The prospect of studying in Japan or South Korea is something very exciting but also very unknown to many Nordic students- no matter where you are originally, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark or Iceland. The reason could be high-tech innovation or high-quality universities, rich tradition, or simply anime/K-pop fandom or East Asian philosophy.
Yet, there is something that usually stands in the way and this is money.
College tuition, housing fees, transportation fees, it is summative. This guide is where this comes in.
You are a Nordic student, and you have thought of taking the study abroad option in Asia, here is your full starting point. Scholarships do not just exist but they are available. The only thing that you need are proper guidance, the right timing and tools. In this two-parter, we are going to find out everything you must to know in order to be certain that you can apply with confidence scholarships in Japan and South Korea, particularly those with English-taught publications.
We can start with the reasons why these two are turning out to be the first preferences of the North students.
Why Japan and South Korea Are Popular With Nordic Students
You may ask yourself, why not have the university that far away? Nevertheless thousands of European students, and above all the Nordics, do so. Here’s why:
Academic Excellence and Global Recognition
Japan and South Korea are the countries with the world-ranking universities. QS and THE rankings include the Tokyo University, Kyoto University, Seoul National University, KAIST, and Yonsei.
In the case of STEM, design, politics, international studies, and even cultural arts, these institutions are in competition with the best Western universities.
English-Taught Programs Are Growing
You also do not have to be a fluent Korean or Japanese speaker to enroll. There are now dozens of universities that provide degree programmes taught in English, particularly at postgraduate level, but also at undergraduate levels now, too.
They include courses on global business, robotics, biotechnology, international relations, sustainability, and the arts.
Cultural and Social Experience
Lots of Nordic students want to have more than the old-class study-abroad platform, such as the US, UK or Germany. Asia brings about a different beat. Learning, lifestyle and environment of everyday life are dissimilar, and frequently in invigorating aspects.
Both Japan and South Korea have been characterized by their safety, well-developed infrastructures, and goings-on in the urban communities despite their geographical distance.
What Types of Scholarships Are Available?
So now let us come to the nitty gritty of why you are here: funding.
Nordic students can apply for various types of scholarships and some of them do not require you to speak the local language or, in some cases, even years of international experience.
Government Scholarships
They are provided by the governments of Japan or South Korea themselves. They tend to touch upon:
- Full tuition
- Comfort living allowance
- Flight tickets
- Health insurance
- Language training (in case of necessity)
These are competitive, however, they are being opened to students of all Nordic places.
We will take a closer look at each below.
University Scholarships
A lot of scholarships at the domestic level in universities allow the attraction of the international students. They may be either complete, partial, or renewable on the basis of performance in academics.
Others provide tuition waivers but some provide housing packages or meal payments too.
Exchange and External Programs
Nordic students attending the home universities might receive the possibility of studying in Asia under Erasmus+ or Nordplus or bilateral exchange programs at reduced tuition or a stipend.
These are best suited to short-term studying (a semester or two), though others can also give way to further opportunities.
MEXT: Japan’s Premier Government Scholarship
MEXT Scholarship (which is a scholarship sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) stands as one of the most generous and reknown scholarships in the world.
Who Can Apply?
All students in the five Nordic have been invited. You are entitled to make an application:
- Five year undergraduate programs (with 5 years of preparation in Japanese language)
- Research/Masters courses
- Doctoral programs
- Professional education or training of teachers
What’s Covered?
- Tuition at the Japanese college University
- Monthly stipend (~117,000 to 145,000 JPY depending on your level)
- Round-ticket flights to and out of Japan
- Language training in case your course is in Japanese
How to Apply
Applications can be done in two ways:
1. Embassy Recommendation
- You go through the Japanese embassy that is in your own country
- First screening involves documentation, a written assessment and interviewing
- The embassy, then, sends your application to JMET in Japan
2. University Recommendation
- A Japanese university to which you apply then nominates you to MEXT
- A course in this direction is commonly bound to certain degree programs such as graduate school education
Depending on country, Embassy track opens between March and May. The recommendation of the University may begin earlier, in January to April.
The application has a study plan, academic documents, and in some cases, language or math testing.
JASSO: For Short-Term Study in Japan
The Japan student Services Organization (JASSO) supports the exchange and short-term international students.
Who Is It For?
In case you are in a Nordic university and going to Japan to spend one or two semesters, you are able to cover the expenses with the assistance of this scholarship.
What You Get:
- Salary: JPY 80000/month
- Offered to students by virtue of university exchange relationships
This is not full-degree program like MEXT. However, it is its incredible beginning in case you decide to visit Japan and make sure you feel it before making a long-term commitment.
GKS: South Korea’s Global Korea Scholarship
Similar to the MEXT program in Japan, the GKS program of South Korea is a top-level and fully-funded scholarship.
It has been operated by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education in South Korea, and is meant to bring in international skills to the country including the Northern Europe students.
Two Main Tracks:
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GKS-U (Undergraduate)
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Takes 5 years: 1 year of the Korean language course + 4 years of undergraduate course
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GKS-G (Graduate)
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Master and doctoral students
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What It Covers:
- Full tuition
- Monthly living stipend (900,000 to 1,000,000 KRW)
- Airfare and settlement allowance
- Language training
- Research support and thesis printing costs
Nordic students submit an application either through:
- Korean Embassy of their nation (Embassy Track)
- University Track Participating universities in Korea
Graduate applications tend to start in February and undergraduate applications start in September.
Getting Started: The Application Process Explained
Now you have the overview, the large vision of big scholarships such as MEXT and GKS, the expansion of English-taught education, and the academic opportunities both within Japan and South Korea.
But it is a different thing to know what is. It depends on knowing how to proceed. Here in this section of the guide, you will know how to apply (step-by-step), how to give yourself the best chance of being chosen.
Step-by-Step: Applying for Scholarships in Japan or South Korea
All the scholarships have their forms and schedules, yet there is a similarity in the logic. This is a breakdown you can believe.
Step 1: Research and Choose Your Program
Decide before doing anything else:
- Do you wish to do under-graduate or post-graduate?
- Are you interested in Japan or South Korea or will you apply to both?
- Do you want to get a full degree or a temporary program?
- Are you in need of English-taught programs, or can you be willing to learn Japanese or Korean?
Consider using official university sites, embassy information, and other forums. So, don deadlines, degree programs and language skills in spreadsheet or scratch pad.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
This is the time consuming section. Start early. Most scholarships demand:
- Academic transcripts, diplomas (translated into English in case of the necessity)
- Copy of passport (at least 6 months after departure date)
- Language knowledge certificate (IELTS/TOEFL as an example of English, JLPT/TOPIK in case of Korean)
- Letters of recommendation (two in most cases)
- Study plan or personal statement
- Medical Check Certificate
- Certificate of nationality or residence
- Additional documents such as certificate of volunteering, awards, or even a research proposal to study at graduate level may be required by some programs (such as GKS or MEXT).
How to Write a Strong Study Plan
This is a document that can either make or break your application. It does not relate to grammar or the number of words, but demonstrating your intention.
What Makes a Good Study Plan?
- Start with your background: Who are you; what is it that you have studied and why is it relevant to you.
- Explain why you chose Japan or South Korea: Connect your interest to reasons such as a certain cultural, academic, or professional interest.
- Mention the university: demonstrate you have done your homework to find out about their program and faculty.
- State your goals: academically and professionally. What role will this degree play in your future life in the home country, or generally in the world?
Example, when you are a Finnish student in applying a masters in sustainability then speak about Nordic climate leadership and how the green tech in Korea can supplement the leadership.
Be personal. Be clear. Blunt expressions such as just saying that you want to travel abroad to learn new things. Pay attention to your own motivation.
Where to Submit: Embassy Track vs. University Track
In the case of MEXT and GKS, you typically find that you have two channels of application.
Embassy Track
You do it by using the Japanese or Korean embassy in your country. The track allows you to have the opportunity of listing more universities and therefore this gives you more selecting chances.
After applying, the embassy pre screens, interviews you and sends the successful applications to the universities or ministries.
Depending on the country, deadlines range between March and May.
University Track
This implies making a direct application to the university. There is a program that you must choose, follow their guidelines and submit the application in their portal.
This can be logistically easier and there sometimes may be less competition, yet you only give one university application at a time.
Both are valid-you just have to decide which one and go by it. Do not blend tracks.
After Submission: What Happens Next?
It can be a long and stressful wait, but that is normal.
And this is what usually occurs:
- The first-stage reviewers (the embassy or the university) examine your documents
- In case of shortlisting, you could be called either for an online or face-to-face interview
- Results are normally available between June and August
- You will get an official letter of rejection or acceptance
- In case it is taken, you initiate both the visa process and accommodation bookings
At this period, be organized. Store soft copies of all the forms submitted and hard copies as well. Keep an eye on your email (and spam). Do not skip after-treatment recommendations.
Realistic Expectations and Success Rates
Not every one of them is accepted. These are competitive scholarships and the process of selection is integrative. It implies that yes, grades are important, but considering your study plan, motivation and representation of the country are also important.
Northern countries usually receive fewer applicants, compared to bigger areas, which in some cases can put you at an advantage. The thing is to be prepared and genuine.
Life as a Nordic Student in Japan or South Korea
Suppose you are accepted. How is everyday life?
Language and Daily Life
Even in a program taught in English, you will experience the Japanese/Korean life on a daily basis. Language courses to the international students are offered in most universities. Embrace it. It simplifies everyday shopping and further imbues you with your own cultural experience.
Natives tend to be cooperative, in particular when they realize that you are attempting to talk to them.
Climate and Culture
Living in the Nordic may be milder in the winters (for students in southern part of Japan or Korea), but summer may be hot and humid. Different cultural norms of politeness, subordination and formality exist as compared to Scandinavia. Prepare to see more structured interactions and formal processes, but also a social life that will be extremely rich.
Cost of Living
The economic situation is also brighter in Japan and Korea, where, in comparison with Nordic countries, the general cost of living is lower, particularly in the second- and third-tier cities. Scholarships tend to include accommodation or provide you with a stipend that gives you the ability to afford rent, food, and transportation.
If You Don’t Get Accepted — What Next?
It’s okay. A lot of good candidates are not successful at their first attempt. However, you can choose a different dilution:
Reapply Next Year
MEXT and GKS are annual programs, and students ought to enhance their application if they fail the first two applications.
Try University Scholarships
Most universities have plentiful aid, even with no government funding. These are not so competitive and still provide partial or total tuition payment.
Consider Exchange Programs
Staying one semester in a foreign country is possible with Erasmus+, Nordplus, or bilateral arrangements of your home university. Others of them waive tuition fees, and some even have travel grants.
Fund Part of Your Studies
Other students finance themselves during the first semester or year, and after coming to campus, they seek merit-based scholarships. It is a longer pathway but it is a viable one.
Conclusion: You’re Closer Than You Think
Nordic students did not always have the opportunity to study in Japan or South Korea, as it might seem a dream far off the books, but it is now becoming a documented and supported course of action. The possibilities are more than real and the scholarships seem obtainable.
It just needs commitment, scripting, and a story of the real you and why you are there. Hence, do not hesitate.
Bookmark deadlines. Get your papers underway. Contact alumni. And start forming a future of crossing borders, brinking and coming to the world you want to be a part of.
