The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)—formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)—is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for international students who want to study in South Korea.
Funded by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), this scholarship allows talented students from around the world to pursue undergraduate, associate, master’s, or PhD degrees at top Korean universities such as Seoul National University.
From my experience researching international scholarships and guiding students preparing applications, the GKS program stands out because it covers almost every major study expense—including tuition, flights, and living costs. That makes it one of the best opportunities for students who want to study abroad but cannot afford international tuition fees.
In this guide, you will learn about:
- Benefits of the Global Korea Scholarship
- Eligibility requirements
- Application tracks
- Selection process and timeline
- Practical tips to increase your chances of selection
What Is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?
The Global Korea Scholarship is a government-funded initiative designed to attract international talent and promote cultural exchange.
Through this program, students can study at many of the top universities in Korea while receiving full financial support.
Each year, the Korean government selects hundreds of students worldwide to pursue degrees in fields such as:
- Engineering and technology
- Business and economics
- Social sciences
- Natural sciences
- Korean language and culture
Many participating universities are ranked among the best in Asia, making GKS an excellent opportunity for students who want a high-quality education and international experience.
Financial Benefits of the GKS Scholarship
One reason the Global Korea Scholarship is so competitive is the comprehensive financial support it offers.
The scholarship typically includes:
Round-Trip Airfare
Selected students receive economy class flights between their home country and South Korea.
Full Tuition Coverage
The program covers tuition fees up to 5 million KRW per semester, while universities cover any additional amount if needed.
Korean Language Training
Recipients complete one year of Korean language training before starting their academic program.
Students who already have TOPIK Level 5 or higher may be exempt from the language year.
Monthly Living Stipend
Students receive a monthly allowance depending on their program level.
Typical stipend ranges:
- Undergraduate: around 900,000 KRW
- Graduate programs: up to 1,500,000 KRW
Settlement Allowance
Newly arrived students receive 200,000 KRW to help with initial living expenses.
Medical Insurance
The program provides health insurance coverage for the entire study period.
Research Support and Completion Grant
Graduate students may also receive research funding and a graduation completion grant.
From a student perspective, these benefits mean you can focus on studying and adapting to life in Korea without financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria for the Global Korea Scholarship
Before applying, students must ensure they meet the official eligibility requirements.
Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of a country other than South Korea
- Have parents who are also non-Korean citizens
Age Requirements
Typical limits include:
- Undergraduate / associate degree: under 25 years old
- Graduate programs: under 40 years old
Academic Requirements
Applicants must have strong academic performance.
Usually this means:
- At least 80% average grade, or
- Being in the top 20% of your class
Equivalent GPA examples:
- 2.64 / 4.0
- 2.80 / 4.3
Education Requirements
For undergraduate programs:
- High school graduate before the program start date
- Must not already hold a bachelor’s degree
For graduate programs:
- Must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Must not have previously received a Korean government degree scholarship
Health Requirement
Applicants must be physically and mentally healthy enough to study abroad.
GKS Application Tracks
There are two main ways students can apply for the Global Korea Scholarship.
Embassy Track
In this track, students apply through the Korean embassy in their home country.
Applicants can choose up to three universities, but at least one must be from Type B universities.
The embassy evaluates applications before forwarding them to NIIED.
University Track
Students apply directly to a participating Korean university.
In this track:
- Applicants can apply to only one university
- The university recommends candidates to NIIED
Both tracks eventually go through final evaluation by the Korean government.
Global Korea Scholarship Selection Process
The GKS selection process typically happens in multiple stages.
First Round – Initial Screening
Applications are reviewed by either the embassy or university.
Some candidates may also be invited for interviews.
Second Round – NIIED Evaluation
Shortlisted applications are reviewed by the National Institute for International Education.
Third Round – University Admission
For embassy track applicants, universities evaluate candidates for final admission.
This multi-stage process ensures that the best students are selected.
Application Timeline
Although dates can vary slightly each year, the typical timeline looks like this:
Undergraduate Programs
- Applications open: September – October
- Results announced: December
- Korean language training begins the following year
Graduate Programs
- Applications open: February – April
- Final results announced: May – June
Successful candidates begin their studies after completing the language program.
Practical Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning GKS
After reviewing many successful scholarship profiles, several factors consistently improve an applicant’s chances.
Prepare a Strong Study Plan
Your study plan should clearly explain:
- Why you want to study in Korea
- Your academic goals
- How your education will benefit your home country
Demonstrate Leadership and Activities
Extracurricular activities and leadership roles make your application stronger.
Obtain Strong Recommendation Letters
Letters from professors or academic supervisors can significantly strengthen your profile.
Improve Language Skills
Having TOPIK Level 3 or higher can give you an advantage during the evaluation process.
English test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL can also support your application.
Choose Universities Strategically
When applying through the embassy track, selecting universities carefully can increase admission chances.
Where to Apply for the Global Korea Scholarship
Students should always apply through the official government portal:
The website publishes:
- Application guidelines
- Scholarship announcements
- University lists
- Required forms
Because deadlines change slightly each year, it is important to monitor official updates regularly.
Final Advice for Students Planning to Study in Korea
The Global Korea Scholarship is highly competitive, but it is also one of the most rewarding opportunities for international students.
Based on what I’ve observed while researching international scholarship programs, students who succeed usually:
- Prepare their documents early
- Carefully follow the application instructions
- Submit clear and well-structured study plans
If you start preparing several months before the deadline, your chances of success can increase significantly.
