Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2028
About this scholarship
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is funded by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education. It supports outstanding international students pursuing undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD degrees at Korean universities. The scholarship includes a one-year Korean language training program before academic studies begin. South Korea is a global leader in technology, K-pop culture, and advanced manufacturing, with world-class universities.
Eligibility
- Must be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with South Korea
- Must not hold Korean citizenship
- For undergraduate: applicants must be under 25 years old and have completed secondary education
- For Master's: must hold a bachelor's degree, under 40 years old
- For PhD: must hold a master's degree, under 40 years old
- Must be in good health
- Must have a GPA equivalent of 80% or higher from previous institution
- Must not have previously received a GKS scholarship
Benefits & Coverage
- Full tuition coverage at the chosen Korean university
- Monthly living allowance of KRW 1,000,000 (approx. USD 750)
- Round-trip international airfare
- Settlement allowance of KRW 200,000 upon arrival
- Korean language training (1 year) with additional KRW 150,000/month allowance
- Health insurance coverage
- Research support of KRW 210,000-240,000/semester for graduate students
- Thesis printing support of KRW 500,000-800,000
- Korean language proficiency grant (KRW 100,000/month if TOPIK Level 5-6 achieved)
Required Documents
GKS Application Form (provided by embassy or university), Personal Statement describing study plan and motivation, Two recommendation letters from professors or professionals, Official academic transcripts from all institutions, Degree certificates (with official translations if not in English or Korean), Certificate of citizenship or nationality, Medical examination report (including HIV test), Korean or English language proficiency certificate, Research proposal (for PhD applicants), Passport copy, Family relation certificate (for parent nationality verification)
How to Apply
- 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
