-02.
Required Documents
- Printed application forms from Uway Apply system
- Degree certificate or expected graduation certificate
- Academic transcripts (bachelor’s and master’s for PhD applicants)
- Language proficiency evidence
- Passport copy
- Nationality and family relationship evidence
- CNU personal statement
- Prescribed university forms
- Financial documents showing equivalent of KRW 16,000,000
Financial Documentation Options
Applicants must demonstrate funding equivalent to KRW 16,000,000 through:
- Bank balance certificate
- Professor’s Form 6 financial support letter
- External scholarship certificate
If documented support falls below KRW 16,000,000, provide a bank certificate covering the difference. Form 6 cannot substitute for visa financial documentation.
Application Process
- Select your program: Use CNU’s official graduate admissions page and Spring 2027 English admission guide to verify campus, degree availability, teaching language, and departmental requirements. You may apply to only one department or major.
- Contact a prospective professor: Email matching faculty explaining your research interests and experience, attaching a concise CV and academic record. Inquire about supervision availability, potential funding, and whether Form 1 is required. The professor must submit Form 1 directly to the Office of International Affairs.
- Prepare documents: Gather all required materials following the guide’s notarization, translation, and academic verification rules.
- Apply online: Register through Uway Apply, select CNU’s correct international graduate intake, upload your photograph, complete the application, and pay KRW 70,000. Print all forms and retain your application number.
- Submit originals: Deliver required original documents in person or by post to: Office of International Affairs, G&R Hub Room 214, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, postal code 61186, South Korea. Documents must arrive before the closing deadline.
Strategic Considerations for African Applicants
Zimbabwean and SADC applicants should note several practical factors:
- Professor contact is essential: Many scholarships require professor support; early outreach improves admission and funding prospects.
- Plan beyond semester one: Since scholarships cover only first-semester tuition, secure commitments for subsequent funding before accepting admission.
- Document authentication: Allow extended time for degree certificate notarization, translation, and verification—processes that can delay applications from African institutions.
- English exemption advantage: South African nationals benefit from English proficiency exemption, though departmental requirements still apply.
- Financial planning: The KRW 16,000,000 requirement (approximately USD 12,000) demands substantial preparation; explore combining professor support with personal funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this scholarship cover my entire degree with living expenses?
No. CNU’s listed scholarships waive full or partial first-semester tuition only. They do not establish fully funded packages for complete degrees, and no universal monthly stipend is promised. Confirm potential living support directly with professors or laboratories.
Can I apply without contacting a professor first?
Technically possible for some tracks, but strongly discouraged. Scholarships like SRS/BK SRS require prospective adviser support. Professor contact also improves admission chances and helps secure Form 1 submission and potential funding commitments.
What if my English test score is below IELTS 5.5?
Consider alternative pathways: TOPIK Level 3 or CNU’s Korean Level 3 course completion. Some departments accept lower scores with additional conditions. Retesting within the two-year validity window is another option.
How competitive are these scholarships?
Competition varies by department and scholarship type. Global Top-Tier awards likely attract the strongest candidates. Academic Excellence Scholarships (12–17% reduction) offer broader accessibility. Professor endorsement significantly improves selection odds for all categories.
Can I work part-time to cover living costs?
South Korea permits limited part-time work for international students after completing one semester with satisfactory academic standing. However, applicants should not rely on part-time income for initial living expenses or subsequent tuition.
What happens after the first semester?
Students must secure alternative funding for semester two onward. Options include departmental scholarships, research assistantships, professor-supported grants, or external funding. Discuss continuation support explicitly during professor outreach.
Official scholarship page: https://oia.jnu.ac.kr/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships