The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a prestigious and fully funded initiative by the Korean government aimed at bringing international students to South Korea. The purpose of Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 is to seek goodwill, educational cooperation, and global talent exchange by supporting international students from partner countries to pursue higher education in Korea. Formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), the GKS continues to stand as one of the most competitive and sought-after global scholarships.
Check this – University of Twente Scholarship 2026
Applicants can pursue either a Bachelor’s degree (lasting around 5 to 7 years, including one year of intensive Korean language training) or an Associate degree (typically 3 to 4 years, also including a one-year language component).
For the 2026 cycle, a total of 280 scholarships are available across two application tracks:
-
Embassy Track: Approximately 150 awards reserved for Bachelor’s degree programs.
-
University Track: About 130 awards, which may include both Bachelor’s and Associate degree programs.
- Host Country: Korea
- Host University: Best Universities of Korea
- Financial Assistance: Fully Funded
- Degree: Bachelor | Associate Degree
Also check – Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2026 in UK – Fully Funded
Scholarship Value/ Inclusions for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026
-
Tuition Fees Covered – The scholarship pays the full cost of tuition for the entire study program.
-
Living Stipend – Scholars receive a monthly allowance between KRW 900,000 and 1,000,000 to cover daily expenses.
-
Airfare Support – A round-trip economy class flight to and from South Korea is provided.
-
Language Preparation – One year of intensive Korean language education is included at no cost.
-
Health Insurance – Comprehensive medical coverage is offered throughout the scholarship period.
-
Settlement Allowance – Students are given a one-time payment (about KRW 200,000) upon arrival to help with initial expenses.
-
Completion Reward – An additional grant is awarded after successfully completing the program.
-
Academic Support – Financial assistance is available for research projects and study materials when needed.
-
Cultural Programs – Scholars can take part in cultural events, traditional activities, and exchange opportunities.
-
International Community – The program provides chances to build networks with fellow scholars and professionals from around the world.
Eligibility Criteria for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026
1. Nationality
-
Only students holding nationality from countries approved for the GKS program are eligible.
-
Candidates who possess dual nationality with Korea cannot apply.
-
The applicant’s parents must also be non-Korean citizens.
2. Age Requirement
-
Applicants must be under 25 years old
3. Educational Background
-
For Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must have graduated (or be expected to graduate) from high school or an equivalent program by December 1, 2025.
-
For Associate Degree: Applicants must have completed high school or equivalent education by the same date.
-
Applicants who are already enrolled in a Korean university (or who have previously studied in Korea under GKS) are not eligible.
4. Academic Performance
-
Must have a GPA of 2.64/4.0 or higher.
-
Consistently strong academic performance is required.
5. Health Requirements
-
Applicants must be in good physical and mental health to study in Korea.
-
Finalists must submit a medical assessment form.
-
Those with serious health issues may be disqualified.
6. Language Requirement
-
Applicants are not required to know Korean at the time of applying.
-
Once selected, students must complete a one-year Korean language program in Korea before starting their degree studies.
-
Must achieve at least TOPIK Level 3 before starting their degree program (some universities may require TOPIK 4).
How to Apply?
There are two main application tracks:
1. Embassy Track
-
Applications are submitted through the Korean Embassy in the applicant’s country.
-
Candidates may select up to three universities, with at least one option chosen from the Type B category.
-
The embassy evaluates the applications and forwards recommended candidates to the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).
2. University Track
-
Applicants can apply directly to a single Korean university that participates in the GKS program.
-
The chosen university reviews the application and forwards successful candidates to NIIED.
Application Process
-
Check eligibility to ensure you meet requirements such as nationality, age, and academic background.
-
Decide whether you will apply through the Embassy Track or University Track.
-
Select your preferred universities according to the rules of the chosen track.
-
Prepare all required and optional documents.
-
Submit the complete application package to either the Korean Embassy (Embassy Track) or directly to the university (University Track).
-
Wait for the screening process: first by the Embassy or University, then by NIIED.
-
Final results are announced by NIIED.
Required Documents for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026
All documents must be in English or Korean. If they are in another language, they must be submitted with a notarized translation. Originals or certified copies are required.
-
Application Form (GKS-U)
-
Personal Statement (Motivation Letter)
-
Study Plan
-
Two Recommendation Letters (sealed in an envelope)
-
Applicant Agreement Form
-
Medical Assessment Form
-
Proof of Citizenship for both the applicant and parents (passport or birth certificate)
-
Certificate of Graduation (high school or expected graduation letter)
-
High School Transcript
-
Proof of Age (birth certificate or national ID)
Optional Documents (to strengthen your application)
-
Korean Language Proficiency Certificate (TOPIK)
-
English Language Proficiency Test Results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
-
Awards, honors, or certificates
-
Passport copy
-
Proof of Overseas Korean status (if applicable)
-
Proof of renunciation of Korean citizenship (if applicable)
-
Documents showing Korean War veteran family background (if applicable)
Deadline
Embassy Track
-
Application period: September 15, 2025 – September 30, 2025
-
Deadline: September 30, 2025
-
For the Embassy Track, candidates are required to submit their applications to the Korean Embassy in their country of residence.
University Track
-
For the University Track, the application window runs from September 15, 2025, to October 31, 2025.
-
Deadline: October 31, 2025
-
Applications must be submitted directly to the chosen Korean university.
