NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION (NIIED), MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – Graduate Programme
full · masters, phd
- Fully FundedScholarship type
- Korean universitiesHost country
- Master’s & PhDStudy levels
- 1-year Korean courseLanguage training
- ~KRW 1.0M/moLiving allowance
- Embassy or university trackApplication routes
At a glance
full
Funding
€18k
Max amount
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
~150+ countries (quotas allocated per country)
Country
National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea
Provider
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is funded by the Korean government and administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). The graduate track supports international students to pursue master's and doctoral degrees at Korean universities. GKS is fully funded: it covers round-trip airfare, a settlement allowance, a monthly living allowance of ~KRW 1,000,000, full tuition, a one-year Korean language course, medical insurance, and a research/printing allowance, plus a degree-completion grant. It is one of the most comprehensive government scholarships in Asia, funding ~3 years for a master's and ~4 years for a doctorate including the language year. Applicants apply via one of two tracks — the embassy track (through the Korean embassy in their home country) or the university track (directly through a designated Korean university) — and selection includes document screening, interviews, and university acceptance.
What's covered
- Airfare — Round-trip economy airfare to and from Korea.
- Settlement allowance — A one-time settlement allowance on arrival (~KRW 200,000).
- Monthly living allowance — ~KRW 1,000,000/month for graduate scholars (rates reviewed periodically).
- Tuition — Full tuition covered (with a cap that NIIED and the university arrange).
- Korean language training — One year of funded Korean language study before the degree begins.
- Insurance & grants — Medical insurance, a research/printing allowance, and a degree-completion grant.
How to apply
Decide between the embassy track and the university track, then submit your application and documents by that track's deadline (commonly ~February–March for the embassy track).
- Choose your track — Pick either the Korean embassy track (country quota) or the university track (apply directly to a designated university). You may not use both.
- Select universities & programmes — Choose eligible universities/programmes per the track's rules (the embassy track allows several choices).
- Prepare documents — Assemble the application forms, personal statement, study plan, transcripts, degrees, and recommendation letters.
- Submit by the deadline — Apply to the embassy or the university by the track deadline (~February–March).
- Screening & interview — Pass document screening and an interview; the embassy/university and NIIED evaluate candidates.
- University acceptance & placement — Secure university admission; NIIED confirms the award and you begin with the Korean language year.
Eligibility
NationalityApplicant and both parents must be non-Korean citizens.
AgeGenerally under ~40 years old as of the application year.
DegreeA bachelor's degree for master's applicants; a master's for doctoral applicants (completed by the arrival date).
GPAAbove the threshold — commonly ~80% / ~2.64 on a 4.0 scale or top ~20% of class.
HealthIn good physical and mental health to live and study in Korea.
Choose ONE track only — embassy or university. The embassy track allocates places by country quota; the university track applies directly to a designated GKS university.
Eligible countries
~150+ countries (quotas allocated per country)
Deadlines
2027 graduate intake (embassy track)2027-02-28
Selection
Selection has multiple stages: document screening and interview at the embassy or university, then university acceptance, then final confirmation by NIIED. Panels assess academic record, the study plan, personal statement, references, and motivation; the embassy track also balances country quotas.
Verified sources
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)studyinkorea.go.krofficial
About the provider
The Global Korea Scholarship is funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea and administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), an agency of the Korean Ministry of Education. It aims to promote international exchange and friendship by supporting international students to study in Korea, building a global network with ties to Korea.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?
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A fully-funded Korean government scholarship (formerly KGSP), administered by NIIED, for international students to pursue master's and doctoral degrees at Korean universities.
Who is eligible?
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Non-Korean citizens (with non-Korean parents), generally under ~40, holding the required degree for their level and a GPA above the threshold (often ~80% / ~2.64).
What does GKS cover?
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Round-trip airfare, a settlement allowance, a monthly living allowance (~KRW 1,000,000), full tuition, one year of Korean language training, medical insurance, and research/completion grants.
What are the two application tracks?
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The embassy track (apply through the Korean embassy in your country, by country quota) and the university track (apply directly to a designated GKS university). You may use only one.
When is the deadline?
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The embassy track typically closes in ~late February or March for a September start with the language year. University-track deadlines vary; check your chosen university.
Do I need to speak Korean?
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Not at application — GKS includes one funded year of Korean language study before your degree. You'll usually need TOPIK Level 3+ to progress to the degree; many degrees are also offered in English.
How long is the scholarship?
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It funds one year of Korean language study plus the full degree — ~3 years total for a master's and ~4 years for a doctorate (language year + degree).
How competitive is GKS?
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Highly — places are allocated by country quota (embassy track) and by university, and strong academics, a clear study plan, and a good interview are essential.
Can I skip the Korean language year?
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In limited cases (e.g. holding the required TOPIK level already), but most scholars complete the funded language year, which is a core part of the GKS experience.
Which universities can I attend?
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Designated GKS universities across Korea, including major national and private institutions. The embassy track and university track each have their own lists.
What GPA do I need?
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Generally above ~80% / ~2.64 on a 4.0 scale (or top ~20% of class). Meeting the GPA threshold is a strict eligibility requirement.
Can my family come with me?
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The scholarship is calculated for the individual scholar. Dependants may join you in Korea on appropriate visas, but you should budget separately for their living costs.