Global Korea Scholarship 2026 Fully Funded

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is one of the most respected fully funded scholarship programs in Asia. Managed by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Korean government, this program supports international students who wish to pursue graduate studies in South Korea.

The scholarship was created to strengthen global academic exchange and foster long term friendships between Korea and participating countries. Each year, selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support to complete Master’s, Doctoral, or Research programs at leading Korean universities, including Kookmin University.

This guide explains eligibility, benefits, required documents, and the step by step application process for the Global Korea Scholarship 2026 intake.

What Is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

The Global Korea Scholarship, formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program, is a fully funded opportunity for international students to study in South Korea.

The program supports:

• Master’s degree programs
• Doctoral degree programs
• Research programs
• Postdoctoral research (under specific categories)

Scholars first complete one year of Korean language training. They then begin their academic degree program.

Official announcements and final results are published on the Study in Korea portal managed by NIIED.

Scholarship Tracks: Embassy Track vs University Track

Applicants must apply through only one track. Submitting multiple applications leads to automatic disqualification.

Embassy Track

Applicants apply through a Korean Embassy in their home country.

Key features:

• Choose three universities from the list of 65 designated universities
• Application submitted to the Korean Embassy
• Embassy conducts the first round of selection
• Final selection completed by NIIED

University Track (Kookmin University)

Applicants apply directly through Kookmin University.

Key features:

• Choose only one university
• Application submitted directly to the university
• First selection conducted by the university
• Final selection conducted by NIIED

Applicants must not apply to both tracks.

Application Schedule (University Track)

While exact dates change each year, the typical timeline follows this pattern:

Application and Document Submission

End of February to End of March

Document Evaluation

End of March to Beginning of April

Interview (Phone or Skype)

Beginning of April

First Selection Announcement

Beginning of April

Second Selection (NIIED Review)

Mid April

Final Announcement

Mid June

Entry into Korea

End of August

Applicants should always consult the official yearly admission guideline for updated deadlines.

Selection Procedure Explained

The Global Korea Scholarship follows a two stage selection process.

First Selection

Conducted by:

• A Korean Embassy
• Or a designated university such as Kookmin University

The institution evaluates:

• Academic transcripts
• Study plan
• Personal statement
• Language certificates
• Recommendation letters
• Awards and publications

Selected candidates are recommended to NIIED.

Second Selection

The National Institute for International Education reviews all recommended applications.

Final successful candidates are announced through the official Study in Korea website.

Eligibility Criteria for Global Korea Scholarship

To qualify for GKS 2026, applicants must meet the following general conditions:

Citizenship

• Applicant and both parents must hold foreign citizenship
• Korean citizens are not eligible
• Dual citizens holding Korean nationality cannot apply

Age Limit

• Applicants must be under 40 years old in the selection year

Academic Qualification

• Master’s applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree
• Doctoral applicants must hold a Master’s degree
• Degrees must be completed before the specified deadline

Applicants who previously enrolled at a Korean university are not eligible.

Academic Performance

Minimum GPA requirements:

• 2.64 on a 4.0 scale
• 2.80 on a 4.3 scale
• 2.91 on a 4.5 scale
• Or at least 80 percent overall score

Health Requirement

Applicants must be physically and mentally fit for long term study in Korea.

Preference Categories

Preference may be given to:

• Applicants with Korean language proficiency
• Applicants with English proficiency
• Candidates in natural science and technology fields
• University professors from developing countries

Required Documents for GKS 2026

Document requirements vary slightly depending on the program.

Core Documents (All Applicants)

• Application Form
• Self Introduction
• Statement of Purpose
• Two Recommendation Letters
• Applicant Pledge
• Personal Medical Assessment
• Proof of Citizenship (Applicant and Parents)

Academic Documents

• Bachelor’s diploma and transcript

• Master’s diploma and transcript (for Doctoral applicants)
• Doctoral diploma and transcript (for Postdoctoral applicants)

Optional Supporting Documents

• TOPIK certificate

• English proficiency test score
• Published papers
• Awards

All documents must follow the official formatting instructions provided in the yearly guideline.

Scholarship Benefits and Financial Coverage

The Global Korea Scholarship is fully funded and covers nearly all expenses.

Airfare

Round trip economy class ticket provided.

Monthly Allowance

• 900,000 KRW per month

Research Allowance

• 210,000 KRW per semester for humanities and social sciences

• 240,000 KRW per semester for natural and mechanical sciences

Settlement Allowance

• 200,000 KRW upon arrival

Tuition Fees

• Admission fees waived by the university
• Tuition fully covered by NIIED

Language Training

One year of Korean language training fully funded.

Dissertation Printing

• 500,000 to 800,000 KRW depending on actual cost

Medical Insurance

• 20,000 KRW per month

Korean Language Incentive

Scholars with TOPIK Level 5 or 6 receive an additional 100,000 KRW per month during degree studies.

Duration of the Scholarship

Master’s Program

• 1 year Korean language
• 2 years Master’s degree

Doctoral Program

• 1 year Korean language
• 3 years Doctoral degree

Research and postdoctoral durations depend on program approval.

Why Study in South Korea Under GKS?

South Korea offers a strong academic system, advanced research facilities, and global industry connections.Benefits include:

• Access to modern laboratories and research centers
• Strong focus on science and technology innovation
• Growing global reputation of Korean universities
• Cultural exposure and language acquisition

Scholars also build international networks that support future academic and professional careers.

How to Apply for Global Korea Scholarship 2026

Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Choose Your Track

Decide between:

• Embassy Track
• University Track

You must apply through only one.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

Collect and notarize required documents. Ensure translations are properly certified if needed.

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit to:

• Korean Embassy in your country
• Or directly to the selected university

Step 4: Attend Interview

Shortlisted applicants may be interviewed by phone or video call.

Step 5: Await Final Results

Final results are published by NIIED.

Contact Information (University Track Example)

For applicants applying through Kookmin University:International Affairs Team

Room 202, Global Center

77 Jeongneung ro, Seongbuk gu

Seoul 02707, KoreaTel: +82 2 910 5835

Email: enterkmu@kookmin.ac.kr

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