Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for International Students

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), previously known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and research degrees at top universities in South Korea. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the GKS: its objectives, benefits, eligibility, application process, selection criteria, and tips for a successful application.

Host Country	South Korea
Host Institute	Various institutes in South Korea
Level	Undergraduate, Graduate
Eligible Nationality	All
Scholarship Type	Fully funded
Benefits
Duration	Up to 6 years
Opening Date	Usually September
Closing Date	December/January

Summary of the Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship

Table of Contents

What is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

The GKS is a flagship initiative by the Korean government, administered through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), to attract talented international students to Korean universities. The program aims to foster global educational exchange, promote mutual understanding, and build lasting ties between Korea and participating countries.

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Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for International Students

Why Choose the GKS?

Fully Funded: Covers tuition, airfare, living expenses, insurance, and more.
Academic Excellence: Access to Korea’s top universities and cutting-edge research.
Cultural Immersion: One year of intensive Korean language training and exposure to Korean culture.
Career Opportunities: Enhance your global employability and professional network.

Tracks and Programs Offered

The GKS offers multiple tracks and degree programs:

Track	Description	Application Route
University Track	Apply directly to a Korean university	University’s website
Embassy Track	Apply via the Korean Embassy in your country	Embassy
Global Network	For applicants through international organizations (specialized)	Organization/University

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Degree Levels:

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s, Associate)
Graduate (Master’s, Doctoral)
Research (Short-term, Postdoctoral)

Global Korea Scholarship‘s Benefits

The GKS provides one of the most comprehensive financial packages among global scholarships:

Full Tuition Coverage: 100% of tuition fees paid.
Monthly Living Allowance: KRW 900,000–1,000,000 per month.
Airfare: Round-trip flight tickets.
Settling-in Grant: KRW 200,000 upon arrival.
Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage.
Korean Language Training: One year of intensive language study.
Research Support: Additional funds for research and dissertation costs.
Completion Grants: For successful degree completion.
TOPIK Exam Fees: Covered for Korean proficiency testing.

Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements:

Nationality: Must be a citizen of a country invited by NIIED; Korean citizens and dual nationals with Korean citizenship are not eligible.
Education:
- Undergraduate: High school graduate or expected to graduate before enrollment.
- Graduate: Bachelor’s degree for master’s applicants; master’s degree for doctoral applicants.
GPA: Minimum 80% on a 100-point scale, or top 20% of class; or a CGPA of at least 2.64/4.0 (or equivalent).
Age Limit: Under 25 for undergraduate; under 40 for graduate programs (may vary by year).
Health: Must be in good physical and mental health.

Additional Notes:

Applicants cannot apply to multiple universities under the same track.
Those with a bachelor’s degree cannot apply for another bachelor’s program.

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Application Process

1. Choose Your Track

Embassy Track: Apply via the Korean embassy in your home country. You can select up to three universities.
University Track: Apply directly to one Korean university.
Global Network Track: For applicants through international organizations.

2. Prepare Required Documents

Application form (download from Study in Korea or the relevant institution)
Personal statement and study plan
Letters of recommendation
Academic transcripts and certificates (apostilled or embassy-certified)
Proof of citizenship (applicant and parents)
Medical assessment form
Language proficiency certificates (optional, but recommended for additional points)
Other documents as specified by the university or embassy

3. Submit Your Application

Embassy Track: Send all documents by post to the Korean embassy before the deadline set by your country.
University Track: Submit online and send hard copies to the university’s admissions office.

4. Selection Procedure

Embassy Track:

Embassy reviews applications and conducts interviews.
Embassy recommends candidates to NIIED.
NIIED forwards applications to the selected universities.
Universities review and select final candidates.

University Track:

University reviews applications and nominates candidates.
NIIED reviews and finalizes selection.

Timeline Example (Graduate Programs):

March: Application opens
April-May: First round (embassy/university review)
May-June: NIIED review and final selection
June-July: Announcement of final results

Selection Criteria

Academic Excellence: High GPA and strong academic background.
Personal Statement: Clear motivation, goals, and fit for Korea.
Recommendation Letters: Strong endorsements from academic/professional referees.
Language Proficiency: TOPIK (Korean) or English (IELTS/TOEFL) scores can earn extra points.
Extracurricular Activities: Leadership, community service, and other achievements.

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Tips for a Successful Application

Start Early: Gather documents and prepare your application well in advance.
Personalize Your Statement: Tell your unique story and explain why Korea is your destination.
Highlight Achievements: Showcase academic, professional, and extracurricular accomplishments.
Improve Language Skills: Higher Korean or English proficiency increases your chances.
Follow Instructions: Carefully read the guidelines for your chosen track and university.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I apply to both tracks?
A: No, you must choose either the Embassy Track or the University Track—not both.

Q: Is Korean language proficiency required?
A: Not mandatory, but highly recommended. All recipients must complete one year of Korean language training.

Q: What if I am graduating soon?
A: You can apply with a certificate of expected graduation, but must submit your official certificate before enrollment.

Q: How competitive is the GKS?
A: Extremely competitive, with over 1,200 scholarships for undergraduates and nearly 2,000 for graduates, but with thousands of applicants worldwide.

Important Deadlines & Where to Apply

Application Period: Typically opens in early Fall (September) for graduate programs; deadlines vary by country and university.
Official Website: Study in Korea for guidelines, forms, and announcements.

Conclusion

The Global Korea Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for international students seeking world-class education, full financial support, and a vibrant cultural experience in South Korea. With careful preparation, a compelling application, and a clear academic vision, you can maximize your chances of joining the next generation of global leaders educated in Korea.

For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official GKS guidelines and the websites of participating universities or embassies in your country.

Study in Korea Official Website

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