Study in South Korea: Applications are now available for the fully funded Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Have you ever thought about living in South Korea and immersing yourself in its culture and world-class education system? The 2026 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is your chance to make that dream a reality.
Formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), this prestigious initiative invites students from 156 different countries to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees at top Korean universities.
In 2026, the program aims to foster international friendship and educational exchange by selecting:
- 280 students through the University Track.
- 87 students through the Embassy Track.
If you are looking to study in Asia without the financial burden, the Global Korea Scholarship is one of the most comprehensive options available.
Scholarship Details at a Glance
- Host Country: South Korea
- Funded by: Korean Government
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Financial Benefits: Fully Funded (Tuition + Living Stipend)
- Deadline: March 2026 (Varies by track and region)
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
The Global Korea Scholarship is renowned for its generous financial support, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies and cultural experience.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Tuition Fees: 100% coverage of all admission and tuition costs.
- Living Stipend: An annual allowance of approximately $8,196 to cover daily living expenses.
- Travel Support: Round-trip economy airfare to Korea at the start of the program and back home upon completion.
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for sickness and accidents.
- Additional Support: Includes a settlement allowance upon arrival and grants for successful completion of the program.
Eligibility Requirements
The Korean Government Scholarship is highly competitive and maintains strict eligibility rules.
Citizenship & Health
- Citizenship: Applicants and their parents must NOT hold Korean citizenship. You must be a citizen of one of the 156 designated countries.
- Health: Applicants must be in good physical and mental health to ensure they can complete their degree program.
Age Limits
- Undergraduate (KGSP-U): Must be under 25 years of age.
- Graduate (KGSP-G): Must be under 40 years of age.
Academic Background
- Undergraduate Applicants: Must hold a high school diploma.
- Graduate Applicants: Must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
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Grade Requirements: Applicants must have maintained a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 80% or higher. Alternatively, you must meet one of the following GPA scales:
- 2.64 out of 4.0
- 2.80 out of 4.3
- 2.91 out of 4.5
- 3.23 out of 5.0
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The application procedure varies depending on which "track" you choose. You cannot apply for both tracks simultaneously.
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Choose a Track:
- Embassy Track: You submit your documents to the Korean Embassy in your home country.
- University Track: You submit your application directly to a designated Korean university.
- Check Deadlines: Deadlines are not central. Each embassy and university sets its own timeline. You must check the specific website of the institution you are applying to.
- Submit Documents: Prepare all required documents (transcripts, personal statements, etc.) according to the specific guidelines of your chosen track and submit them before the deadline.
Application Deadline
General Timeline: March 2026
(Note: Dates vary significantly by country and university track. Please verify locally.)