South Korea has become one of the most attractive destinations for higher education in recent years. With its globally ranked universities, advanced research facilities, and vibrant academic culture, the country welcomes thousands of international students each year. One of the leading opportunities available to postgraduate students is the CBNU G-Cruit Scholarship at Chungbuk National University (CBNU).

This scholarship provides full tuition support for international applicants who wish to pursue Master’s, Ph.D., or Integrated Master’s/Ph.D. programs. Covering a wide range of fields in humanities, sciences, engineering, medicine, and interdisciplinary studies, the CBNU G-Cruit Scholarship is a chance to gain world-class education in South Korea without the burden of tuition fees.

In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about this scholarship: eligibility criteria, available programs, application deadlines, required documents, and how to apply successfully.

About Chungbuk National University (CBNU)

Chungbuk National University, located in Cheongju, South Korea, is a prestigious institution known for its strong academic traditions and contributions to research. Established in 1951, CBNU has consistently ranked among the recognized universities in the country and maintains a growing reputation worldwide.

• QS World University Rankings: 1001–1200
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 1001–1200
• Edurank Ranking: 1503 globally

With diverse programs across humanities, sciences, engineering, medical sciences, and interdisciplinary studies, CBNU offers international students not only academic excellence but also a supportive and multicultural environment.

What is the CBNU G-Cruit Scholarship?

The CBNU G-Cruit Scholarship is a tuition waiver scholarship designed specifically for international students applying to graduate programs. It supports around 50 students per semester (100 annually), making it highly competitive but also offering significant chances to applicants who meet the eligibility requirements.

Key Features of the Scholarship

• Coverage: Full tuition waiver for the entire program duration
• Duration:
  • Master’s: 4 semesters
  • Ph.D.: 4 semesters
  • Integrated Master’s/Ph.D.: 8 semesters
• Additional Support: While tuition is fully covered, expenses such as airfare, accommodation, and living costs are not included. However, students may discuss further financial aid or assistantship opportunities with their academic advisor.
• Application Fee: No application fee for the scholarship itself

This scholarship is particularly beneficial for international students aiming to study at a globally respected institution while reducing financial barriers.

Eligibility Criteria for the CBNU G-Cruit Scholarship

Eligibility is divided into Condition A and Condition B. Applicants must either meet all academic and language requirements under Condition A or secure a special recommendation from a CBNU professor under Condition B.

Condition A: Academic and Language Requirements

A-1: Academic Background

Applicants must hold a previous degree from one of the following:

• A university ranked higher than CBNU in international rankings
• A university within the top 10 in their country’s comprehensive rankings

Note: Graduates from CBNU itself are not eligible, though graduates from other Korean universities may apply.

A-2: Academic Performance

Applicants must meet one of the following academic performance criteria:

• Achieve an 85% score or above in their previous studies, or rank within the top 15% of their cohort
• Hold a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA):
  • 3.07/4.0
  • 3.27/4.3
  • 3.41/4.5
  • 3.79/5.0

A-3: Language Proficiency

Applicants must prove proficiency in either Korean or English:

• Korean: TOPIK Level 4 or higher
• English:
  • TOEFL: 546 (PBT), 211 (CBT), or 78 (iBT)
  • IELTS: 6.0 or higher

Exemptions: Applicants who are native English speakers from the USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, or Ireland are exempt from English language test requirements.

If a test score is not available during the application period, applicants may submit a test registration receipt and provide the official score later.

Condition B: Special Recommendation

If applicants do not meet the above requirements, they can still apply under Condition B by:

• Securing a special recommendation from a CBNU professor via Form 5
• Receiving approval from the CBNU President

Additional Eligibility Rules

Applicants are not eligible if they are:

• Part of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
• Enrolled in the CBNU School of International Studies
• Participating in the CBNU Global 3+2 BA-MA Linked Program

Additionally, applicants must be foreign nationals with both parents also holding foreign nationality.

Fields of Study Offered at CBNU

One of the strongest points of the CBNU G-Cruit Scholarship is its wide range of programs across multiple disciplines. Below is an overview of the available fields:

Humanities and Social Sciences

Includes programs such as:

• Global Business, Korean Language and Literature, Chinese-Korean Interpretation, English Linguistics, French Literature, Russian Studies
• History, Philosophy, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, and Law

Natural Sciences

Includes:

• Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Astronomy, Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Agriculture, Food Science, Forest Science, Animal Science, Nursing, and Biomedical Convergence

Engineering

Covers fields such as:

• Civil, Mechanical, Architectural, Environmental, and Urban Engineering
• Chemical, Electrical, Electronics, Semiconductor Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, and Intelligent Systems

Interdisciplinary Programs

Unique programs including:

• Big Data, Convergence Security, Green Energy Engineering, Disaster Prevention, Smart Car Engineering, Interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering

Arts and Medical Sciences

• Fine Art, Design, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, Neuroscience, Precision Medical Science, and Clinical Pharmacology

This broad range ensures that applicants from various academic backgrounds can find suitable programs under the CBNU G-Cruit Scholarship.

Application Timeline and Deadlines

• Pre-Application Deadline: September 22, 2025, at 11:59 PM (GMT+9)

• Selection Process: Based on academic background, language proficiency, and professor recommendation (if applicable)
• Program Start Date: The Spring semester following the deadline

Applicants are strongly advised to complete their pre-application early to avoid technical issues or delays.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents when applying for the CBNU G-Cruit Scholarship:

• Certificate of (Expected) Graduation – mandatory
• Academic Transcript – mandatory
• Statement of Purpose / CV / Resume – mandatory
• Official Language Proficiency Certificate – mandatory unless exempt
• Form 5: Special Recommendation – optional, required for Condition B

How to Apply for the CBNU G-Cruit Scholarship

Step 1: Online Pre-Application

• Access the CBNU G-Cruit platform before the deadline.

• Choose one of two options:
  1. Applicants with prior acceptance from a CBNU professor
  2. Applicants without a preferred professor

Step 2: Fill Out Application Information

• Provide personal details
• Submit academic information (including university ranking validation)
• Complete the application form and review

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

• Certificates, transcripts, CV, and language scores must be uploaded in the correct format.

Step 4: Submit the Application

• Finalize your submission through the G-Cruit platform.

• No application fee is required for the scholarship, though optional Korean language training for combined programs may involve separate fees.

Step 5: Await Results

• Successful applicants will be notified by CBNU’s Office of International Affairs (OIA).
• Selected candidates must follow the admission track for international students only.

Why Choose the CBNU G-Cruit Scholarship?

The CBNU G-Cruit Scholarship offers more than financial support. Here are some reasons why it stands out:

• Full Tuition Waiver – significantly reduces study costs.
• Diverse Programs – from humanities to cutting-edge biomedical sciences.
• Global Recognition – CBNU is ranked in global indexes and continues to rise.
• Research Opportunities – strong focus on innovation and collaboration.
• Cultural Experience – studying in South Korea offers both academic and cultural enrichment.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Start Early: Prepare documents well before the deadline.

• Secure Recommendations: If applying under Condition B, contact professors early to seek support.
• Demonstrate Excellence: Highlight achievements, research potential, and international exposure in your statement of purpose.
• Proofread Applications: Ensure documents are accurate and free of errors.
• Stay Updated: Regularly check CBNU’s G-Cruit portal for updates and announcements.

For more details and to apply, visit the official CBNU G-Cruit platform before September 22, 2025.

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