Yeungnam University Opens Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship for Sierra Leoneans

Yeungnam University in South Korea is offering fully funded master’s scholarships for the March 2027 intake. Sierra Leoneans can apply until October 23, 2026. The Embassy of Sierra Leone in Seoul shared the opportunity for the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS).

Applicants must submit the online application and pay the fee by 2:00 PM Korean Standard Time on October 23, 2026. They must send supporting documents by 2:00 PM on October 30.

What the Scholarship Covers

Yeungnam University Campus

According to information on the Yeungnam University Website, admitted students to PSPS will receive a scholarship package covering tuition fees for all four semesters of the master’s programme and an admission-fee waiver.

The university also lists a monthly living allowance of KRW 1 million (about Nle 18,400). It covers 12 months, from March 2027 to February 2028. After that, students must pay their own living expenses. Scholarship details may also change.

The university also has academic requirements attached to maintaining the scholarship. Students who fall short of the required academic standard may have to pay part of their tuition in later semesters.

Three Areas of Study

Yeungnam University Campus

The Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul offers programmes in three broad areas.

The first is Saemaul and International Development, which includes degrees such as the Master of Saemaul Development Studies and Master of Arts in Saemaul International Development.

The second is Public Policy and Leadership, with programmes including the Master of Public Policy and Master of Public Policy in Economic Development.

The third is Sustainable Development, including Forest and Environmental Policy, with master’s degrees in public policy, public administration and science. 

The programme is a 24-month full-time master’s degree taught in English, beginning in March 2027 and ending in February 2029.

Who Can Apply?

The University’s website highlights that applicants must be non-Korean nationals whose parents are also not Korean nationals.

Applicants must have completed the equivalent of 12 years of formal education and hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution equivalent to a four-year Korean bachelor’s degree.

The university also requires applicants to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency.

For the Sustainable Development programme, preference may be given to applicants with backgrounds in agriculture, forestry, environmental engineering or related areas. Applicants from other academic disciplines may also be considered if their studies have substantially covered sustainable development concepts and practices. 

Application Process

Applicants must first complete the online application and pay the KRW 100,000 (Nle 1,843) application fee by the October 23 deadline. The university says the fee is non-refundable. 

After completing the online application, applicants must submit the required supporting documents electronically to pspsapply@yu.ac.kr by 2:00 PM on October 30, 2026.

The required documents include the application form, personal statement, statement of academic purpose, academic record verification documents, graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate, application fee receipt and passport copy, among others. 

Applicants whose academic documents are not in Korean or English must provide a notarised translation into one of those languages. The university may also require original documents with Apostille or consular authentication during the screening process.

What Happens After Application?

Yeungnam University’s website states that document screening and interviews will take place between November and December 2026.

The university may ask applicants for a self-made video answering interview questions. It may also hold Zoom or telephone interviews where necessary.

The university expects to announce admission and scholarship decisions in early January 2027. Visa-document processing follows between January and February.

New students are expected to arrive in South Korea for orientation in the last week of February 2027, ahead of the start of the academic programme. 

Embassy Issues Disclaimer

The Embassy of Sierra Leone in Seoul has clarified that its role is limited to sharing information about the opportunity.

The Embassy does not conduct the screening or selection process and has no authority over admission or scholarship decisions. Applicants must therefore deal directly with Yeungnam University on eligibility, documentation and applications.

The Embassy has also warned applicants not to use the Ambassador or Embassy staff as personal or professional references on their application forms.

For applicants from Sierra Leone, the opportunity provides a pathway into postgraduate studies focused on public policy, development, governance and environmental sustainability.

But with the first application deadline set for October 23, 2026, prospective applicants will need to complete their applications and supporting documents well before the deadline.

Applicants should rely on the official Yeungnam University admissions information for the latest eligibility requirements, documents and application procedures. 

Key Facts Box

• Programme: 24-month full-time master’s, taught in English
• Start: March 2027
• Covers: tuition for four semesters, admission-fee waiver, KRW 1 million monthly allowance for 12 months
• Apply online and pay fee by: 2:00 PM KST, October 23, 2026
• Documents due by: 2:00 PM KST, October 30, 2026
• Send documents to: pspsapply@yu.ac.kr
• Application fee: KRW 100,000 (non-refundable)