University Scholarships Beyond GKS: How TOPIK, Admissions Results, and Semester Grades Shape Reductions

Comparing international student scholarships only by percentage can produce the wrong budget. First-semester and continuing-semester rules differ, while TOPIK level, admissions results, previous-semester grades, completed credits, and the maximum award period may work together. This guide uses undergraduate examples published directly by three universities to show how to build a comparison table.

Separate first-semester and continuing-semester scholarships

Admission scholarships often use the TOPIK score or admissions evaluation available at application, while continuing scholarships commonly use prior-semester grades and completed credits. The maximum award period may also differ for first-year and transfer students. Record the percentage together with the applicable semester, covered tuition component, and any application procedure.

The following examples are neither a university ranking nor an application recommendation. They show how to read different official formulas.

Soongsil: first-semester TOPIK and later grade-based reductions

The official Soongsil international student scholarship page gives entrants from the 2025 academic year onward first-semester tuition reductions of 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% for TOPIK levels 3, 4, 5, and 6. From the second semester, TOPIK level 4 or above, at least 12 credits in the previous semester, and grades work together in a 20–100% reduction structure. The 100% band requires GPA 4.3 or above and TOPIK level 6.

The maximum eligible regular period is 8 semesters for first-year entrants, 6 semesters for second-year transfers, and 4 semesters for third-year transfers. The university page excludes extra semesters and states that full-tuition recipients must still complete registration. Record the student's transfer year together with the target intake.

Sungkyunkwan: separate admissions TOPIK from continuing rank bands

The SKKU Spring 2027 international undergraduate admissions guide and official scholarship page give successful graduates or expected graduates of overseas high schools a first-semester 100% tuition scholarship for TOPIK level 6 and 50% for level 5.

Its continuing merit scholarship provides 70–30% of tuition from the second through eighth semesters according to the previous semester's academic rank. The first-semester TOPIK rule and the continuing rank rule are separate award structures.

Jeju: compare only the verified first-semester awards

The JNU 2026 international admissions guide separates the following first-semester awards. New students holding TOPIK level 5 or above may receive the Grade A full-tuition waiver within 8.5% of the planned enrollment. New students with TOPIK level 3 or above receive a Grade E 20% tuition waiver, while transfer students with TOPIK level 4 or above receive the same 20% waiver.

The same guide describes an undergraduate advancement grant for new and transfer students who completed JNU's Korean language course. Selection is made within the available budget after considering the timing and duration of language study, and the payment is KRW 700,000 in living support for the first semester. Keep this in a separate comparison column because it is not a TOPIK-based tuition waiver.

Check the covered cost before comparing percentages

“Full tuition” here means the tuition component named by the cited scholarship item. It does not extend to dormitory fees, insurance, admission-related charges, or living expenses unless the rule names a separate payment. Also check whether awards can be combined, whether selection is automatic, minimum registered credits, and treatment of leave or extra semesters.

Frequently asked questions

Does TOPIK level 6 produce full tuition at every university?

Rules differ by university. The 100% examples in this guide are limited to the cited items and semesters published by Soongsil, SKKU, and JNU. JNU's full waiver also has a selection ceiling of 8.5% of the planned enrollment among holders of TOPIK level 5 or above.

Does an admission scholarship continue at the same rate until graduation?

After the first semester, a student may be selected again under different grades, completed-credit, or rank criteria. Check the maximum period and each semester's rule.

Does a full-tuition scholarship include living expenses?

Full tuition in this guide refers to the tuition scope of the relevant item. Add living, housing, or insurance support only when a separate official item states it.

Official source verification