Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 — Graduate

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly KGSP, is the South Korean government’s flagship fully-funded scholarship for international students. Administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), it covers master’s and doctoral degrees at top Korean universities. The 2027 graduate-track applications typically open in February-March 2027.

• Citizen of an eligible GKS country (over 150 countries)
• Not a holder of Korean citizenship
• Under 40 years old at application (45 for ODA-recipient country professors)
• Master's applicants: hold Bachelor's by 31 July 2027
• PhD applicants: hold Master's by 31 July 2027
• Minimum CGPA 2.64/4.0 or top 20% of class
• Good physical and mental health
• Have not previously received GKS degree scholarship

• Full tuition fees at any participating Korean university (up to KRW 5M/semester covered)
• Monthly stipend: KRW 1,600,000 (~USD 1,200) for graduate students
• Round-trip economy airfare
• 1 year of free Korean language training (KRW 800K-900K/month during this year)
• KRW 200,000 settlement allowance on arrival
• KRW 100,000 monthly research allowance (humanities) or KRW 210,000 (science/engineering)
• Medical insurance (~KRW 30,000/month)
• KRW 800,000 dissertation printing allowance
• TOPIK Level 5/6 bonus: extra KRW 100,000/month

• Choose ONE track: Embassy Track (apply via the Korean Embassy in your home country) or University Track (apply directly to a GKS-designated Korean university)
• Apply by the deadline through the Study in Korea portal, embassy, or university with the required forms (application, personal statement, study plan, recommendation letter) and certificates
• Selection is by NIIED in multiple rounds