Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027: Fully Funded — Get Free Tuition, Flights & Monthly Stipend in South Korea

What Is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a fully funded scholarship from the South Korean government that pays 100% of tuition, a monthly stipend of ₩900,000–₩1,140,000, round-trip airfare, health insurance, a settlement allowance, and one year of free Korean language training for international undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students. It is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under Korea’s Ministry of Education, and roughly 1,500–2,200 students from over 150 countries are selected every year.

If you are searching for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) (fully funded), here is the short version before we go deep: you apply through either the Embassy Track (via your local Korean embassy) or the University Track (directly to a participating Korean university), you need a GPA equivalent to 80% or higher (or top 20% of your class), you must be under 25 for undergraduate study or under 40 for graduate study, and applications for the Embassy Track typically open between February and April each year.

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) fully funded program is widely regarded as one of the most generous government scholarships in Asia, and this guide breaks down every detail — eligibility, benefits, deadlines, documents, and a step-by-step application process — so you can apply with confidence.

What Is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), was established to promote international educational exchange and strengthen friendship between South Korea and partner nations. It is funded entirely by the Korean government and managed by NIIED, an agency under the Ministry of Education.

Since it began in 1967, GKS has grown into one of the most sought-after fully funded scholarships in the world for one simple reason: it covers everything. There is no tuition bill, no rent to scrape together, and no flight ticket to buy out of pocket. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) fully funded package is designed so that a qualified student, regardless of financial background, can study at a top Korean university without any personal cost.

GKS supports three levels of study:

• GKS-Undergraduate (GKS-U): Bachelor’s degree programs (4–5 years, including a mandatory 1-year language course)
• GKS-Graduate (GKS-G): Master’s and PhD programs across all academic fields
• GKS Research/Special Programs: Short-term research and professor-track programs for select applicants

Fields of study are not restricted — engineering, business, medicine, social sciences, arts, and humanities are all open, giving applicants from every academic background a genuine shot at this fully funded opportunity.

GKS 2027 Key Dates & Deadlines (Updated)

One detail trips up nearly every first-time applicant: the “2027” in Global Korea Scholarship 2027 refers to the year your degree program begins, not the year you submit your application. Most 2027-intake applications are actually submitted in the first half of 2026. Always confirm the live dates on the official NIIED / Study in Korea portal before finalizing your plans, since exact dates shift slightly every year.

Tip: Because the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) fully funded program is oversubscribed every cycle, set a personal deadline at least 3–4 weeks before the official one. This gives you buffer time for notarization, translation, and embassy appointment delays.

Is GKS Really Fully Funded? Full Benefits Breakdown

Yes — the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is genuinely and fully funded. Here is exactly what’s included:

Because the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) fully funded package bundles tuition, housing-equivalent stipend, flights, and insurance together, the total value of a 4-year undergraduate or 2–3 year graduate program often exceeds $40,000–$60,000 USD, depending on the field and duration.

Global Korea Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) fully funded program, applicants generally must meet these conditions:

• Nationality: You and both of your parents must hold non-Korean citizenship.
• Age: Under 25 (as of March 1 of the enrollment year) for undergraduate applicants; under 40 (as of September 1) for graduate applicants. Professors from ODA-recipient countries may apply up to age 45.
• Academic record: A GPA equivalent to 80% or higher, or ranking in the top 20% of your graduating class. On standard scales this is roughly 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0 — though competitive applicants typically score well above the minimum.
• Education level: Completed (or about to complete) secondary school for GKS-U; a completed bachelor’s degree for a master’s application; a completed master’s degree for a PhD application.
• Health: Must be in good physical and mental health to complete the program.
• No prior GKS award: Applicants who previously received a Korean government degree scholarship are ineligible.
• Single application only: You may not submit duplicate applications across multiple tracks or universities in the same cycle.
• Korean language ability is NOT required at application — the mandatory 1-year language course prepares you before your degree begins.

Embassy Track vs. University Track

Choosing the right application route is one of the most important — and most poorly explained — parts of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) fully funded process.

Both routes lead to the exact same fully funded benefits package — the difference is purely in how you get selected, not what you receive.

GKS-Undergraduate vs. GKS-Graduate

Participating Korean Universities

Over 60 Korean universities take part in the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) fully funded program across the Embassy and University tracks, including several top-ranked institutions. Well-known participating universities include:

• Seoul National University
• Korea University
• Yonsei University
• KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)
• Sungkyunkwan University
• Hanyang University
• Ewha Womans University
• Kyung Hee University
• Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
• Chung-Ang University
• Sogang University
• Pusan National University
• Kyungpook National University
• Chonnam National University
• Yeungnam University

Regional and specialized universities across the country also participate, giving applicants a wide spread of location, cost-of-living, and specialization options. Not every university offers every major, so check each school’s approved program list on the official portal before finalizing your University Track choice.

Eligible Countries for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) fully funded program is open to citizens of countries specifically designated by NIIED — generally around 105 ODA-recipient countries feed into the main Embassy and University Track programs, though other specialized GKS tracks (Global Network, R&D, Research) extend eligibility to applicants from a much wider pool of 150+ countries and regions. Importantly, both the applicant and both parents must hold non-Korean citizenship, regardless of which country they’re applying from.

Here is a representative breakdown by region. Always confirm your specific country against the current-cycle notice, since NIIED’s eligible-country list can be revised each year.

A few important notes on eligibility by country:

• Not every listed country qualifies for both tracks. Of the roughly 150 countries and regions invited overall, a smaller subset (often cited around 60+) is specifically eligible for the University Track, while a broader group can apply through the Embassy Track. Confirm your track-specific eligibility on the official notice before choosing a route.
• Some GKS sub-programs are open to virtually any nationality. The Global Network Program, R&D Program, and Research Program under the University Track are generally open to applicants from any country, not just the ODA-recipient list — these are run independently by each participating university.
• If your country isn’t listed, you are not eligible for that specific cycle’s main GKS-U or GKS-G program, though eligibility can change year to year as NIIED periodically updates its invited-country list.
• Dual citizenship with Korea disqualifies you. Even if your primary passport is from an eligible country, holding Korean citizenship (or having a parent who does) makes you ineligible for the main GKS tracks.

Required Documents Checklist

• Completed GKS application form (official NIIED format)
• Personal statement
• Study plan
• Two letters of recommendation
• Academic transcripts (all completed years)
• Diploma or certificate of (expected) graduation
• Proof of citizenship for applicant and both parents
• Medical assessment form
• Copy of passport
• GPA/CGPA conversion table (if your transcript doesn’t already match the accepted scales)
• TOPIK or English proficiency certificate (optional, but boosts your application)
• Research proposal (for PhD applicants)

If you’re unsure how to write a standout personal statement, our step-by-step scholarship personal statement guide breaks down exactly what selection committees look for — the same core principles apply directly to your Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) fully funded application.

How to Apply for the Global Korea Scholarship (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose your track. Decide between the Embassy Track or University Track based on whether you already have a target university.
2. Check the official notice. Visit the Study in Korea portal or your local Korean embassy website for the current cycle’s exact GKS notice and forms.
3. Prepare your documents early. Notarization, apostille, and translation can take weeks — start at least two months before the deadline.
4. Write your personal statement and study plan. These two documents often matter more than raw GPA once you clear the minimum threshold.
5. Secure two recommendation letters from teachers, professors, or academic supervisors.
6. Submit your application to the embassy or your chosen university before the stated deadline.
7. Pass document screening, then attend an interview (in person, by phone, or via video call).
8. Wait for first-round selection, followed by university placement (Embassy Track) or confirmation (University Track).
9. Complete visa and pre-departure formalities once you receive your final Certificate of Admission.
10. Arrive in Korea and begin your mandatory Korean language training, followed by your degree program.

GKS Selection Process & Interview Tips

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) selection process typically runs in two stages: document screening and an interview. Reviewers weigh academic performance, the coherence of your study plan, your motivation for choosing Korea specifically, and how well your background fits your intended field.

• Be specific about why Korea and why this field — vague answers are the most common reason strong applicants get filtered out.
• Know your recommenders’ details; interviewers sometimes ask about them.
• Practice explaining your study plan in under two minutes — clarity matters more than complexity.
• If interviewed in English, speak slowly and confidently; fluency in Korean is not expected or required.

How Competitive Is GKS? Acceptance Rate

With roughly 1,500–2,200 slots split across 150+ countries and tens of thousands of applicants annually, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) fully funded program is highly competitive — generally comparable to a low single-digit to low double-digit percentage acceptance rate, depending on the country quota and degree level. Meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee selection; a strong personal statement, clear study plan, and well-matched recommendation letters are what separate finalists from the rest of the applicant pool.

Common Mistakes That Get GKS Applications Rejected

• Submitting to both the Embassy Track and University Track in the same cycle (this leads to automatic disqualification)
• Missing a signature, notarization, or required stamp on transcripts or citizenship documents
• Vague or generic personal statements that could apply to any country, not specifically Korea
• Applying after already earning a Korean government scholarship for the same degree level
• Ignoring the age cutoff calculation (based on a specific reference date, not the deadline date)
• Choosing a university/major mismatch with your academic background without explaining the connection

People Also Ask: Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) FAQ

1. Is the Global Korea Scholarship really fully funded? Yes. It covers tuition, a monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, a settlement allowance, and one year of Korean language training — making it one of the most complete fully funded packages available to international students.

2. What GPA do I need for GKS? You need a GPA equivalent to 80% or higher, or a place in the top 20% of your graduating class — roughly 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0 depending on your transcript’s scale.

3. Do I need to know Korean to apply for GKS? No. Korean language ability is not required at the application stage. All selected scholars who don’t already hold TOPIK Level 5–6 complete a mandatory, fully funded one-year Korean language course before their degree begins.

4. What is the age limit for the Global Korea Scholarship? Undergraduate applicants must generally be under 25, and graduate applicants must be under 40 (professors from ODA-recipient countries may apply up to age 45), with the exact cutoff based on a specific reference date each cycle.

5. Embassy Track or University Track — which should I choose? Choose the Embassy Track if you’re undecided on a university and want flexibility across up to three choices. Choose the University Track if you already know exactly which Korean university and program you want.

6. How much is the GKS monthly stipend? The base monthly stipend generally ranges from ₩900,000 to ₩1,140,000 depending on degree level and program stage, with an additional ₩100,000/month for scholars who reach TOPIK Level 5 or 6.

7. When does the GKS application open? The Embassy Track application window typically opens between February and April each year, though exact dates vary by country and by whether you’re applying for undergraduate or graduate study.

8. Can I work part-time while on the Global Korea Scholarship? Yes. After completing the Korean language program and obtaining the appropriate visa endorsement, GKS scholars can generally work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during the semester) and full-time during vacation periods.

Related Scholarship Guides

Looking for other fully funded opportunities beyond South Korea? These related guides can help you build a stronger overall scholarship strategy:

• Scholarships For First Generation Students: 15+ Best Awards To Apply Now
• QuestBridge Scholarships: The Ultimate Guide To Win A Full Ride To 55 Top Colleges
• Gates Millennium Scholarship: 7 Powerful Steps To Win
• Ultimate Guide To The Coolidge Scholarship: Full-Ride Merit Award
• The Ultimate Guide To The Morehead-Cain Scholarship: How To Apply

External Resources

1. Study in Korea — Official Government Portal
2. NIIED — National Institute for International Education
3. Korean Ministry of Education

Always cross-check dates, quotas, and documents against these official sources, since NIIED updates its guidelines every cycle. Check other fully funded Master’s scholarships worldwide

Last updated: August 2026. This article covers the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) fully funded program for the 2027 intake cycle. Bookmark this page and check back, as NIIED typically refreshes official guidelines each September for the following year’s cycle.