Organization: National Institute for International Education (NIIED) / Korean Government
Host country: South Korea
Degree level: Masters, Doctoral
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: March 15, 2026
Eligible countries: All countries (excluding South Korean citizens)
Fields of study: All academic fields offered by designated Korean universities
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly KGSP, is designed to provide international students with an opportunity to conduct advanced studies at higher educational institutions in Korea. Its aim is to promote international exchange in education and mutual friendship between Korea and participating countries. The Graduate program (GKS-G) is distinct in that it includes a mandatory 1-year Korean language course prior to the degree program.
Benefits
Full Tuition Fee Waiver
Monthly Stipend (1,000,000 KRW - approx $750)
Airfare (Economy class, round-trip)
Settlement Allowance (200,000 KRW)
Medical Insurance
Language Training Fee (1 year)
Completion Grant (100,000 KRW)
Research Support Fee (for specific fields)
Eligibility
Must be a citizen of a country other than South Korea
Must be under 40 years of age (born after September 1, 1986)
Must hold a Bachelor's degree (for Master's applicants) or Master's degree (for Doctoral applicants)
Must have a GPA above 80% (2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5) from the previous degree
Must be in good health
Required Documents
GKS Application Form
Personal Statement
Statement of Purpose
Research Proposal (for Research Program)
Two Letters of Recommendation
Official Bachelor's/Master's Degree Certificate (Apostilled)
Official Transcripts (Apostilled)
Proof of Citizenship (Applicant & Parents)
Award/Language Certificates (Optional)
Programs of Study
Master's Degree (1 year Language + 2 years Degree)
Doctoral Degree (1 year Language + 3 years Degree)
Research Program (6 months or 1 year)
Application Process
Choose your application track: Embassy Track (apply to Korean Embassy in your country) or University Track (apply directly to a Korean University)
Download the 2026 guidelines from the 'Study in Korea' website (usually released in Feb)
Complete the forms and gather apostilled documents
Submit the hard copy application to the Embassy or University by their specific deadline (usually late Feb/early March)
Wait for the 1st round interview invitation
How to Apply
Wait for the official announcement in February 2026 on the Study in Korea website
Decide between the Embassy Track (quota varies by country) or University Track (specific universities)
Prepare your documents early (especially Apostilles)
Submit your application package to the relevant Embassy or University before the deadline set by THAT institution
Selection Process
1st Round: Selection by Embassy or University (Document Review + Interview)
2nd Round: Selection by NIIED (Selection Committee)
3rd Round: University Admission (only for Embassy Track applicants)