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Applications are now open for the Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) For Undergraduates 2026 for international students
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a distinguished program designed to offer international students the opportunity to pursue higher education in Korea. This initiative, sponsored by the Korean government, aims to promote international educational exchange and foster stronger relationships between Korea and participating countries.
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The GKS provides comprehensive financial support for selected students, including full tuition fees, a generous monthly stipend for living expenses, and coverage for airfare and accommodation.
Scholarship Overview
The Korean government is inviting a total of 2,200 international students for its 2026 degree programs. Applicants may choose to apply through one of two distinct application tracks: the Embassy Track or the University Track. Visit Embassy vs University Track article on the detailed explanation of the difference between both these tracks and which one to choose. For general tips on how to apply for scholarships successfully, please refer to this guide.
- Undergraduate Programs: These programs typically range from four to six years, including one mandatory year of Korean language study.
- Graduate Programs: Master’s programs consist of a one-year Korean language program followed by two years of degree studies. Doctoral programs include one year of language study and three years of a degree program. Applications for graduate programs will open in February 2026.
Key Benefits of the GKS
The GKS is a fully funded scholarship that provides a wide range of benefits to ensure students can focus on their academic pursuits without financial worry.
- Airfare: A one-time economy class flight ticket to Korea is provided.
- Full Tuition Coverage: The scholarship covers full tuition fees for the duration of the program.
- Monthly Allowance: Students receive a monthly stipend of 900,000 KRW (approximately $9,853 per year), which is an all-inclusive subsidy for living expenses, health insurance, Korean proficiency grants, and other allowances.
- Additional Support: This includes a settlement allowance upon arrival and grants for degree completion.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the 2026 GKS, applicants must meet the following general criteria:
- Citizenship: All applicants must hold citizenship from one of the countries designated by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) as invited to participate in the program.
- Academic Record: Applicants must have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) that meets one of the following conditions:
- A score percentile of 80% or above on a 100-point scale, or be ranked in the top 20% of their class.
- A CGPA of at least 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5. If you have a low GPA to explain, this can be done in your personal statement.
- Age: Undergraduate applicants must be under 25 years of age. Graduate applicants must be under 40 years of age (born after September 1, 1985).
- Health: Applicants must be in good physical and mental health to study in Korea for the full duration of the program.
Required Documents
To complete the application, candidates must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Online Application Form: A fully completed and submitted online application.
- Personal Statement: This is an opportunity to express your motivations and goals. Your personal statement can address why you deserve this scholarship and how your experiences have prepared you for this program.
- Academic Records: High school records for undergraduate applicants and official transcripts for previous degrees for graduate applicants.
- Letter of Recommendation: At least one letter of recommendation is typically required. For guidance on this, see how to ask for a recommendation letter for a scholarship.
- Applicant Agreement: A signed agreement to the scholarship terms.
- Personal Medical Assessment: A completed medical form to confirm you are fit to study abroad.
- Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information: A signed consent form.
For more strategic advice on preparing your application, you can review guides on how to write a scholarship essay that wins and the top qualities of scholarship winners.
Application Timeline and Deadlines
The application process for the Global Korea Scholarship has a strict timeline. The required documents and exact deadlines may vary by embassy or university, so it is imperative to contact the relevant organization for precise information.
Embassy Track: Applications are expected from September 30, 2025.
University Track: Applications are expected from October 31, 2025.
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You can download the important documents by clicking the following links:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the GKS scholarship? The scholarship is awarded for the duration of the program, which is typically one year of Korean language training followed by two years of degree studies for a master’s program, and three years for a doctoral program.
Is this a fully funded scholarship? Yes, the scholarship provides full tuition, a monthly allowance, and travel costs.
Are there age limitations for applicants? Yes, applicants must be under 25 years of age for undergraduate programs and under 40 for graduate programs.
Do I need an acceptance letter from a university before applying? For the University Track, you apply directly to the university. For the Embassy Track, you apply through the embassy first and then are considered for university admission.
How do I choose between the two tracks? Your choice depends on your specific goals. If you have a strong preference for a single university and believe you are a highly competitive candidate, the University Track may be for you. If you want more options, the Embassy Track allows you to apply to three universities.
What is the main difference in the selection process? The Embassy Track has a three-round selection process involving the embassy, NIIED, and universities. The University Track has a two-round process involving the university and NIIED.
What documents are required for the application? You will need to submit an official application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a passport copy, and a personal statement and study plan, among other documents.
Is a high TOPIK score required? A high TOPIK score is not required, but it is highly valued and can exempt you from the mandatory Korean language training.
Can I apply for both tracks at the same time? No, you can only apply to one track per application period.
What is NIIED’s role in the selection process? NIIED, the National Institute for International Education, is responsible for the final selection of scholars after the first round of screening by either the embassy or the university.
