The Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS)—previously known as the Global Korea Scholarship—is one of the most competitive fully funded scholarships in the world. Offered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), it allows international students to study at more than 80 top Korean universities, including SKY universities (Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University), KAIST, POSTECH, Hanyang, Chung-Ang, and many others.
I’ve personally helped students prepare for GKS, and based on my experience, this is one of the most generous and structured government scholarship programs available today. Below is everything you need to know before applying in 2025–2026.
Another big Opportunity, Cayman Islands Government Scholarships – Study Abroad Fully Funded
What Is GKS?
GKS provides full funding for:
- Undergraduate programs
- Associate degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral degrees
It also includes a 1-year intensive Korean language program, typically offered at universities like Sogang University, Keimyung University, Busan University, etc., depending on NIIED assignment.
Eligibility Criteria (Who Can Apply?)
GKS has strict eligibility rules.
Here’s the updated criteria based on recent NIIED guidelines and my own experience supporting applicants:
1. Nationality Requirements
- Applicants must be non-Korean citizens.
- Both parents must also be non-Korean citizens.
- Dual citizenship (one Korean parent or holding Korean citizenship at any point) is not allowed.
2. Age Requirements
- Undergraduate / Associate track: Under 25 years old as of the application year.
- Graduate track (Master’s/PhD): Under 40 years old as of the application year.
3. Academic Requirements
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 80% or be in the top 20% of your class.
- Education background:
- High school graduates → Apply for Bachelor’s/Associate
- Bachelor’s degree holders → Apply for Master’s
- Master’s degree holders → Apply for PhD
4. Health Requirements
Applicants must pass:
- A self-medical assessment (Stage 1)
- Official medical examination (Stage 2, only for finalists)
5. Korean Language Requirements
TOPIK (Korean proficiency test) is not required, but:
- TOPIK Level 5 or 6 gives additional consideration.
- High scorers also receive extra monthly grants.
GKS Scholarship Benefits (What You Will Receive)
From my firsthand knowledge helping students relocate to Korea, GKS offers one of the most complete financial packages.
Full Funding Includes:
1. Tuition Fees
- 100% tuition coverage
- Maximum: 15–20 million KRW per year depending on university
2. Monthly Allowance
- Undergraduate: 900,000 KRW
- Graduate: 1,000,000–1,200,000 KRW
3. Airfare
- Round-trip flight ticket
- Economy class from your home country to Korea
4. 1-Year Korean Language Training
Conducted at NIIED-assigned universities.
Students can be relocated if they don’t reach TOPIK Level 3 after the first year.
5. Additional Financial Support
- Settlement allowance: 200,000 KRW
- Medical insurance
- Research grant: 210,000–240,000 KRW
- Thesis printing cost
- Degree completion grant: 100,000 KRW
- Korean Proficiency Grant: 100,000 KRW/month for TOPIK Level 5+
GKS also allows students to attend top-tier institutions such as SNU, KAIST, Yonsei, Korea University, and others depending on university track selection.
Application Tracks (How to Apply)
You can apply through two official routes:
1. Embassy Track
You submit your application to the Korean Embassy in your country.
Key Points:
- You may choose up to 3 universities (at least 1 must be Type B university as per NIIED rules).
- Embassy shortlists candidates and forwards them to NIIED.
- More competitive, but higher placement chances after NIIED final round.
2. University Track
You apply directly to a Korean university participating in GKS.
Key Points:
- You can apply to only one university.
- Easier document handling.
- Ideal if you already know your preferred university or major.
Also, you can apply for the Tianjin Government Scholarship (TGS) Fully Funded – Study Abroad
GKS Scholarship Quick Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) / Korean Government Scholarship Program |
| Offered By | NIIED (National Institute for International Education), Government of Korea |
| Degree Levels | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Coverage | Full tuition, airfare, monthly stipend, language training, medical insurance |
| Monthly Stipend | 900,000 KRW (Undergrad), 1,000,000–1,200,000 KRW (Graduate) |
| Korean Language Training | 1 year mandatory (TOPIK Level 3 required to proceed) |
| Extra Benefits | TOPIK Level 5+ bonus, settlement allowance, research support |
| Eligibility | Non-Korean citizen, GPA 80%+, age under 25 (UG) / 40 (Grad) |
| Application Tracks | Embassy Track (3 choices) & University Track (1 choice) |
| Annual Quota | ~500 (Undergrad), ~1,900 (Graduate) |
| Announcements | UG in September; Graduate in February |
| Official Website | studyinkorea.go.kr / niied.go.kr |
FAQs
What is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a fully funded program offered by the Korean government that covers tuition, airfare, monthly stipend, Korean language training, and other academic grants for international students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in South Korea.
Who is eligible to apply for the GKS Scholarship?
Applicants must be non-Korean citizens, meet the age limit (under 25 for undergraduate and under 40 for graduate), have a minimum GPA of 80%, and meet basic health requirements. Dual citizens with Korean nationality are not eligible.
What benefits does the GKS Scholarship provide?
GKS offers full tuition coverage, round-trip airfare, a monthly stipend, medical insurance, one year of Korean language training, research support, settlement allowance, and bonus payments for TOPIK Level 5 or higher.
How can I apply for the GKS Scholarship?
You can apply through two tracks: Embassy Track (submit documents to your local Korean embassy and choose up to 3 universities) or University Track (apply directly to one Korean university participating in GKS).
When does GKS open for applications?
For undergraduate applicants, the GKS application typically opens in September. For graduate applicants, it usually begins in February. Exact dates vary yearly and are announced on NIIED’s official websites.