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The Global Korea Scholarship 2027 also widely known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) is one of Asia’s largest and most comprehensive fully funded government scholarship programmes, offering outstanding international students from over 150 countries the opportunity to pursue undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD study at top Korean universities with full tuition, a monthly living stipend of KRW 1,140,000 (undergraduate degree programme) or KRW 1,000,000 (graduate), one year of funded Korean language training, round-trip economy airfare, and health insurance — all covered by the Korean government through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). The Global Korea Scholarship 2027 is open through two application tracks: the Embassy Track (via the Korean Embassy in your country, opening September 2026) and the University Track (directly to a GKS-designated Korean university, October 2026). Apply through the official Study in Korea portal at studyinkorea.go.kr.
The Global Korea Scholarship 2027 was established to promote international education exchange, nurture future global leaders, and build lasting academic and diplomatic relationships between South Korea and partner nations worldwide. Each year, NIIED selects approximately 367 undergraduate scholars and approximately 2,000 graduate scholars from over 150 countries — making the Global Korea Scholarship one of the most generous and largest government scholarship programmes available to international students in Asia.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Undergraduate (GKS-U) | Graduate (GKS-G) |
| Programme Name | GKS Undergraduate Programme (GKS-U) | GKS Graduate Programme (GKS-G) |
| Administered By | National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Korean Ministry of Education | |
| Eligible Degrees | Bachelor’s (4 years + 1 year Korean language = 5 years total) | Master’s (2 years) / PhD (3 years) + 1 year Korean language |
| Scholars Per Year | ~367 worldwide | ~2,000 worldwide (2026 programme) |
| Eligible Countries | Citizens of countries designated by NIIED (150+ countries) | |
| Tuition Fees | 100% covered (up to KRW 5,000,000/semester; admission fee waived) | 100% covered; admission fees waived by host university |
| Stipend (Language Year) | KRW 1,070,000/month | KRW 1,000,000/month |
| Stipend (Degree Programme) | KRW 1,140,000/month | KRW 1,000,000/month |
| TOPIK Level 5/6 Bonus | +KRW 100,000/month extra | +KRW 100,000/month extra (applies to graduate scholars too) |
| Research Allowance | Not applicable | KRW 210,000/month (humanities/social sciences) | KRW 240,000/month (natural/mechanical sciences) |
| Dissertation Printing Costs | Not applicable | KRW 500,000–800,000 reimbursement (PhD scholars) |
| Settlement Allowance | KRW 200,000 (one-time on arrival) | KRW 200,000 (one-time on arrival) |
| Round-Trip Airfare | Economy class, actual expense | Economy class, actual expense |
| Korean Language Training | 1 year (mandatory before degree) | 1 year (mandatory unless exempted) |
| Health Insurance | Covered | KRW 20,000/month (limited coverage) |
| Age Limit | Under 25 (born after March 1, 2002 for 2027 cycle) | Under 40 as of September 1 of inviting year. Exception: ODA-country professors may be under 45. |
| Minimum GPA | Top 20% of class (~80% or CGPA 2.64/4.0) | CGPA 80% or above (reapplying GKS scholars: 90% or above) |
| Korean Required? | No — TOPIK Level 3 needed to enter degree (after language year) | No — language training included |
| Application Tracks | Embassy Track OR University Track (choose one only) | |
| Embassy Track Opens | September 2026 | |
| University Track Opens | October 2026 | |
| Final Results | January 2027 | |
| Arrival in Korea | Late February 2027 | |
| Application Portal | studyinkorea.go.kr (fully online since 2026) | |
Detail Description
The Global Korea Scholarship 2027 (GKS) — formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) — was established by the South Korean government through NIIED to promote international academic exchange and strengthen South Korea’s educational ties with countries worldwide. The Global Korea Scholarship provides a comprehensive package: full tuition, a generous monthly stipend, one full year of funded Korean language training before the degree starts, settlement allowance on arrival, round-trip economy airfare, and health insurance. For undergraduate scholars, the total value of the scholarship over 5 years (1 language year + 4 degree years) comfortably exceeds USD 100,000 — making it one of the most valuable undergraduate scholarship awards available anywhere in the world.
Benefits
Undergraduate (GKS-U)
- Full Tuition: 100% of tuition fees (up to KRW 5,000,000 per semester). The university waives the admission fee.
- Monthly Stipend — Korean Language Year: KRW 1,070,000 per month
- Monthly Stipend — Degree Programme (4 years): KRW 1,140,000 per month
- TOPIK Proficiency Bonus: Additional KRW 100,000 per month for scholars who achieve TOPIK Level 5 or 6
- Settlement Allowance: KRW 200,000 one-time payment upon arrival in Korea
- Round-Trip Airfare: Economy class actual expense
- Korean Language Training: 1 full year mandatory (TOPIK Level 3 required to enter degree programme after the language year)
- Health Insurance: Covered for the full scholarship period
Graduate (GKS-G) — Master’s and PhD
- Full Tuition: 100% covered. All admission fees waived by the host university.
- Monthly Stipend: KRW 1,000,000 per month
- Research Allowance: KRW 210,000 per month (humanities and social sciences) OR KRW 240,000 per month (natural and mechanical sciences)
- TOPIK Proficiency Bonus: Additional KRW 100,000 per month for scholars with TOPIK Level 5 or 6 — applies to graduate scholars too
- Dissertation Printing Costs (PhD): Reimbursement of KRW 500,000–800,000 depending on actual costs
- Settlement Allowance: KRW 200,000 one-time payment upon arrival
- Round-Trip Airfare: Economy class actual expense
- Korean Language Training: 1 year — may apply for exemption with evidence of Korean proficiency
- Health Insurance: KRW 20,000 per month (limited coverage) — confirmed from official Korea University GKS page
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Undergraduate (GKS-U) | Graduate (GKS-G) |
| Nationality (Hard Stop) | You AND both your parents must hold non-Korean citizenship. If either parent holds Korean citizenship — you are NOT eligible. NIIED verifies this. | |
| Age (Hard Stop) | Under 25 — born after March 1, 2002 for the 2027 cycle | Under 40 as of September 1 of inviting year. Exception: ODA-country professors may apply up to age 45. |
| Education (Hard Stop) | Must have completed (or will complete) all 12 years of secondary school by February 2027. Currently enrolled in Korean high school: NOT eligible. | Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s) or Master’s degree (PhD) by July 31 of the inviting year |
| GPA (Hard Stop) | Top 20% of class — approximately 80% or CGPA 2.64/4.0. Borderline GPAs reviewed against class rank. | CGPA 80% or above. Reapplying GKS scholars must have 90% or above. |
| Health | Must be in good physical and mental health. Medical check is part of post-selection process. | |
| Prior Korea Study | Must NOT have previously studied a Bachelor’s or higher degree in Korea on any scholarship | Must NOT have already obtained a degree from a Korean university or graduate school (exceptions: overseas adoptees, previous GKS scholars reapplying) |
| Dual Track Ban (Hard Stop) | You can apply to ONE track only (Embassy OR University). Applying to both simultaneously results in DISQUALIFICATION. | |
Embassy Track vs University Track — Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Embassy Track | University Track |
| How to Apply | Apply online via Study in Korea portal — routed through Korean Embassy in your country | Apply directly to one GKS-designated Korean university |
| University Choice | Can list up to 3 universities in order of preference | Apply to one university only |
| Who Selects | Korean Embassy (1st round) → NIIED (2nd round) → University (3rd round — admission) | University (1st round) → NIIED (final round) |
| Best For | Applicants who want flexibility; unsure of single university | Applicants certain of their preferred Korean university |
| Opens | September 2026 | October 2026 |
| Key Rule | ⚠️ You can ONLY choose ONE track. Applying to both = automatic disqualification. | |
Required Documents
- Completed GKS application form — downloaded from studyinkorea.go.kr and submitted online
- Personal Statement and Study Plan — graduate applicants also need a research proposal
- Academic transcripts and graduation certificates — with certified translations if not in English or Korean
- Two letters of recommendation
- Passport copy — valid passport or national ID
- Medical certificate — confirming physical and mental health
- Language proficiency evidence (if applicable) — TOPIK, IELTS/TOEFL (not always mandatory — check your programme)
- Family relationship certificate — confirming non-Korean citizenship of both parents
Application Process
Step 1: Monitor the Official Announcement — From September 2026
Go to studyinkorea.go.kr from September 2026. The 2027 cycle official guidelines and application forms will be published here. Also check your country’s Korean Embassy website for country-specific quota information.
Step 2: Choose Your Track and Stick to It
Embassy Track (September 2026, up to 3 university choices) OR University Track (October 2026, one university only). Research GKS-designated universities at studyinkorea.go.kr. You can ONLY apply to one track — applying to both results in automatic disqualification.
Step 3: Prepare All Required Documents
Download the official GKS application form from studyinkorea.go.kr when the 2027 guidelines are published. Prepare transcripts, graduation certificates (certified translations if not in English or Korean), two recommendation letters, passport copy, personal statement, study plan, and medical certificate. Graduate applicants also need a research proposal. Inconsistent or incomplete documents may result in disqualification.
Step 4: Submit Online Application Before the Deadline
Submit through the online Study in Korea portal at studyinkorea.go.kr. Since 2026, all GKS applications are submitted online — no paper submissions. Check your specific embassy or university deadline — exact dates vary by country and institution.
Step 5: Selection Process
Embassy Track: (1) Korean Embassy 1st round; (2) NIIED 2nd round; (3) University 3rd round for admission — candidates must receive admission from at least one listed university to be finally selected. University Track: (1) University 1st round; (2) NIIED final round. Final selections announced January 2027, arrival in Korea late February 2027.
How to Apply
Also Check
- 📌 Chinese Government Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded CSC Scholarship for International Students
- 📌 MEXT Japan Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded Japanese Government Scholarship
- 📌 Commonwealth Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded Master’s and PhD in the UK
- 📌 Fulbright Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded US Government Scholarship for International Students
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Global Korea Scholarship 2027?
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 is a fully funded Korean government scholarship for international students to pursue undergraduate (4 years + 1 language year), Master’s (2 years + 1 language year), or PhD (3 years + 1 language year) study at designated Korean universities. It covers 100% of tuition, monthly stipend of KRW 1,140,000 (undergraduate degree year) or KRW 1,000,000 (graduate), one full year of Korean language training, round-trip airfare, settlement allowance, research allowance (graduate), and health insurance. Administered by NIIED. Apply via studyinkorea.go.kr.
2. When does the Global Korea Scholarship 2027 open?
The Global Korea Scholarship 2027 Embassy Track opens September 2026. University Track opens October 2026. Official announcement published at studyinkorea.go.kr. Final results: January 2027. Arrival in Korea: late February 2027.
3. What is the GKS monthly stipend in 2027?
Undergraduate: KRW 1,070,000/month (language year) and KRW 1,140,000/month (degree programme). Graduate: KRW 1,000,000/month + research allowance of KRW 210,000/month (humanities/social sciences) or KRW 240,000/month (natural/mechanical sciences). Both undergraduate and graduate scholars with TOPIK Level 5 or 6 receive an additional KRW 100,000/month bonus. All scholars receive a one-time KRW 200,000 settlement allowance on arrival. PhD scholars also receive KRW 500,000–800,000 dissertation printing cost reimbursement.
4. Can I apply if one of my parents is Korean?
No. Both the applicant and both parents must hold non-Korean citizenship. If either parent holds Korean citizenship, you are NOT eligible — regardless of your own citizenship. NIIED verifies this through family relationship certificates. No exceptions.
5. Can I apply through both the Embassy Track and University Track?
No. You must choose ONE track only. Applying to both simultaneously results in automatic disqualification from both. Embassy Track allows up to 3 university preferences. University Track applies to one specific university.
6. Do I need to know Korean to apply for GKS 2027?
No. All GKS scholars participate in a 1-year Korean language training programme before their degree starts. After the language year, scholars must reach TOPIK Level 3 to enter their degree programme. TOPIK scores or IELTS/TOEFL scores can strengthen your application but are not always mandatory.
7. How many GKS scholarships are available in 2027?
Approximately 367 undergraduate scholars are selected worldwide each year. For graduate programmes, the Korean government invited approximately 2,000 international students in 2026. The exact 2027 quota will be confirmed in the official announcement at studyinkorea.go.kr in September 2026. Country-specific quotas vary — check your Korean Embassy website.
Final Thoughts
The Global Korea Scholarship 2027 is one of the most generous and comprehensive government scholarship programmes available to international students anywhere in the world. With a monthly stipend of KRW 1,140,000 (undergraduate) or KRW 1,000,000 (graduate), 100% tuition coverage, research allowances, dissertation cost reimbursement for PhD scholars, one full year of funded Korean language training, round-trip airfare, settlement allowance, and health insurance — the GKS provides a complete financial package that makes studying in South Korea genuinely debt-free. The Global Korea Scholarship 2027 Embassy Track is expected to open in September 2026 — start preparing your documents today. For all official information on the Global Korea Scholarship 2027, visit studyinkorea.go.kr.
