The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a top government program. It lets international students study in South Korea for free. Known as KGSP it invites thousands of students each year. They can pursue bachelor’s master’s or doctoral degrees.
This guide covers all key details for GKS 2026. You will learn about eligibility, benefits, deadlines, documents and application steps.
What Is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?
The GKS is funded by the Korean Ministry of Education to promote mutual friendship and academic exchange between Korea and other countries.
- Levels covered: Undergraduate, Master, PhD and Research
- Tracks: Embassy Track and University Track
- Goal: Help top international students study in Korean schools with full financial support.
GKS 2026 will select about 2 000+ students from over 150 countries.
Scholarship Coverage (What You Get)
The GKS is a fully funded award — no hidden fees, no partial grants.
| Benefit | Description |
| Tuition Fees | 100 % covered by the Korean government |
| Airfare | Round-trip economy ticket |
| Living Allowance | ₩ 900 000 – ₩ 1 500 000 per month (depending on level) |
| Health Insurance | National or private plan included |
| Korean Language Training | 1 year at a designated language center |
| Settlement Allowance | ₩ 200 000 (one-time payment) |
| Research Support | Extra stipend for Master’s / PhD theses |
Tracks of Application
1. Embassy Track
Applicants submit forms to the Korean Embassy in their home country. The embassy short-lists and nominates candidates to NIIED (Korean government office).
- Best for countries with active embassy promotion.
- You can apply to three universities in one application.
2. University Track
Students apply directly to one participating university. That university nominates selected students to NIIED.
- Best if you already know your preferred major or professor.
- Usually faster timeline and fewer documents to send overseas.
Eligibility Criteria for GKS 2026
| Requirement | Undergraduate | Graduate |
| Citizenship | Applicant & parents must not be Korean citizens | Same |
| Age Limit | Under 25 (as of March 1 2026) | Under 40 |
| Education | High-school graduates or final-year students | Bachelor’s for Master’s; Master’s for PhD |
| GPA | At least 80 % or in top 20 % of class | Same |
| Health | Must pass medical exam before arrival | Required |
| Language | No mandatory IELTS/TOPIK but preferred | Same |
(Always confirm requirements with your country’s Embassy Guide.)
Documents Required
Basic Documents (Embassy & University Tracks):
- GKS Application Form (official PDF)
- Personal Statement and Study Plan
- Two Recommendation Letters
- Transcript & Degree Certificate (original + notarized copies)
- Proof of Citizenship (you and parents)
- Language Certificates (if available)
- Health Certificate
- Passport Copy
- Signed Agreement Form (for graduate students)
Extra Documents for Embassy Track:
- Consent form for information use
- Proof of residence (if required by embassy)
Application Timeline 2026
| Step | Embassy Track | University Track |
| Notice Announced | Aug–Sep 2025 | Oct–Nov 2025 |
| Application Deadline | Sep–Oct 2025 | Dec 2025–Jan 2026 |
| Document Screening | Oct–Nov 2025 | Jan–Feb 2026 |
| Interviews | Nov 2025 | Feb 2026 |
| Final Results | Mar–Apr 2026 | Apr 2026 |
| Visa & Arrival | May–Aug 2026 | May–Aug 2026 |
Participating Universities 2026
Over 70 Korean universities participate in the GKS program, including:
- Seoul National University (SNU)
- Korea University
- Yonsei University
- KAIST University
- POSTECH University
- Hanyang, Konkuk, Kyungpook, Chonnam, Chung-Ang and many others.
How to Apply for GKS 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Choose Track and Check Eligibility
Visit your country’s Korean Embassy website or the Study in Korea portal to find the official call for applications.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
Gather and notarize all required documents early (see list above). Use the official GKS form set only.
Step 3: Submit Application
- For Embassy Track – submit documents to the Korean Embassy in your country.
- For University Track – apply directly to one designated university.
Step 4: Wait for Results & Interviews
The first screening may take 4–6 weeks. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews (online or in-person).
Step 5: Final Selection by NIIED
If recommended, your name is sent to NIIED for final approval. Successful applicants receive the official GKS award letter by email.
Step 6: Visa Process & Pre-Departure
Apply for D-2 student visa at the Korean Embassy. Book flights through the program’s approved process and attend the pre-departure orientation if available.
Study Plan Tips (SOP & Essay Guidelines)
Your personal statement and study plan are the heart of your application.
Write clearly and honestly:
- Why you want to study in Korea
- What field you plan to research
- How your education will help your country’s development
- How you will contribute to cultural exchange
Use simple sentences and avoid copy-pasting from templates. The panel prefers authentic stories.
After Selection (What to Expect)
- Attend orientation organized by the Korean Embassy or your university.
- Move to Korea one month before classes begin (for language training or semester start).
- Open a local bank account for monthly stipend deposit.
- Join the GKS Alumni Community to stay updated and connect with other scholars.
FAQs
Q1. Can I apply for both Embassy and University Track?
No. You can apply only through one track in a given year.
Q2. Do I need TOPIK (Korean Language Test)?
Not compulsory, but a bonus. If you have TOPIK Level 3 or above, you may skip language training.
Q3. How competitive is GKS?
Highly, Thousands apply every year. Strong documents and clear motivation are key.
Q4. Can married applicants apply?
Yes, but GKS does not cover family expenses or tickets for dependents.
Q5. What happens after I finish my degree?
You return home or continue PhD / Post-Doc through other Korean programs. Alumni stay connected through GKS network.
Also See
- Check Fully Funded Scholarships in Korea 2026 (Complete Guide)
- How to Apply for Korean Scholarships & Visa 2026
- KOICA Scholarship 2026 – for professionals
- KAIST Scholarship 2026 – for STEM majors
Conclusion
The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 is one of the best fully funded opportunities for international students. It opens doors to Korea’s world-class universities and global-level research.
Start preparing early, follow instructions carefully, and keep documents ready before your country’s deadline.
For official updates, deadlines, and templates, stay connected with StudyInKorea360.com — your trusted guide to studying in South Korea.