You want a world-class degree without student debt. The Korean Government GKS Scholarship is your chance. It is fully funded, open to international students, and designed to help you study and research at top universities across South Korea.
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For the 2026/2027 intake, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) offers master’s and PhD spots with airfare, tuition, monthly stipends, Korean language training, and research support covered. Embassy Track has no application fee. University Track policies vary, but the opportunity is real, competitive, and worth your time.
If you are serious about a global career and want to study in Asia’s most high-tech economy, start preparing your documents now and apply as soon as your Embassy or chosen university opens applications.
Why the GKS Scholarship Stands Out
Fully Funded: Tuition, round-trip airfare, monthly allowance, settlement support, medical insurance, and more.
Korean language training: Intensive language course before your degree so you can thrive in class and in daily life.
Wide choice of fields: Engineering, IT, sciences, business, social sciences, arts, and more at leading national and private universities.
Two application tracks: Embassy Track and University Track. Pick what fits your profile and timeline.
Global career boost: Study in a tech-driven economy with strong industry links and research facilities.
GKS 2026/2027: Key Details at a Glance
Item
Summary
Scholarship Name
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Graduate Studies 2026/2027
Host Country
South Korea
Levels
Master’s, PhD, and research programs (as offered each cycle)
Tracks
Embassy Track and University Track
Coverage
Fully Funded: tuition, airfare, monthly stipend, settlement allowance, medical insurance, language training, research support
Language Training
Mandatory Korean language course for most awardees before starting the degree
Fields of Study
Most disciplines across STEM, arts, humanities, social sciences, business; some clinical/regulated fields may be restricted
Application Fee
No fee for Embassy Track; University Track policies vary by institution
Deadline
Visit the official website for the current deadline
GKS is a fully funded package designed to remove financial stress so you can focus on your degree. Typical benefits include:
Tuition: Full coverage at participating universities.
Airfare: Round-trip international flight tickets at the start and end of the program.
Monthly stipend: Living allowance paid during your language course and degree period.
Settlement allowance: One-time payment when you arrive in Korea.
Korean language training: Intensive course to build language competence before academic study.
Medical insurance: Health coverage during your scholarship period.
Research and thesis support: Support for research activities and thesis printing where applicable.
Completion grant: Provided when you successfully finish the program, subject to rules.
Exact amounts and components are confirmed each year by NIIED (the administering body). Always verify the current cycle details on the official page before applying.
Available Study Fields
You can apply to most fields offered by participating universities. Popular options include:
Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Data Science, Robotics
Health and Life Sciences: Public Health, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences
Business, Economics, Finance, Management
Social Sciences: International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Education
Humanities and Arts: Literature, Linguistics, History, Design, Media
Some clinical or licensed programs (for example, certain tracks in medicine or dentistry) may not be eligible. Check the latest program list from NIIED or your target university before choosing a major.
Scholarship Duration
Master’s: Generally up to 3 years total, including Korean language training and degree study.
PhD: Generally up to 4 years total, including Korean language training and degree study.
Research programs: Duration varies by award type and host department.
Language training is usually mandatory unless you already meet program-specific exemption criteria set by NIIED or your university.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility
Would You Like To Apply For This Opportunity?
Eligibility is set annually by NIIED and your host institution. Use the table below as a quick guide and confirm details on the official page.
Criterion
What You Should Have
Nationality
Citizen of a country invited by the Korean Government. Korean dual citizens are typically not eligible.
Academic Background
For Master’s: a recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent. For PhD: a recognized master’s degree or equivalent by the program start year.
Academic Performance
Strong GPA or class ranking as specified by NIIED and your selected universities.
Age and Health
Applicants must meet the age and medical requirements set for the current cycle and submit a health certificate if selected.
Language
Korean or English proficiency per your target program’s requirements. Official test scores can strengthen your application.
Residence Status
Rules on prior study in Korea and current residence vary by track. Check current guidelines.
Track-Specific Conditions
Embassy and University Tracks have different nomination quotas, documents, and timelines.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
1) Choose Your Track
Embassy Track: Apply through the Korean Embassy in your country. You can usually list multiple universities in your application. No application fee via the Embassy.
University Track: Apply directly to a participating Korean university that nominates candidates to NIIED. Some universities may charge an application fee.
2) Prepare Required Documents
Document lists are updated each cycle. Expect to prepare and notarize or legalize these core items:
Completed GKS application forms
Personal statement and study plan
Research proposal (PhD)
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Proof of nationality and identity (applicant and parents, if required)
Letters of recommendation (as specified for your track)
Language test scores (TOPIK, IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) if required or available
Passport copy
Medical assessment forms (usually later in the process)
Any additional forms requested by your Embassy or university
Important: Many documents must be notarized, apostilled, or consular-legalized. Read the current guidelines carefully.
3) Submit Your Application
Embassy Track: Send your full application to the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your country as instructed. If shortlisted, you will be interviewed. Successful candidates are nominated to NIIED.
University Track: Apply to your chosen university through its GKS portal or admissions office. Shortlisted candidates are recommended to NIIED for final selection.
4) Selection Rounds
Document screening by Embassy or university
Interview or additional evaluation
Final approval by NIIED
After final selection, you will receive instructions for visa processing and pre-departure steps.
5) Get Your Student Visa
Obtain your admission and scholarship confirmation letter
Apply for a D-2 student visa at the Korean Embassy or Consulate
Prepare required visa documents per your local mission’s checklist
Timeline and Deadline
Each Embassy and university sets its own application window for the 2026/2027 cycle. Applications typically open and close within the same calendar year, with selections confirmed before enrollment.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline
Participating universities: Check each university’s admissions or international office page for GKS announcements
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Targeted study plan: Align your goals with Korea’s research strengths and your prospective department’s projects.
University fit: Shortlist programs with advisors, labs, and coursework that match your background.
Strong references: Choose referees who know your academic work and can comment on research potential.
Language edge: Submit TOPIK or English scores if you have them. They can improve your competitiveness.
Perfect the paperwork: Follow formatting rules, notarization, and page limits exactly as instructed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an application fee?
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Embassy Track has no application fee. University Track policies vary; some universities may charge a small processing fee.
Can I apply to multiple universities?
Embassy Track usually allows you to list several universities in order of preference. University Track generally limits you to the institution where you apply.
Do I need IELTS or TOPIK?
Language requirements depend on the university and program. English or Korean test scores are often recommended and may be required by specific departments. Embassy Track does not require a specific test for submission, but strong scores help.
Are all majors eligible?
Most majors are available, but some clinical or licensed programs may be restricted. Confirm eligibility with the current NIIED guidelines and your target university’s list.
Can I work part-time during my studies?
International students in Korea can usually take part-time work within visa rules and with university approval. Your priority must remain your studies and scholarship conditions.
Can family members accompany me?
Dependents are not covered by the scholarship. If you plan to bring family, you must follow Korean immigration rules and cover extra costs.
This is your moment. The Korean Government GKS Scholarship 2026/2027 is fully funded and competitive, but with a sharp study plan and complete documents, you can win it. Start preparing now, lock in your referees, and apply as soon as your Embassy or target university opens applications. Apply now and study in South Korea on a fully funded scholarship.
