Regional Government Scholarships for International Students in Korea

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When international students think about scholarships in Korea, they almost always focus on national programs like GKS or university-specific awards. What they miss is an entire layer of funding that sits between national and institutional: regional government scholarships.

Korea's 17 metropolitan and provincial governments are locked in fierce competition to attract international students. Why? Because international students bring economic vitality to local economies, help address population decline in non-Seoul regions, fill labor shortages in key industries, and boost the rankings and reputation of regional universities.

As a result, regional governments across Korea now collectively spend over ₩150 billion annually on international student recruitment and retention programs. These include direct tuition scholarships, housing subsidies, living allowances, internship placements, and even post-graduation employment support.

The best part? Regional scholarships are dramatically less competitive than national programs. Some receive fewer than 50 applications per cycle, compared to thousands for GKS. And many are stackable with university scholarships, meaning they add to rather than replace other funding.

This guide covers the most significant regional scholarship programs across Korea's provinces and metropolitan cities.

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Why Regional Scholarships Exist: Understanding the Context

Korea faces a demographic crisis. The national birth rate dropped to 0.75 in 2024, the lowest in the world. Outside of Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province, populations are shrinking rapidly. Universities in non-capital regions are struggling to fill enrollment quotas, with some programs receiving fewer applicants than available seats.

Regional governments see international students as part of the solution:

This context explains why regional scholarships often come with conditions like studying at a regional university, living in the region during studies, or committing to post-graduation employment in the region.

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Note: Regional government scholarship programs change frequently. The details below are approximate — always verify current offerings with the relevant metropolitan/provincial government or your university's international office.

Chungcheongnam-do (South Chungcheong Province)

Chungnam has emerged as one of the most aggressive regional recruiters of international students, driven by its growing industrial base (Samsung Display, LG Chem, Hyundai Mobis) and rapidly expanding university sector.

Chungnam International Student Scholarship

Eligibility

• Must be enrolled at a Chungnam-area university (Kongju National, Soonchunhyang, Hoseo, Dankook (Cheonan), Korea Polytechnic University, etc.)
• GPA requirement: 2.5/4.5 minimum (generous compared to national scholarships)
• Must reside in Chungnam during the scholarship period
• Annual intake: ~200 students

Chungnam Special Industry Scholarship

For students in fields aligned with Chungnam's industrial priorities:

Post-graduation benefit: Chungnam offers a ₩3,000,000 settlement bonus for international graduates who accept employment with Chungnam-based companies within 6 months of graduation.

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Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang Province)

Gyeongbuk, home to the historic city of Gyeongju and the industrial hub of Pohang, offers one of the most comprehensive regional scholarship packages.

Gyeongbuk Global Talent Scholarship

Gyeongbuk Partner Universities

Gyeongbuk POSCO Partnership Program

Leveraging the presence of POSCO headquarters in Pohang:

• Students at Gyeongbuk-area universities working on materials science or manufacturing research receive an additional ₩300,000/month from a joint Gyeongbuk-POSCO fund
• Summer internship placement at POSCO facilities
• Annual intake: 30–50 students

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Busan Metropolitan City

Korea's second-largest city offers a particularly attractive package for international students seeking a major urban experience outside Seoul, at roughly 70% of Seoul's cost of living.

Busan International Student Support Program

Busan Maritime/Fisheries Special Scholarship

Leveraging Busan's identity as Korea's major port city:

Fields: Maritime Engineering, Ocean Science, Marine Biology, International Logistics, Fisheries Science

Busan Film & Creative Industries Scholarship

Busan is home to the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and a growing creative industries sector:

Partner universities: Dong-A University, Dongseo University (Film & Media), Pusan National University (Arts)

Discover universities in every Korean city and province: Complete University Directory →

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Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

Jeju's unique status as a self-governing province gives it more autonomy in designing international student programs. Its tourism-driven economy and desire to become an international education hub create generous funding opportunities.

Jeju International Education City (JIEC) Scholarship

Jeju Global Talent Retention Program

Unique among regional programs, Jeju offers post-graduation incentives:

Jeju Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship

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Gangwon-do (Gangwon Province)

Gangwon, host of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, is using its Olympic legacy to attract international students.

Gangwon International Student Scholarship

Gangwon Partner Universities

Gangwon Bio & Agriculture Scholarship

Fields: Agricultural science, Bio-convergence, Food science, Forest management, Environmental science

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Incheon Metropolitan City

Incheon's proximity to Seoul and its status as a Free Economic Zone (FEZ) make it attractive to international students who want Seoul-area access at lower costs.

Incheon Global Campus (IGC) Scholarship

The Incheon Global Campus hosts international university branches (SUNY Korea, George Mason University Korea, University of Utah Asia Campus, Ghent University Global Campus):

Incheon IFEZ Industry Scholarship

The Incheon Free Economic Zone operates its own scholarship for students in industry-relevant fields:

Partner institutions: Inha University, SUNY Korea, University of Utah Asia Campus

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Daejeon Metropolitan City

Daejeon, Korea's "Silicon Valley," is home to KAIST, ETRI (Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute), and the Daedeok Innopolis science park.

Daejeon Science City Scholarship

Partner universities: Chungnam National University, Hanbat National University, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST)

Note: KAIST already provides full tuition waivers to all admitted students, so the Daejeon scholarship primarily benefits students at other Daejeon-area universities.

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Gwangju Metropolitan City

Gwangju, known for its democratic movement history and growing technology sector, offers:

Gwangju International Student Fund

Partner universities: Chonnam National University, Chosun University, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Honam University

Gwangju AI/Technology Special Scholarship

Leveraging the Korea AI Research Center based in Gwangju:

Fields: AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Smart City technology

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How to Find and Apply for Regional Scholarships

Step 1: Identify Your Target Region

Consider these factors when choosing a region:

Step 2: Contact Regional International Centers

Every major city and province operates an international support center that can direct you to scholarship programs:

Step 3: Apply Separately from University Applications

Regional scholarships typically have separate application processes from university admissions. Key differences:

• Timing: Regional scholarship deadlines often differ from university deadlines (usually later)
• Documents: May require a residence commitment letter or post-graduation employment intention
• Language: Applications may be in Korean only — ask the international center for English support
• Interview: Some regional programs require an in-person or video interview

Step 4: Stack with Other Scholarships

Most regional scholarships explicitly allow stacking with university scholarships. Confirm with both the regional program and your university that concurrent receipt is permitted. A typical stack:

Explore all scholarship options, including regional programs: Comprehensive Scholarship Guide →

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Common Questions About Regional Scholarships

"Do I have to stay in the region after graduation?"

Most regional scholarships prefer but do not legally require post-graduation regional employment. However:

• Some scholarships require repayment if you leave the region within 1 year of graduation
• Post-graduation employment bonuses are contingent on working in the region
• The D-10 job-seeking visa is valid nationwide, regardless of where you studied

"Are regional universities lower quality?"

Not necessarily. Several regional universities are nationally ranked:

• Kyungpook National University (Daegu/Gyeongbuk): Top 10 nationally
• Chonnam National University (Gwangju): Top 15 nationally
• Kangwon National University (Chuncheon): Strong in agricultural and environmental sciences
• POSTECH (Pohang): Top 5 nationally in STEM

"Is it harder to find jobs outside Seoul from a regional university?"

The Seoul job market does favor Seoul-area graduates for some positions, but:

• STEM graduates face no geographic bias (companies recruit nationally)
• Regional companies (Samsung Gumi, Hyundai Ulsan, POSCO Pohang) actively prefer local graduates
• Remote work trends are reducing Seoul-centricity
• Regional cost of living means equivalent or better quality of life at lower salaries

"Can I transfer to a Seoul university after receiving a regional scholarship?"

Generally no. Regional scholarships require you to remain enrolled at a regional university. Transferring would forfeit the scholarship and may require repayment of funds received.

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Conclusion: Regional Scholarships Are the Best-Kept Secret in Korean Higher Education

While the spotlight falls on GKS and SKY university scholarships, regional government programs offer a combination of generous funding, low competition, and genuine community support that national programs cannot match. A student who strategically chooses a strong regional university with a provincial scholarship, stacks it with university funding, and takes advantage of the lower regional cost of living can achieve a fully funded education with a quality of life that Seoul-based students often envy.

The key is looking beyond Seoul. Korea is a small country — even the most "remote" universities are within 2–3 hours of the capital by train. The education is nationally accredited, the degrees are equally recognized by employers, and the regional experience often provides a deeper, more authentic immersion in Korean culture than the cosmopolitan bubble of Seoul.

Need personalized advice on regional university and scholarship options? Chat with Dr. Admissions →