2 - Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 - Korea

From Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 03:00 PM until Wednesday, 25 February 2026 at 03:00 PM

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 (formerly known as KGSP) is one of the world's most prestigious and highly competitive fully funded programs. Sponsored by the Korean government, this initiative will select more than 2,000 international students from 155 countries to pursue Master’s, Doctoral, or research degrees at top-tier South Korean universities.

This scholarship is designed to foster academic excellence, promote global cultural exchange, and strengthen Korea’s international partnerships. With Korea being a global leader in technology and innovation, scholars gain access to world-class facilities and a vibrant academic environment that balances tradition and modernity.

 

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION GUIDELINE HERE

đź“Ś Scholarship Details

  • Program: Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 – Graduate Degrees

  • Host Agency: National Institute for International Education (NIIED)

  • Location: South Korea

  • Duration: Master's (3 years) / Doctoral (4 years) / Research (6 months – 1 year)

  • Positions: 2,000 Total

  • Financial Coverage: Fully funded

  • Deadline: 25 February 2026 (Online application portal opens 12 February)

đź’° Financial Benefits

  • Full Tuition: 100% coverage of admission and tuition fees.

  • Airfare: Round-trip economy class flight tickets to and from Korea.

  • Stipend: Monthly living allowance (KRW 1,000,000 for Degree; KRW 1,500,000 for Research).

  • Language Training: Full coverage of the 1-year intensive Korean language program.

  • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage throughout the program.

  • Grants: Settlement allowance (KRW 200,000) and research support grants.

  • Proficiency Bonus: Extra KRW 100,000/month for scholars with TOPIK Level 5 or 6.

🧭 Research & Study Areas

Scholars can apply for a wide range of academic fields established by participating universities:

  • Science & Engineering: Including specialized R&D programs.

  • Social Sciences & Humanities: Including Global Network and International Organization tracks.

  • Medicine & Life Sciences: Advanced healthcare and biotechnological research.

  • Arts & Sports: Diverse cultural and physical education programs.

  • Note: Night school, online, and distance learning programs are not applicable.

đź“ť Eligibility

  • Nationality: Applicant and parents must hold non-Korean citizenship.

  • Age: Must be under 40 years old (born after September 1, 1986).

  • Grades: Minimum CGPA of 80% or rank in the top 20% of the previous class.

  • Degree: Master's applicants need a Bachelor’s; PhD applicants need a Master’s (Must graduate by July 31, 2026).

  • Exclusion: Former GKS scholars and those who graduated from a Korean high school or university are generally ineligible.

đź“ť Required Documents

  • GKS Online Application Form (available via Study in Korea portal).

  • Personal Statement & Study Plan.

  • One Recommendation Letter (signed and uploaded).

  • Official Degree Certificates and Academic Transcripts.

  • Proof of Citizenship (Birth certificate or Passport copies).

  • Self-Health Assessment form.

  • Optional: TOPIK or English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) certificates.

🚀 How to Apply

Visit the Study in Korea Online Portal

  1. Choose Your Track: Select either the Embassy Track (apply to the Korean Embassy in your home country) or the University Track (apply directly to one university).

  2. Register Account: Create a membership account on the "Study in Korea" website.

  3. Upload Documents: Fill out the forms and upload all scanned required documents between 12 February and 25 February 2026.

  4. Selection Rounds: Pass the 1st round (Embassy/University), the 2nd round (NIIED evaluation), and the final 3rd round (University matching for Embassy track).

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