Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
If you are a bright and ambitious student looking to elevate your academic journey, the Global Korea Scholarship for Undergraduate Degrees (GKS-U) 2026 is now open for applications. This fully funded Korean government initiative offers outstanding opportunities to study at top-tier universities in South Korea. The applications are officially open and inviting candidates worldwide to embark on this life-changing academic adventure. This article will present to you an in-depth overview about this exciting opportunity.
🎓 GKS Scholarship Summary
Location: South Korea
Host Institutions: Partner universities across South Korea (e.g., Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Ewha Womans University, POSTECH)
Study Level: Associate and Bachelor’s degrees (1-year Korean language + 2–3 years for Associate; 1-year language + 4–6 years for Bachelor’s)
Target Group: International students (both applicant and parents non-Korean citizens), under 25 years old as of March 1, 2026, high school graduates (or expected by December 31, 2025)
Fields of Study: Wide-ranging—including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, AI, arts, medicine, education—and more as per official university listings
Value & Coverage:
Full tuition (up to ≈ KRW 5 million/year; any excess often covered by universities)
Monthly living allowance, health insurance, settlement and degree-completion grants
Round-trip airfare
Intensive 1-year Korean language training (unless TOPIK level 5 or 6 already held)
Additional benefits: printing reimbursements, Korean proficiency incentives, etc.
Award Duration: 5–7 years depending on program type (Associate or Bachelor’s, including language year)
Application Deadline:
Embassy Track: September 15 to September 30, 2025
University Track: September 15 to October 31, 2025
Start Date: Expected academic commencement in 2026 (exact dates vary by university)
Eligible To: International applicants meeting nationality, age, academic, and graduation requirements (under 25 as of March 1, 2001 or born after March 1, 2001)
📚 Scholarship Overview
Program Tracks:
Embassy Track: Apply via your country’s Korean embassy. Choose up to 3 universities, with at least one from Type B institutions. For R-GKS applicants, only up to 2 Type B universities are allowed .
University Track: Apply directly to one participating university .
Scholarship Structure:
Year 1: Korean language training (unless exempted with TOPIK 5 or 6)
Years 2–4/5/6: Degree coursework toward Associate or Bachelor’s degree, depending on program type .
Selection Flow:
Applications begin September 15, 2025; embassy track ends September 30, university track ends October 31 .
Embassy track first-round results: October 17, 2025; University track first-round: November 14, 2025; Final results: January 9, 2026 .
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
The GKS-U 2026 program is remarkably generous, providing comprehensive support across multiple facets:
Full Tuition Coverage: Covers tuition up to KRW 5 million/year; any excess often subsidized by host universities .
Monthly Stipend: Regular allowance for living expenses and health insurance .
Airfare: One round-trip international flight included .
Language Training: 1-year Korean instruction to equip students linguistically and culturally, unless high-level TOPIK proficiency is already held .
Grants & Incentives: Settlement allowances, thesis printing reimbursement, completion bonuses, and incentives for high Korean language ability .
Health Insurance: Typically included within the monthly allowance or via separate coverage.
Cultural & Academic Support: Integration programs, orientation, and academic guidance may be provided through host universities and NIIED.
📝 Application Procedure
Choose Your Track:
Embassy Track (apply via your local Korean embassy)
University Track (apply directly to a chosen institution) via www.studyinkorea.go.kr
Gather Required Documents (based on official guidelines and forms) :
Completed application form
Personal statement
Study plan (3 pages max)
Letters of recommendation
GKS Applicant Agreement
Personal medical assessment
High school graduation certificate or expected graduation proof
Academic transcripts
Parents’ citizenship proof
TOPIK score or alternative English proficiency proof
Additional awards/certificates (if any)
Passport copy
Fill Forms: Follow Form 1 through Form 6 in the official guideline (download below), including Korean/English details, declarations, and agreements .
Submit Application:
Embassy Track: Submit to your local Korean Embassy by September 30, 2025.
University Track: Submit directly to your chosen university by October 31, 2025 .
Track Your Application: Await first-round results (Oct 17 or Nov 14) and check for final announcements in January 2026 .
📂 Resources
🔍 FAQ
Q: What are the application dates?
Embassy Track: Sept 15 – Sept 30, 2025. University Track: Sept 15 – Oct 31, 2025 .
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants (and their parents) must not hold Korean citizenship, must be born after March 1, 2001 (under 25), and must have completed or be expecting to complete high school by December 31, 2025. Strong academic record required (top 20% or ≥80%) .
Q: What does the scholarship cover?
Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, language training, health insurance, settlement/completion grants, printing reimbursement, and more .
Q: Which universities can I apply to?
Numerous Korean institutions across a spectrum of fields; top universities include Seoul National, Yonsei, Ewha, POSTECH, among others .
Q: What is the selection timeline?
Applications close Sept 30 (Embassy) or Oct 31 (University). First-round results on Oct 17 and Nov 14, respectively. Final results: January 9, 2026 .
Q: Is language proficiency required?
TOPIK not mandatory; the program includes a 1-year Korean language component unless the applicant already holds TOPIK level 5 or 6. English proficiency may also be acceptable depending on the country/track .
