Global Korea Scholarship 2026 | How to Apply

If you have been looking for a fully funded government scholarship to study in South Korea, the Global Korea Scholarship is one of the most generous and consistently available opportunities you will find anywhere in the world. It covers full tuition, return airfare, monthly living allowances, accommodation, health insurance, Korean language training, and more, and it is open to students from over 155 countries at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. In the academic year 2026, the Korean government is offering over 2,200 scholarship slots for graduate students and additional slots for undergraduate students, making it one of the largest single government scholarship programs currently in operation globally.

In this complete guide, we are going to walk you through everything you need to know about the Global Korea Scholarship in 2025 and 2026. We will cover the history and purpose of the program, both the undergraduate and graduate scholarship tracks, the two application pathways (Embassy Track and University Track), the full list of financial benefits, every eligibility condition you need to meet, the complete document checklist, key dates and deadlines, a detailed step-by-step application process, and practical tips to help you put together the strongest possible application. By the time you finish reading, you will have a clear and honest picture of what the GKS scholarship is, whether you qualify, and exactly what you need to do to apply.

What is the Global Korea Scholarship?

The Global Korea Scholarship, commonly abbreviated as GKS, is a fully funded scholarship program run by the South Korean government. It is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), which is a government agency under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea. NIIED is headquartered at 191 Jeongjail-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13557, Republic of Korea, and manages all administrative processes related to scholarship selection, enrollment, and scholar support throughout the duration of the award.

The scholarship was originally known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP). In 2010, the various Korean government scholarship programs were integrated and rebranded under a single umbrella name: the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). This is why you will sometimes see the scholarship referred to as GKS or KGSP interchangeably in different sources. They refer to the same program. The official and current name is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).

The primary objective of the GKS program is to provide international students with opportunities to study at higher educational institutions in Korea in pursuit of academic degrees, which will enhance international education exchange and deepen mutual friendship between Korea and participating countries. The scholarship serves a dual purpose: it brings talented young people from around the world into Korea’s universities, enriching the academic environment with international perspectives, and it builds long-term bridges of understanding and cooperation between South Korea and the more than 155 nations whose citizens participate in the program.

South Korea itself is an extraordinary destination for international study. The country is home to world-class research universities including Seoul National University (SNU), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Yonsei University, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan University, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), and Hanyang University, among many others. Several Korean universities consistently rank in the global top 100 and the Asian top 10 according to QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education rankings. Korea is also a global leader in technology, engineering, semiconductors, automotive manufacturing, biotechnology, and the creative industries, making it an exceptionally relevant destination for students in a wide range of academic and professional fields.

GKS Scholarship Programs: Undergraduate and Graduate

The Global Korea Scholarship operates two main programs that serve different academic levels. Here is a full breakdown of each:

GKS Undergraduate Scholarship (GKS-U)

The GKS Undergraduate Scholarship, commonly referred to as GKS-U, is designed for international students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree or associate degree at a Korean university. It targets high school graduates who have not yet begun a university degree or who are expected to complete their high school education before the enrollment date.

Program Duration under GKS-U

The undergraduate scholarship covers a Korean language training period plus the main degree program. For a bachelor’s degree, the scholarship covers one year of Korean language training followed by four to six years of the bachelor’s degree program, depending on the field of study and the university. For an associate degree, the scholarship covers one year of Korean language training followed by two to three years of the associate degree program. The total scholarship period therefore ranges from five to seven years for bachelor’s degree holders and three to four years for associate degree holders. This is one of the most generous aspects of the GKS-U scholarship. You do not need to speak Korean before you arrive. Your first year in Korea is dedicated entirely to learning the Korean language at an intensive level, fully funded, before your degree program begins.

GKS-U Age and Academic Requirements

For the 2026 GKS undergraduate scholarship, applicants must be under 25 years of age, meaning they must have been born on or after March 1, 2001. You must have completed or be expected to complete high school by December 31 of the application year. Your academic record must meet one of two criteria: you must have a cumulative GPA of at least 80 percent or equivalent from your high school, or you must have graduated in the top 20 percent of your class. Both criteria are accepted as alternatives, which means that if your school does not calculate percentage-based grades but does provide class rankings, placing in the top 20 percent is sufficient. A GPA conversion table is provided in the official GKS application guidelines for applicants whose transcripts use a different grading scale. If your transcript does not use a percentage system, you can consult the GPA conversion table in the official GKS application guidelines document, which is available at the Study in Korea website.

A Significant Change for 2026 GKS-U

Starting from the 2026 GKS Undergraduate program, all applications must be submitted online through the Study in Korea website at studyinkorea.go.kr. This is a significant change from previous years when applicants were required to mail large physical packages of documents to the relevant embassy or university. The online submission system makes the application process more accessible for international students who previously faced challenges with international shipping of documents. However, some embassies and universities may still require physical apostilled or consular confirmed copies of certain documents to be provided after the online application is submitted. Always check the specific requirements of the embassy or university in your country after completing the online application.

For 2026 GKS-U, the application period ran from September 15, 2025 to September 30, 2025 Korea Standard Time. Under the University Track for 2026, applications were open from October 1 to October 31, 2025. For future cycles, the undergraduate scholarship application window typically opens in September and closes in late September or early October.

GKS Graduate Scholarship (GKS-G)

The GKS Graduate Scholarship, referred to as GKS-G, is the graduate-level program that covers master’s and doctoral degree programs at Korean universities. For the 2026 cycle, NIIED announced 2,200 scholarship slots for graduate students from over 155 countries worldwide, making it one of the largest single government scholarship programs for graduate students currently in operation anywhere in the world.

Program Duration under GKS-G

For a master’s degree program, the scholarship covers one year of Korean language training followed by two years of the master’s program, for a total of three years. For a doctoral degree program, the scholarship covers one year of Korean language training followed by three years of the PhD program, for a total of four years. Students who hold a TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) level 5 or 6 certification at the time of entry may be initially exempted from the one-year Korean language training requirement. Instead, these students are enrolled directly in their academic program and attend a one-semester Korean language orientation course instead of the full year-long intensive language program.

GKS-G Age and Academic Requirements

For graduate programs, applicants must be under 40 years of age. For the 2025 GKS Graduate scholarship, this meant being born on or after September 1, 1985. For academic professors from Official Development Assistance (ODA) countries applying under special provisions, the age limit is extended to 45 years. Both the applicant and both parents must hold non-Korean citizenship. Master’s program applicants must hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree by July 31 of the enrollment year. Doctoral program applicants must hold or expect to hold a master’s degree by July 31 of the enrollment year. The academic record requirement is the same as for undergraduate applicants: a cumulative GPA of at least 80 percent from the most recent academic program, or a ranking in the top 20 percent of the graduating class.

For the 2025 GKS Graduate scholarship, the Embassy Track application period ran from February 12, 2026 to February 25, 2026. The University Track application timeline varies by individual university. For future cycles, the graduate scholarship application window typically opens in February and closes in March.

What Does the Global Korea Scholarship Cover?

The financial package provided by the GKS scholarship is genuinely comprehensive. Here is a complete breakdown of every component:

Full Tuition Fees

All tuition fees for the scholarship program are covered completely by NIIED and paid directly to the university. This applies for the full duration of the scholarship period, including the Korean language training year and all years of the degree program. You will not receive a tuition bill during your GKS scholarship period.

Monthly Living Allowance

GKS scholars receive a monthly living stipend to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and daily personal expenses. For degree programs (both undergraduate and graduate), the monthly allowance is 900,000 Korean Won (KRW), which is approximately USD 680 or around INR 57,000 at typical exchange rates. For research programs under the GKS, the monthly allowance is increased to 1,500,000 KRW. This stipend is designed to be sufficient to cover basic living costs in South Korea, though students in Seoul will find costs higher than those in smaller cities.

One-Time Settlement Allowance

Upon arrival in Korea, each new GKS scholar receives a one-time settlement allowance of 200,000 KRW to help cover immediate expenses after arriving in the country, such as transportation from the airport, purchasing daily essentials, and setting up a new living environment.

Airfare

The scholarship covers a round-trip economy class airfare ticket. An economy class ticket is provided from your home country to Korea at the beginning of the scholarship period. Upon successful completion of the program and return to your home country, another economy class return ticket is provided. This is one of the most significant benefits for international students, as international airfares to and from Korea can be substantial depending on the country of origin.

Medical Insurance

Full medical insurance coverage is provided through the Korea Student Aid Foundation (KOSAF) insurance program or an equivalent arrangement. This covers the GKS scholar throughout the scholarship period, ensuring that medical emergencies do not create unexpected financial burdens during your time in Korea.

Korean Language Training

As mentioned, all GKS scholars who are not already at TOPIK Level 5 or 6 undergo one full year of intensive Korean language training at a designated Korean language institution before their main degree program begins. This training is fully funded as part of the scholarship and is one of the most valuable features of the GKS program, as it ensures that every scholar can function effectively in Korean academic and social environments regardless of their language level when they arrived.

Korean Proficiency Grants

GKS scholars who demonstrate high Korean language proficiency during their studies receive additional financial rewards. Specifically, scholars who earn TOPIK Level 5 receive an additional 100,000 KRW per month on top of their regular stipend. Scholars who achieve TOPIK Level 6, the highest level, receive an additional 200,000 KRW per month. This incentive structure encourages scholars to invest seriously in their Korean language development throughout their time in Korea, which benefits both their academic performance and their ability to engage fully with Korean society and culture.

Dissertation and Research Allowances

Doctoral scholars who are preparing their dissertation receive a one-time Research Support Allowance of 210,000 KRW to cover expenses directly related to the dissertation preparation process such as printing, binding, and data collection.

The Two Application Tracks: Embassy Track vs University Track

One of the most important decisions you will make in the GKS application process is choosing your application track. There are two distinct tracks through which you can apply for the Global Korea Scholarship, and you must choose only one. You cannot apply through both tracks in the same cycle. Here is a clear comparison of the two:

Embassy Track (Track 1)

Under the Embassy Track, you submit your application to the Korean Embassy or Korean Consulate in your home country. The embassy reviews your application and conducts the first round of evaluation, which typically includes a document review and an in-person or video interview with shortlisted candidates. The embassy then forwards a list of recommended candidates to NIIED in Korea, which conducts the final selection. Under the Embassy Track, undergraduate applicants can select up to three universities in preferential order, with at least one of those choices being a Type B university. Graduate applicants under the Embassy Track can also select up to three universities, including at least one Type B university. Type B universities are typically less internationally recognized than the flagship Type A institutions like Seoul National University or Yonsei University, but they offer strong programs and have more available scholarship spots, which is why including at least one Type B university in your list is required.

University Track (Track 2)

Under the University Track, you apply directly to a GKS-participating Korean university of your choice. The university conducts its own first-round selection process, then forwards its recommended candidates to NIIED for final selection. Each university has its own application requirements, deadlines, and evaluation criteria for the University Track, so you must check the specific requirements of each university you are considering. Under the University Track, undergraduate applicants can select up to three universities but must include at least one Type B university. The R-GKS (Research-oriented GKS) program under the University Track allows applicants to apply to up to two Type B universities only.

Which Track is Better?

The answer depends entirely on your situation. The Embassy Track is generally more suitable if you want the flexibility of being considered for multiple universities and if your home country’s Korean Embassy is active in administering the scholarship. It also typically involves an interview, which gives you an opportunity to present yourself beyond your documents. The University Track is better if you have already identified a specific Korean university and professor you want to work with, particularly for doctoral applicants who need a research supervisor match. Doctoral students who already have a potential supervisor lined up and who have communicated with them before applying will often find the University Track more direct and effective. Whichever track you choose, remember that you must apply through only one track in any given application cycle. Multiple applications through different tracks result in automatic disqualification.

Eligibility Requirements for the Global Korea Scholarship

Here is a complete list of the eligibility conditions you must meet to apply for the GKS scholarship:

Both you and both of your parents must hold non-Korean citizenship. Even if you are a citizen of another country but one of your parents is a South Korean citizen, you are not eligible for the GKS scholarship. You must be a citizen of a country that is designated by NIIED as a GKS partner country. The quota allocation is decided based on mutual agreements on cultural and educational cooperation between Korea and participating countries. If your country is not listed in the GKS undergraduate program guidelines, it may still be listed in the graduate program, and you should check both sets of guidelines before assuming you are ineligible.

For undergraduate programs, you must be under 25 years of age at the start of the scholarship period. For graduate programs, you must be under 40 years of age, or under 45 if you are an academic professor from an ODA country applying under the relevant special provision. You must not be a current or former GKS scholar. Applicants who have previously received the GKS scholarship are not eligible to apply again. You must be in good physical and mental health to complete the full scholarship program successfully. A health certificate is required as part of the application documents.

You must not currently be enrolled in a degree program in Korea at the time of application. If you are already studying at a Korean university on another scholarship or as a self-funded student, you cannot simultaneously apply for the GKS. You must not be enrolled in an evening school, a short-term program, an online program, or a distance-learning program, as these are not eligible under the GKS framework.

If you win the scholarship and later renounce it before enrollment, you cannot apply for the GKS program for the following three years. Repeated renunciations may also result in a reduction of your country’s scholarship quota in future years, which affects other students from your country. This condition is important to understand before you apply. Only apply if you are genuinely committed to taking up the scholarship if offered.

Required Documents for the GKS Application

The GKS application requires a comprehensive set of documents. Gathering these in advance is one of the most time-consuming parts of the process, and leaving this until the last minute is one of the most common reasons for incomplete or late applications. Here is the full standard document checklist:

A completed GKS application form, which is available for download from the Study in Korea website at studyinkorea.go.kr. A personal statement, approximately one page, describing your background, academic interests, and goals. A study plan, two to three pages, outlining what you intend to study in Korea, why you chose your program and university, and what you plan to do after completing your scholarship. Two letters of recommendation from professors or other qualified individuals who can speak to your academic ability, character, and potential. Official transcripts from all academic institutions you have attended from high school through to your most recent degree. Official graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate from your most recent academic institution. A copy of your valid passport, with a minimum validity of six months beyond the scholarship start date. A copy of your birth certificate to prove your date of birth. Proof that both your parents hold non-Korean citizenship, such as copies of their passports or national ID cards.

If the document proving your relationship with your parents does not include citizenship information, additional documents such as passport copies of both parents must also be submitted. A medical and drug test certificate from a recognized hospital, not older than three months at the time of submission. A language proficiency certificate if you have one. TOPIK certificates are highly recommended for all graduate applicants. Applicants to English-medium programs may need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent English proficiency scores depending on the university’s specific requirements. For applicants with a grandparent who participated in the Korean War on behalf of United Nations forces, an additional document confirming this may be required by certain embassies, as some countries have specific provisions for such applicants.

All documents not in Korean or English must be accompanied by certified translations into one of these two languages. Documents submitted as part of the GKS application must be apostilled or consularly confirmed depending on the requirements of your country’s embassy or the specific university you are applying to. Starting with the 2026 GKS-U cycle, documents are submitted online through the Study in Korea portal, but physical apostilled originals may still be required after initial selection depending on the institution.

How to Apply for the Global Korea Scholarship Step by Step

Here is the complete step-by-step application process for the GKS scholarship:

Step one is to visit the official Study in Korea website and download the official application guidelines for the specific GKS program you are applying for, whether undergraduate or graduate, and for the relevant academic year. These guidelines are the authoritative source for all requirements, deadlines, and participating universities. Always use the guidelines for the current year, as details change between cycles.

Step two is to decide on your application track. Choose between the Embassy Track and the University Track based on your situation, as described earlier. Remember, you can apply through only one track per cycle.

Step three is to select your preferred universities. For the Embassy Track, you can select up to three universities including at least one Type B institution. For the University Track, check the participating universities listed in the official guidelines and identify which ones offer programs in your field of study. Research each university’s academic strengths, faculty profiles, and available research opportunities in your area before making your final selections.

Step four is to prepare all required documents. Use the document checklist provided in this guide and in the official guidelines. Obtaining apostilles, certified translations, and health certificates can take several weeks, so start this process at least six to eight weeks before the application deadline. Do not wait until the final week to start gathering documents.

Step five is to create an account on the Study in Korea website at studyinkorea.go.kr and complete the online application form. For 2026 GKS-U, the entire application was submitted online through this portal. Fill in every field accurately. Ensure all names, dates, and personal details match exactly across all documents and the online form.

Step six is to upload all required documents on the online portal. For the Embassy Track, you may also need to contact your local Korean Embassy to find out whether any physical documents need to be submitted in person or by courier after uploading the online application. Follow any embassy-specific instructions for your country carefully.

Step seven is to submit your application before the deadline and keep all confirmation details. For the 2026 GKS-U Embassy Track, the deadline was September 30, 2025. For the 2026 GKS-G Embassy Track, the deadline was February 25, 2026. Deadlines are firm and extensions are not granted.

Step eight is to prepare for the interview if you are applying through the Embassy Track. Most embassies conduct in-person or video interviews with shortlisted candidates as part of the first-round evaluation. Be ready to discuss your academic background, your reasons for choosing Korea and your chosen university, your study or research plan, and your post-scholarship career goals. Practicing common interview questions in advance and being able to speak confidently and specifically about your academic goals will significantly improve your performance at this stage.

Tips to Strengthen Your GKS Scholarship Application

Here are the most practical things you can do to give yourself the best possible chance of winning the GKS scholarship:

Write a genuinely specific and forward-looking study plan. The study plan is one of the documents that selection committees read most carefully, and a generic plan that could apply to any scholarship at any university will not stand out. Write specifically about your chosen university, the faculty you want to work with or the program you want to follow, the research questions or professional goals you are pursuing, and what you plan to do with your Korean education when you return home or move forward in your career.

For doctoral applicants, contact potential research supervisors before applying. Reaching out directly to a professor at your target Korean university to discuss your research interests before the application deadline significantly strengthens your position under the University Track. A professor who already knows your work and is expecting your application will be a much more effective advocate for your selection than a professor who sees your name for the first time during the institutional review process.

Start your TOPIK preparation well before applying. Whether you are applying for the undergraduate or graduate track, holding a TOPIK certificate at any level strengthens your application portfolio. For students who already have TOPIK Level 5 or 6, the benefit is even greater: you can potentially skip or reduce the one-year Korean language training period and go directly into your academic program.

Include at least one Type B university in your list and do not dismiss it as a lesser option. Many Type B universities have strong programs in specific fields and excellent research facilities, and their acceptance rates for GKS applicants are often higher than those of the most prestigious institutions. Choosing only top-tier institutions in all three preferences reduces your chances of being placed, especially for highly competitive fields like medicine, computer science, and engineering.

Final Thoughts

The Global Korea Scholarship is one of the most comprehensive, well-funded, and widely available government scholarships in the world. It covers virtually every major cost of studying in South Korea, from tuition and airfare to monthly stipends, health insurance, and language training, and it is open to students from over 155 countries at every level of tertiary education. For students who have dreamed of studying in one of Asia’s most technologically advanced and culturally rich societies, this scholarship represents a genuine and fully funded pathway to make that dream a reality.

The key to winning the GKS scholarship is preparation. Start gathering documents early. Write a study plan that is specific to your chosen university and field. Choose your application track deliberately. If you are applying for a PhD, reach out to potential supervisors before the deadline. And make sure every document you submit is accurate, complete, and professionally presented. The competition is real, but so is the opportunity.

Visit the official Study in Korea website a today to download the current application guidelines for the GKS program that applies to your level of study. Check the application timeline, confirm your country’s eligibility and quota, and begin building your application well ahead of the deadline. The GKS scholarship has changed countless lives and careers. With the right preparation, it can change yours too.