Fully Funded Verified against official source Applications open

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

Offered by National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Republic of Korea

Global Korea Scholarship is the Korean Government's major international degree scholarship. The 2027 undergraduate guidelines are published and applications follow embassy or university-track schedules.

Current status

Applications open

The 2027 GKS Undergraduate application guidelines were published on 9 September 2026. Submission deadlines and procedures depend on the embassy or university track.

Last verified: 21 September 2026

Next review: 15 October 2026

Quick facts

Current statusApplications open
Study destinationSouth Korea
Degree levelAssociate Degree, Master's, PhD, Undergraduate
FundingFully Funded
DeadlineVaries by course/country
DurationUndergraduate: language training plus degree; graduate: degree duration under current GKS rules
Study subjectsArts & Humanities, Business & Management, Computer Science & IT, Education, Engineering & Technology, Environment & Earth Sciences, Health & Medicine, Law, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences
Pakistan eligibleYes
Last checked21 September 2026

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Is the 2027 GKS call available?

Yes. NIIED published the 2027 Global Korea Scholarship undergraduate guidelines on 9 September 2026. Applicants should use the attached guideline and the relevant embassy or university-track deadline.

What does GKS fund?

The official Study in Korea overview lists tuition, Korean-language training fees, monthly allowances and round-trip airfare as core scholarship benefits.

Who can apply?

Eligibility depends on the GKS-U or GKS-G guideline, nationality quota, age, prior education and academic performance. Applicants must also choose an eligible embassy or university route.

Why is there no single deadline?

Embassy and university tracks receive applications on different schedules. The official guideline gives the process, but applicants must confirm the exact receiving deadline for their route.

What does this scholarship actually cover?

GKS is a Korean Government scholarship supporting international degree study. The official programme overview lists airfare, Korean-language training fees, tuition and monthly allowances among the core benefits.

TuitionFull
Living stipendNot confirmed
AccommodationPartial
TravelFull
Health insuranceUnknown
Visa costsCheck the current GKS guideline for items not specifically covered.

Other verified benefits

Official GKS information lists airfare, Korean language training fees, tuition and monthly allowances as core benefits.

Costs not confirmed or not covered

Personal costs or expenses outside the current GKS guideline remain the student's responsibility.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility differs between GKS Undergraduate and Graduate programmes. Applicants must meet the nationality, age, education and academic-performance requirements stated in the current guideline and apply through an eligible embassy or university track.

The 2027 undergraduate guideline is currently published. Graduate applications follow a separate GKS-G cycle. Applicants must use the current track, country quota, university list and submission instructions.

Prior educationVaries by level: secondary-school completion for undergraduate routes; relevant prior degree for graduate routes.
Minimum gradeCurrent guideline minimum applies
Age ruleProgramme-specific age limit applies
Gender requirementNo restriction
IELTSNot specified
Host institution requiredYes
Supervisor approvalNo
Admission before applicationNo

Eligible countries

GKS country quotas and eligible nationalities are defined in each undergraduate or graduate application guideline.

Language requirements

Language requirements and accepted evidence depend on the current GKS guideline and university programme.

Which documents should you prepare?

  • Passport/ID
  • Degree certificate
  • Academic transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Study plan
  • Two reference letters

Which documents may be required conditionally?

  • English test certificate

What should you do next?

  1. Download the current GKS application guideline.
  2. Choose Embassy Track or University Track if eligible.
  3. Confirm your country quota and eligible universities/departments.
  4. Prepare the forms and required supporting documents.
  5. Submit by the deadline set for your track and receiving institution.

Frequently asked questions

Is GKS fully funded?

GKS provides substantial government funding. The official Study in Korea programme overview lists tuition, Korean-language training fees, monthly allowances and round-trip airfare among its core benefits. Applicants should check the current GKS-U or GKS-G guideline for exact amounts and conditions.

Is the 2027 GKS Undergraduate call open?

The 2027 GKS Undergraduate application guidelines were published by NIIED on 9 September 2026. Deadlines and submission procedures differ by embassy and university track, so applicants should follow the receiving institution's current schedule rather than use one universal deadline.