Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026: Fully Funded Study in South Korea

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is South Korea’s flagship scholarship for international students. 2,200+ scholarships per year. Fully funded undergraduate, Master’s, and research programs.

Covers round-trip airfare, full tuition, monthly allowance (KRW 1,000,000-1,500,000 / ~$750-$1,125 USD), 1 year of Korean language training, settlement allowance, medical insurance, thesis support, completion grant.

If you want world-class education in Korea with full funding, GKS is the primary pathway.

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Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Scholarship	Global Korea Scholarship (GKS / KGSP)
Funded by	Korean Government (Ministry of Education)
Levels	Bachelor’s, Master’s, Research (PhD equivalent), Associate Degree (select countries)
Awards	2,200+ per year
Coverage	Fully funded (tuition + living + airfare + language training)
Duration	Bachelor’s: 5 years (1 language + 4 degree); Master’s: 3 years (1 language + 2 degree); Research: 4 years (1 language + 3 degree)
Eligibility	All countries (except North Korea)
Application Routes	Embassy Track (via Korean embassy) or University Track (via Korean university)
Deadlines	Vary by embassy/university (typically February-May 2026)
Website	studyinkorea.go.kr/gks

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What GKS Covers

Full funding:

1. Round-Trip Airfare

• Economy class flight to/from Korea at start and end of scholarship

2. Full Tuition

• All tuition and fees at Korean university (covered directly by government)

3. Monthly Living Allowance

• Undergraduate / Associate: KRW 1,000,000/month (~$750 USD)

• Master’s / Research (PhD): KRW 1,500,000/month (~$1,125 USD)

4. Korean Language Course (1 Year)

• Mandatory 1 year of intensive Korean language training at a Korean university before degree program begins

• Fully funded (tuition covered, monthly allowance continues during language year)

5. Settlement Allowance

• KRW 200,000 (~$150) one-time upon arrival

6. Medical Insurance

• Korean National Health Insurance covered

7. Research Support Grant (Master’s / Research Track)

• KRW 210,000/semester for conferences, research materials

8. Thesis / Dissertation Printing Costs

• Up to KRW 500,000-800,000 for final thesis printing/binding

9. Degree Completion Grant

• KRW 100,000 one-time upon graduation

10. TOPIK (Korean Language Proficiency) Bonus

• If you achieve TOPIK Level 5 or 6 during your scholarship: extra KRW 100,000/month

Total value:

• Bachelor’s: ~$60,000-80,000 USD over 5 years

• Master’s: ~$45,000-60,000 USD over 3 years

• Research (PhD): ~$60,000-75,000 USD over 4 years

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Eligibility Requirements

1. Citizenship

Open to all countries except North Korea (DPRK).

2. Age Limits (as of March 1, 2026)

• Undergraduate / Associate: Under 25 years old

• Master’s: Under 40 years old

• Research (PhD): Under 40 years old

3. Academic Requirements

• Undergraduate: High school diploma (or equivalent) + grades at least 80% (or equivalent)

• Master’s: Bachelor’s degree + undergraduate GPA ≥ 2.64/4.0 (or equivalent)

• Research: Master’s degree + graduate GPA ≥ 2.64/4.0 (or equivalent)

4. Health

Must be physically and mentally healthy (medical exam required if selected).

5. No Prior GKS Scholarship

Cannot have previously received a Korean Government Scholarship for the same degree level.

6. Not Currently Enrolled in Korea

Cannot be currently studying in Korea (must be applying from abroad).

7. Must Complete the Full Program

Scholarship is conditional on completing the full degree (language year + degree years). Early graduation = proportional scholarship return.

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Two Application Routes

GKS has two tracks. You choose one (cannot apply to both simultaneously).

Route 1: Embassy Track

You apply through the Korean embassy/consulate in your home country.
Process:

1. Check which Korean diplomatic mission handles GKS in your country

2. Submit application to embassy (typically February-April 2026)

3. Embassy screens candidates, selects top applicants

4. Embassy nominates selected candidates to NIIED (National Institute for International Education)

5. NIIED places successful candidates at Korean universities

Pros:

• Earlier process (results typically by July-August)

• Embassy may provide guidance

• No need to secure university admission yourself (government places you)

Cons:

• Limited control over which university you’re placed at (you provide preferences, but final decision is NIIED’s)

• Not all countries have embassy quota (some countries get 2-3 slots, others get 20+)

Deadline: Varies by embassy (typically February-April 2026)
Check your country’s deadline at: studyinkorea.go.kr → Select your country

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Route 2: University Track

You apply directly to a Korean university offering GKS.
Process:

1. Identify Korean universities offering GKS (120+ universities participate)

2. Apply directly to the university’s GKS program (typically March-May 2026)

3. University screens applicants, selects top candidates

4. University nominates selected candidates to NIIED

5. NIIED confirms final scholarship awards

Pros:

• You choose your university and program (more control)

• More slots available (universities collectively offer more spots than embassies)

• You can apply to multiple universities (some students apply to 3-5)

Cons:

• Later results (typically August-October)

• More work (researching universities, preparing multiple applications)

Deadline: Varies by university (typically March-May 2026)
List of participating universities: studyinkorea.go.kr/universities

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Application Components (Both Tracks)

1. GKS Application Form

• Personal information

• Academic history

• Proposed field of study

• University preferences (Embassy Track: rank 3 universities; University Track: apply directly to chosen university)

2. Personal Statement (Max 2 pages)

Explain:

• Your academic background and achievements

• Why you want to study in Korea

• Why this field / program

• Your career goals

• How this scholarship advances your goals

• How you’ll contribute to Korea-[your country] relations

Strong statements:

• Specific about Korean university/program strengths (“I want to study AI at KAIST because of Professor X’s research in Y”)

• Show understanding of Korean culture and interest in cultural exchange

• Connect study to home country development or field advancement

3. Study Plan (1-2 pages)

• What you plan to study

• How you’ll structure your degree

• Courses/research you’re interested in

• Why the Korean program is the right fit

4. Two Letters of Recommendation

• Academic references (teachers, professors)

• Should address academic ability, character, potential

5. Academic Transcripts and Diplomas

• High school (for undergraduate)

• Bachelor’s transcripts and degree (for Master’s)

• Master’s transcripts and degree (for Research/PhD)

• Certified English translations if not in Korean/English

6. Proof of Citizenship

• Copy of passport

7. Language Proficiency (Not Always Required but Helps)

• Korean: TOPIK certificate (if you have it — extra points)

• English: TOEFL/IELTS (if program is in English or if required by embassy/university)

Most GKS applicants don’t have Korean proficiency (that’s why the scholarship includes 1-year Korean language training). But if you do have TOPIK Level 3+, it strengthens your application.

8. Other Materials (Varies by Embassy/University)

• Medical certificate

• Financial statement (proving you can support yourself if scholarship ends early — usually not a barrier)

• Portfolio (for arts/design applicants)

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Selection Criteria

1. Academic Excellence

Strong GPA (typically top 20% of class competitive; top 10% even better).

2. Potential for Success in Korea

Demonstrated interest in Korea (language study, Korean culture, understanding of Korean higher education system).

3. Leadership and Service

Evidence of leadership in school, community, extracurriculars.

4. Alignment with Korean Priorities

Korea prioritizes STEM fields (engineering, IT, natural sciences) but all fields are eligible. Mentioning Korea’s strengths in your field helps (e.g., Korea’s semiconductor industry, K-pop/media for arts, Korean language if targeting humanities).

5. Ambassadorial Qualities

GKS is a cultural exchange program. Show you’ll represent your country well and build Korea-[your country] ties.

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Application Timeline (Typical)

January-February 2026: Embassies and universities announce GKS opening
February-April 2026: Embassy Track applications open (deadlines vary by country)
March-May 2026: University Track applications open (deadlines vary by university)
May-July 2026: Screening, interviews (some embassies/universities conduct interviews)
July-August 2026: Embassy Track results announced
August-October 2026: University Track results announced
March 2027: Scholars arrive in Korea, begin 1-year Korean language program
March 2028: Degree program begins (after completing language year)

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Language Training Year (Mandatory)

All GKS scholars start with 1 year of intensive Korean language training before beginning degree programs (even if your degree program is in English).
Why?

1. Integration into Korean society

2. Able to navigate daily life in Korea

3. Understanding of Korean academic culture

4. TOPIK Level 3+ required to begin degree program

Format:

• Full-time Korean language courses (Monday-Friday, ~4-5 hours/day)

• At a Korean university (your degree university or a designated partner)

• Results in TOPIK exam (must achieve Level 3, ideally Level 4, to proceed to degree)

• Monthly allowance continues during language year

Exception: If you already have TOPIK Level 5 or 6 at application, you may be exempted from language year and start directly in degree program.

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Living in Korea as a GKS Scholar

Monthly allowance:

• Undergraduate: KRW 1,000,000 (~$750 USD)

• Graduate: KRW 1,500,000 (~$1,125 USD)

Typical living costs in Korea:

• Accommodation: KRW 300,000-600,000/month (dorm or officetel)

• Food: KRW 300,000-500,000/month

• Transport: KRW 50,000-100,000/month

• Personal: KRW 100,000-200,000/month

Total: KRW 750,000-1,400,000/month

The GKS allowance is sufficient for modest student life. Undergrads may need to budget carefully; grad students have more cushion.

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After GKS: Post-Graduation

No return-home requirement. You’re free to stay in Korea or return home.
Common pathways:

• Stay in Korea: Many GKS scholars find jobs in Korea (E-7 work visa, D-10 job-seeking visa). Korean companies value GKS alumni.

• Return home: Bring Korean language skills and Korea-educated expertise back home (sought after by companies with Korea ties).

• Further study: Some undergrads continue to GKS Master’s (must reapply).

Alumni network: 30,000+ GKS alumni globally. Active alumni associations in most countries.

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Common Questions

“Can I work part-time on GKS?”

Yes, but limited. International students in Korea can work up to 20 hours/week during semester, full-time during vacations (with D-2 visa). However, GKS terms discourage excessive work (focus should be on studies).

“What if I don’t reach TOPIK Level 3 after the language year?”

Scholarship is suspended. You get one extension (up to 6 months more language training). If still unsuccessful, scholarship terminates.

“Can I choose my university and program?”

• Embassy Track: You rank 3 preferences, but NIIED makes final placement decision.

• University Track: You apply directly to chosen universities.

“Is the language year a waste if my degree is in English?”

No. Living in Korea without Korean is difficult. The language year makes daily life manageable and enriches your experience. Plus, it’s fully funded.

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Should You Apply?

Yes, if:

• You want to study in South Korea (or are open to it)

• You have a strong academic record (top 20% of class)

• You’re interested in Korean culture and language

• You’re under the age limit (25 for undergrad, 40 for grad)

Maybe not if:

• You have zero interest in learning Korean (language year is mandatory)

• You’re not prepared to commit 5 years for undergrad or 3-4 years for grad (scholarship requires full completion)

• You strongly prefer another country

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Strategy Tips

1. Apply to both tracks if possible (Embassy + multiple universities in University Track). Each application is separate.

2. Start early. Deadlines are Feb-May 2026. Begin preparing in December 2025.

3. For University Track: apply to 3-5 universities to maximize chances. Each has separate selection, so multiple applications = more chances.

4. Research Korean universities’ strengths. Seoul National, KAIST, POSTECH, Yonsei, Korea University are top-tier. But regional universities (Pusan, Chonnam, Kyungpook) also offer strong programs and may be less competitive.

5. Show genuine interest in Korea. Generic “I want a scholarship” won’t win. Show you’ve researched Korea, understand its academic strengths, and value cultural exchange.

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Next Steps

1. Visit studyinkorea.go.kr/gks to confirm eligibility and deadlines

2. Choose your track (Embassy or University)

3. Research Korean universities offering programs in your field

4. Prepare documents (transcripts, recommendations, personal statement)

5. Submit applications by deadlines (Feb-May 2026)

GKS is competitive, but they fund 2,200+ students every year from 170+ countries. Strong academics + genuine interest in Korea + solid application = real chance.

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