KGSP (Korean Government Scholarship Program) — Graduate 2027
About this scholarship
The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), also known as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for graduate students, is funded by the Korean Ministry of Education and administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). It provides comprehensive funding for international students to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees at designated Korean universities. The program includes one year of Korean language training before academic studies begin. Approximately 1,200 scholarships are awarded annually across Embassy and University tracks.
Eligibility
Must be a citizen of an eligible country (list available on NIIED website). Both the applicant and their parents must not hold Korean citizenship. Must hold or be completing a Bachelor's degree (for Master's) or Master's degree (for PhD). Must be under 40 years of age as of September 1 of the enrollment year. Must be in good physical and mental health. Must not have previously received KGSP funding.
Benefits & Coverage
- Full tuition fees for the entire program
- Monthly living allowance of ₩1,000,000 (approximately $750)
- Round-trip international airfare
- Settlement allowance of ₩200,000 upon arrival
- Korean language training for one year (with additional stipend)
- Medical insurance
- Research support allowance for thesis preparation
- Korean proficiency grants for achieving TOPIK levels
Required Documents
- Completed KGSP application form
- Personal statement and study plan
- Two letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of citizenship for applicant and parents
- Health certificate
- Korean and/or English language proficiency proof
- Passport copy
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
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
