GLOBAL KOREA SCHOLARSHIP (GKS)

1. Program Overview

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a prestigious fully funded scholarship offered by the Government of the Republic of Korea and administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).

The program aims to:

  • Support outstanding international students to pursue higher education in Korea
  • Strengthen academic, cultural, and people-to-people exchange
  • Foster future global leaders with strong ties to Korea

GKS supports undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies at leading Korean universities.

2. Levels of Study & Duration

🎓 Undergraduate Program (GKS-U)

  • Total duration: 5–7 years
    • 1 year Korean language training
    • 4–6 years degree program
  • Exemption: Applicants with TOPIK Level 5 or 6 are exempt from language training

🎓 Graduate Program

  • Master’s Degree: 2–3 years
  • PhD Degree: 3–4 years
  • Includes 1 year of Korean language training (if required)

3. Key Scholarship Benefits (Full Funding)

The GKS covers nearly all academic and living expenses, including:

✅ Full tuition fees (entrance + tuition)
✅ Round-trip economy airfare
✅ Monthly living allowance

  • Undergraduate: approx. 900,000 KRW/month
  • Graduate (Master’s/PhD): approx. 1,000,000 KRW/month
    ✅ Settlement allowance: One-time 200,000 KRW upon arrival
    ✅ Medical insurance: Comprehensive health coverage
    ✅ Korean language training: Fully funded 1-year intensive course
    ✅ Research & thesis support: Printing, materials, and field research
    ✅ Completion grant: Provided upon graduation
    ✅ Korean proficiency grant: Additional support for TOPIK 5–6 holders

4. Eligibility Requirements (General)

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

Nationality

  • Applicants and their parents must be non-Korean citizens

Academic Requirements

  • Minimum 80% GPA on a 100-point scale OR
  • Ranked in the top 20% of the graduating class

Age Limit

  • Undergraduate: Under 25 years old
  • Master’s / PhD: Under 40 years old

Health

  • Must be in good physical and mental health

5. Application Tracks

There are two official application routes:

🔹 Embassy Track

  • Apply through the Korean Embassy in your home country
  • May choose up to 3 universities
  • At least one choice must be a Type B (regional) university

🔹 University Track

  • Apply directly to one designated Korean university
  • Apply to one university and one department only

6. Application Timeline (Typical)

Program Application Period
Graduate (Master’s / PhD) February – March
Undergraduate September – October

📌 Exact dates vary each year → always check the official GKS Notice.

7. Quota Overview (GKS 2026 – Undergraduate Example)

  • Total global quota: 280 scholars
    • Embassy Track: 150
    • University Track: 130

Country Examples (2025–2026)

  • Vietnam: 4 slots (Embassy Track)
  • Cambodia: 3 slots
  • Philippines: 2 slots
  • Canada: 1 slot

⚠️ Undergraduate quotas are much smaller than graduate quotas → highly competitive.

8. Fields of Study

Most majors offered by participating universities are eligible, except short-term, evening, or distance-learning programs.

Eligible Fields

  • Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Business, Economics, Education
  • Natural Sciences & Engineering
  • Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
  • Arts & Sports (selected institutions)

Restricted Fields

  • Clinical medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy
    (only available at specific universities with additional requirements)

9. Participating Universities

Approximately 74–80 designated universities, categorized as:

Type A – Metropolitan Universities

  • Seoul National University
  • Yonsei University
  • Korea University
  • Sungkyunkwan University
  • Hanyang University
  • Ewha Womans University

Type B – Regional Universities

  • Pusan National University
  • Kyungpook National University
  • Chonnam National University
  • Jeju National University
  • Dong-A University

Specialized / Technology Institutions

  • KAIST
  • UNIST
  • DGIST
  • KDI School of Public Policy and Management

10. Required Documents (Summary)

Core Documents

  • GKS Application Form
  • Personal Statement
  • Study Plan
  • Applicant Agreement
  • Personal Medical Assessment

Academic & Legal Documents

  • Graduation (or expected graduation) certificate
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of citizenship
  • Passport copy

Recommendation

  • Recommendation Letter (FORM 4)

📌 Additional documents may be required depending on track and level.

11. Application Procedure (2026 Update)

⚠️ From the 2026 cycle, applications are submitted ONLINE ONLY

Step-by-step:

1️⃣   Submit documents via the Study in Korea portal
2️⃣   First-round screening by universities or embassies
3️⃣   Second-round review by NIIED
4️⃣   Final results officially announced

Applicants must ensure their chosen major appears in the official “University Information” list attached to the annual GKS Notice.

12. Official Portal & Contact

🌐 Official Portal: Study in Korea – GKS Notice
📧 Support Email: gksniied@korea.kr

📄 Official Application Guidelines (2026):
https://gksscholarship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Global-Korea-Scholarship-2026-Application-Guidelines.pdf

📣 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is one of the world’s most competitive and generous government scholarships, offering international students the opportunity to study in Korea with full financial support and global recognition.