The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is one of the most prestigious options available if you want to study in South Korea without breaking the bank, become fluent in Korean, and graduate with a degree that is competitive worldwide. It is South Korea’s premier fully financed government scholarship intended for exceptional foreign students wishing to enroll in top Korean universities for undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate study.
The initiative, which is run by the Ministry of Education’s National Institute for International Education (NIIED), demonstrates the nation’s dedication to developing talent from around the world. With this program, South Korea hopes to foster cultural interchange, improve international cooperation, and create enduring academic and professional ties between Korea and its international partners.
A government-invited initiative, the Global Korea Scholarship provides high-achieving students with extensive academic preparation and significant cultural immersion. The scholarship offers intense Korean language instruction in addition to complete degree programs, which makes it ideal for students who have never spoken the language before. This integrated approach gives students a deeper grasp of Korean culture and society while facilitating their seamless transition to academic life.
GKS is more than simply financial aid; it’s a life-changing opportunity for students to learn, live, and develop in South Korea. Since thousands of applicants vie for a small number of spots each year, success depends on thorough preparation, early planning, and a distinct academic and professional goal.
Host Country: South Korea
University: South Korea Universities
Opportunity Type: Masters, PhD, Bachelor
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality: The candidate must be a non-Korean citizen, as must both parents.
- Age Requirement: Candidates must be less than 40 when they apply.
- Applicants to master’s programs must have a bachelor’s degree.
- A Master’s degree is necessary for candidates to be considered for a PhD program.
- Academic Performance: The most recent degree must have a cumulative GPA of at least 80% or its equivalent.
- Candidates must be in good physical and mental health in order to effectively complete their studies abroad.
Benefits:
- Round-trip airfare: The scholar will receive economy-class international tickets to fly from their home country to Korea at the start of the program and back at the end.
- Full tuition: All university tuition costs are covered for the length of the degree program.
- Korean language training: All expenses for required Korean language classes, including teaching fees, to assist students in adjusting to their new academic and social environment
- A set monthly stipend to cover housing, food, transportation, and other costs of everyday life is known as a monthly living allowance.
- Health insurance: All-inclusive health insurance to cover medical expenses while studying in Korea
- Research and settlement allowances: Funding for academic supplies, research-related activities, and post-arrival initial settling costs
- These advantages guarantee that students won’t have to worry about money while they concentrate entirely on their education and cultural immersion in South Korea.
Deadline: 30 September 2026
