Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Korean Government Scholarship
- Omran Aburayya
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever dreamed of studying in South Korea, now is your chance — applications for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026–2027 are open. This prestigious fully funded scholarship is offered by the Korean government through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) and welcomes international students from around the world. The GKS aims to promote international educational exchange, foster mutual friendship, and develop future global leaders.
Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree, the GKS provides not just world-class academic opportunities, but also full cultural immersion in Korea. Read on for details.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: South Korea
Host Institution: Korean universities designated by NIIED
Study Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral
Target Group: International students from NIIED-designated countries (Korean citizens and dual citizens excluded)
Eligible Fields of Study: All majors offered by participating universities (except programs taught exclusively in evening, short-term, online, or distance learning formats)
Value & Coverage: Fully funded (airfare, tuition, living stipend, settlement allowance, health insurance, Korean language training, research/thesis grants, completion allowance)
Scholarship Duration:
Undergraduate: 5–7 years (1 year Korean language + 4–6 years degree program)
Associate Degree: 3–4 years (1 year Korean language + 2–3 years degree program)
Master’s Degree: 3 years (1 year Korean language + 2 years degree program)
Doctoral Degree: 4 years (1 year Korean language + 3 years degree program)
Application Deadline: September – October 2025 (exact dates depend on embassy/university track)
Start Date: Spring/Fall 2026 (after the Korean language training year)
Eligible To: Citizens of NIIED-designated countries who meet age and academic requirements
📚 Eligible Fields of Study
GKS scholars may choose from all academic fields and majors offered at participating Korean universities, including but not limited to:
STEM Fields: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Environmental Studies, Architecture
Humanities & Social Sciences: History, Sociology, Political Science, Law, Literature, International Relations, Education
Business & Economics: Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Management, Marketing
Arts & Culture: Music, Fine Arts, Design, Korean Studies, Cultural Studies
Health & Life Sciences: Public Health, Nursing, Medicine (non-clinical), Agriculture, Food Science
Note: Professional degree programs, evening classes, and online-only programs are not covered. Applicants must verify eligible majors in the annual GKS University Information guidelines released by NIIED.
🧭 Eligible Levels & Scholarship Period
1). Undergraduate Level
Bachelor’s Degree: 1 year of Korean language training + 4–6 years degree program
Associate Degree: 1 year of Korean language training + 2–3 years degree program
Eligibility:
Must be under 25 years old as of March 1, 2026
Must have graduated from high school (or be expected to graduate by December 31, 2025)
Must have a minimum GPA of 80% or higher (or be in the top 20% of your class)
Applicants who graduated from a Korean high school/university are not eligible
2). Graduate Level
Master’s Degree: 1 year of Korean language training + 2 years degree program
Doctoral Degree: 1 year of Korean language training + 3 years degree program
Eligibility:
Must be under 40 years old as of September 1, 2026
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or Master’s degree (for Doctoral applicants) by July 31, 2026
Professors from Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient countries may apply if under 45 years old
Must have a GPA of 80% or higher in the last degree program
Applicants who studied in Korea (high school, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral) are not eligible
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
The GKS 2026–2027 is a fully funded scholarship covering:
Airfare: Round-trip flight tickets
Settlement Allowance: KRW 200,000 upon arrival
Monthly Stipend: KRW 900,000–1,000,000 (undergraduate/graduate)
Language Training Fee: Fully covered (1 year)
Tuition: Full tuition fee coverage (up to KRW 5,000,000 per semester)
Medical Insurance: Monthly health insurance support
Research Allowance: Up to KRW 240,000 per semester (for graduate students)
Thesis Printing Costs: KRW 500,000–800,000
Completion Grant: KRW 100,000 upon graduation
📝 Application Tracks & Selection Procedure
Applicants can apply via two tracks:
Embassy Track – Apply through the Korean Embassy in your home country. Recommended for those wanting to apply to multiple universities.
University Track – Apply directly to a participating Korean university.
🔍 Selection Stages:
First Round: Screening by embassy or university.
Second Round: Evaluation by NIIED.
Third Round (Embassy Track only): University admission screening.
Final Results: Announcement of selected scholars.
📂 Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following (in English or Korean, with notarized translations if necessary):
Completed Application Form
Personal Statement & Study Plan
Proof of Citizenship (passport, birth certificate, etc.)
Academic transcripts and certificates (high school, Bachelor’s, or Master’s)
Recommendation letters (at least 1–2)
Research Proposal (for doctoral applicants)
Medical Assessment Form
Proof of age (passport or official document)
Any additional documents required by the university
📆 Timeline (2026–2027 Cycle)
Application Period: 15 September – 31 October 2025 (Embassy track closes earlier: 30 September 2025)
Second Round Screening: November – December 2025
Final Results: January 2026
Arrival in Korea: Spring/Summer 2026 for Korean language training year
Degree Program Start: 2027 (after completion of Korean language program, unless exempted)