Are Ukrainian students really enrolling in South Korean universities?

A few years ago, South Korea felt like an unusual destination for Ukrainian high school graduates. In 2025–2026, however, it is becoming a realistic and increasingly popular option.  Yes — Ukrainian applicants are actively enrolling in South Korean universities, and interest continues to grow. The main reasons are generous government scholarships, strong academic standards, and clear admission rules for international students.  1. Government scholarships and support The most common pathway is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), fully funded by the Korean government. For the 2026 bachelor’s intake, the selection process effectively began in autumn 2025. The scholarship covers: full tuition fees; airfare; health insurance; a monthly stipend; one full year of intensive Korean language training. Each year, special quotas are allocated for Ukrainian students. In 2025, this amounted to roughly 40 fully funded scholarships.  2. Specialized programs and internships South Korea attracts students beyond STEM fields. Arts. Seoul Institute of the Arts opened admissions for international students for 2026, including Associate of Fine Arts programs. Science and technology. Institutions such as KIST and DGIST offer internships and master’s programs for young Ukrainian researchers. Exchange programs. Partnerships with universities like POSTECH allow students to start with short-term study options. 3. Key admission requirements Most programs require: a completed secondary education certificate; language proficiency: – English (IELTS 5.5 or higher) or – Korean (TOPIK); legalized academic documents and an interview. The bigger picture As of August 2025, South Korea hosted over 300,000 international students, a record high. Europeans, including Ukrainians, make up around 2%, but applications from Ukraine continue to rise in 2026. South Korea is no longer an exotic choice — it’s a serious and achievable option for motivated Ukrainian students.