2026 Samsung Global Hope Scholarship: A Support Guide for International Students from ODA Countries

Samsung, a world-class leading company, has opened its doors for international students studying in Korea!

The Samsung Global Hope Scholarship from the Samsung Dream Scholarship Foundation is a key welfare program designed to comfort and support those who have a strong passion for academics but face financial barriers. This valuable title, provided by a global brand like Samsung, will be a source of great pride for your study abroad experience and future career, far beyond mere financial assistance.

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Curious about other scholarship schedules?

Check out the overall application schedule at a glance in the 2026-2027 Korea Study Abroad Scholarship Calendar.

1. Samsung Global Hope Scholarship Eligibility: Check ODA Recipient Status and Income Criteria

This scholarship is not randomly open to all international students. Because it has clear welfare and international aid objectives, its target audience is specific.

Target Countries: Students from ODA beneficiary countries (on the DAC (Development Assistance Committee) recipient list), including many in Asia, Africa, and Central/South America.
Target Programs: Undergraduate students (primarily focused on students at major universities and partner universities; refer to university-specific restrictions).
Economic Situation: Those with high potential for academic achievement but whose local family or economic situation clearly requires support.

If you are unsure if your country is an ODA recipient, please check with your university's International Student Support Center or refer to the International Student Scholarship Guidelines to cross-reference with the foundation's latest list.

2. University-Specific Scholarship Amounts and Living Support Details

As a foundation with significant financial resources, it guarantees substantial help.

Living Support Funds (or Tuition Subsidies) beyond Tuition
- A significant amount of learning support funds (for living expenses) is provided so that academic stability remains the top priority during your course of study. The amount varies slightly by university agreements or the year, but it can reach millions of won annually.
Support for Leadership and Community Activities
- Once selected as a Samsung Global Hope Scholar, you will participate in regular multicultural mentoring programs, academic events, and scholar workshops. This network becomes a great reference when preparing for employment after studying abroad.

3. The Importance of TOPIK Level 2 or Higher: Korean Proficiency Criteria to Increase Selection Probability

The most definitive way to highlight yourself 'quantitatively' in the scholarship evaluation factors is your Korean language ability.
For the Samsung scholarship, there is usually a strong requirement or preference for proof of a certain level of proficiency (at least TOPIK Level 2 or 3) to evaluate if the student can stably adapt to life in Korea and participate smoothly in school activities.

How fluently you speak Korean is a major selling point for interviewers or document reviewers. Be sure to register for the test early in the semester and aim for your target score by reading the Complete Guide to TOPIK Test Preparation and Study and the Test Schedule Calendar Guide.

4. Proactive Preparation Based on the Bi-annual (Spring/Fall Semester) Recruitment Schedule

Recruitment announcements are made before or after the start of each semester.

First Half (Spring Semester Selection): Recruitment between December of the previous year and January of the current year (Selection for 2026 Spring Semester completed).
Second Half (Fall Semester Selection): Recruitment between June and July (Awards ceremony scheduled for late August).

Documents to Prepare in Advance:

Certificate of enrollment and transcript of records up to the previous semester (must meet a minimum GPA).
Recommendation letter from a university or department professor/official.
A personal statement that genuinely describes your family's situation, why this scholarship is needed, and how you will contribute to both your home country and Korea in the future.

FAQ

Q: Can I apply if my grades for the previous semester were not good?

A: Most external scholarships have a minimum maintenance GPA requirement (usually 3.0/4.5 or B/C+). However, because this scholarship weighs 'economic necessity' and 'future potential,' you have a fair chance if you can highlight your diligence and personal story, even if your grades are not in the top 1%.

Q: Can I apply if I am already receiving another government scholarship like GKS?

A: In principle, students receiving GKS or similar state-led full scholarships that fully cover tuition or major living expenses are 100% prohibited from overlapping with other foundation scholarships categorized as 'living support funds.'

Next Steps

If you are looking for other scholarships linked to global companies or information on exchange students, the posts below will be helpful.

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The most certain key to opening the door to the Samsung Scholarship is TOPIK (Korean Proficiency).

A solid Korean language score is essential to prove the applicant's sincerity in the competitive selection process. Stop stressing over scores and complete your target level with the HaniSeoul TOPIK platform's personalized scheduler and AI analysis.

Start studying for TOPIK right now