Global Korea Scholarship 2026 in South Korea | Fully Funded

Global Korea Scholarship 2026 (which earlier existed as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)) is a fully sponsored scholarship program available to international students wishing to receive a higher education in South Korea. This prestigious scholarship offered by the Ministry of Education (MOE), and NIIED gives a window to undergraduate, master and doctoral education in some of the best universities in Korea.

GKS refers tuition, airfare, stipends and even training in Korean language making it one of the most comprehensive scholarships in the world. It has more than 280 seats of undergraduate applicants in 71 countries that provides access to world-class education and cultural integration in one of the most innovative countries in Asia.

Key Highlights

Detailed Description

The Global Korea Scholarship is an initiative established by the government to facilitate relationship between the South Korea and other countries, in terms of education and cultural exchange. The best student has been able to do this through hundreds of exceptional students who are fully sponsored to study at the most coveted universities of Korea every year.

The applicants may apply through two major channels:

• Embassy Track- applications made in the Korean embassy of your country.
• University Track– Enroll directly with a specific university in Korea.

The process of selection is competitive which means that document screening, interviews and language proficiency checks are taken in some instances. The successful candidates will receive a maximum of one year of, intensive training in the Korean language, after which they will be enrolled on a full time basis to their degree courses of choice.

Benefits

• Full Tuition Coverage- No tuition fee throughout the program.
• Monthly Living Allowance– This includes accommodation, meals and daily expenses.
• Round-Trip Airfare– Free flight tickets on the start and end of the program.
• Korean Language Training – 1-year intense course of the non-Koreans.
• Medical Insurance-Basic health insurance during the period of the scholarship.
• Cultural & Networking Opportunities- Participate in exchange programs, cultural tourism and international networking.

Eligibility Criteria

• Should be a citizen of a qualified country (not a Korean).
• The applicant and parents are not allowed to be Korean nationals.
• Age Limit:

• Academic Requirements:

• The applicants should have good health (they should have a medical certificate).
• Good academic achievements and capability of studying in English or Korean.

Required Documents

• Filled in GKS application form (formal format).
• Academic transcripts and graduation certificates (high school/ bachelor/ master).
• Passport copy or national ID.
• Personal Statement, Study Plan (graduate level needs research proposal).
• Recommendations (2 or more).
• Evidence of language skill (TOPIK, IELTS, or TOEFL – where necessary).
• Medical assessment form.
• Any country specific (check embassy/university).

Application Process

1. Check Announcement: Check with your local Korean embassy or university web site on country details.
2. Make Documents: Obtaining all certified documents and translation.
3. Apply:  Embassy Track: Submit to the Korean embassy in your country (Sept 15–30, 2025), University Track: Apply directly to a participating university (by Oct 31, 2025).
4. Selection Stages: Documentary screening/screening of documents- Interviews/tests- Final review by NIIED.
5. Findings: Final selection will be achieved in January 2026.
6. Visa and Enrolment: The successful candidates continue with the visa and university admission.

Deadline

• Embassy Track Deadline: September 15–30, 2025
• University Track Deadline: October 31, 2025
• Final Results: Announced in January 2026

How to Apply

The official application system is hosted on Study in Korea (NIIED).

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FAQs

1. Can I apply without knowing Korean?
Yes. Most of the programs are conducted in English, though you have to take 1 year course in the Korean language unless exempted.

2. Can I apply for more than one track (Embassy & University)?
No, you have to select one only track. Application to one will disqualify you to the other.

3. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
Not always. It is based on the university and program. Nonetheless, you will have an enhancement in your application with English of Korean proficiency.

4. How many seats are available for GKS 2026?
In case of undergraduates, 280 seats are allocated in 71 countries. Graduate quotas are proclaimed individually.

5. When will I know the final results?
NIIED announces final results in January 2026.

6. Can I bring my family with me?
As a rule, GKS does not meet family costs. You have to seek family visas independently in case you want to have dependants.