The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a Korean Government scholarship for international students who want to study in South Korea.
For 2026, the program has 2,000 seats for international students who want to study for a Master’s or PhD degree in Korea.
The scholarship is managed by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).
GKS Graduate Scholarship Programs
The GKS Graduate program offers the following study options:
- Master’s Degree
- Doctoral Degree
- Research Program
- R&D Program
- Global Network Program
Study Duration
Master’s Degree
- 1 year Korean language program
- 2 years Master’s degree
Total: 3 years
Doctoral Degree
- 1 year Korean language program
- 3 years PhD
Total: 4 years
Research Program
- 6 months or 1 year
Global Network Program
- Up to 2 years
Some students may be exempt from the Korean language program depending on their program or TOPIK level.
GKS Application Tracks
There are two main ways to apply for GKS:
- Embassy Track
- University Track
For 2026, the total GKS Graduate quota is 2,000 scholarships.
The Embassy Track includes 776 General scholarships and 24 scholarships for Overseas Korean/Adoptee applicants.
The University Track includes different programs such as General, R-GKS, Research, R&D and Global Network.
The R&D and Global Network programs are selected by participating universities according to their own rules and admission requirements.
GKS Participating Universities
GKS applicants can apply only to universities and departments listed in the official University Information file.
Programs that are offered only online, through distance learning, at night, or as short-term programs are not eligible.
Type A Universities
Some Type A universities include:
- Ajou University
- Chung-Ang University
- Dankook University
- DGIST
- Dongguk University
- Ewha Womans University
- GIST
- Hanyang University
- Hongik University
- Incheon National University
- Inha University
- KAIST
- Korea University
- Kyung Hee University
- POSTECH
- Seoul National University
- SeoulTech
- Sogang University
- Sungkyunkwan University
- UNIST
- University of Seoul
- Yonsei University
Type B Universities
Some Type B universities include:
- Chonnam National University
- Chosun University
- Chungbuk National University
- Chungnam National University
- Daegu University
- Dong-A University
- Gyeongsang National University
- Inje University
- Jeju National University
- Jeonbuk National University
- Kangwon National University
- Kyungpook National University
- Pusan National University
- Pukyong National University
- University of Ulsan
- Wonkwang University
- Yeungnam University
Applicants should always check the latest official university list before applying.
Embassy Track University Choice
Embassy Track applicants can choose up to three different universities.
At least one of the three universities must be a Type B university.
You cannot choose three different departments from the same university.
Choosing universities carefully is important because you may be rejected by all three universities during the final university selection stage.
University Track
University Track applicants normally apply to one university and one department.
Depending on the program, applicants may apply for:
- General
- R-GKS
- Research
- R&D
- Global Network
The university may have additional admission requirements. Applicants should check the university website before submitting their application.
GKS Graduate Scholarship Quota
The 2026 GKS Graduate program has a total of 2,000 places.
Embassy Track
- General: 776
- Overseas Korean/Adoptee: 24
- Total: 800
University Track
- General: 160
- R-GKS: 480
- Research: 5
- R&D: 403
- Global Network: 80
The remaining quota is included in the program structure according to the official guidelines.
Pakistan GKS Quota
For the Embassy Track General program, Pakistan has 8 places.
For the University Track, Pakistan has:
- General: 2
- R-GKS: 15
- Total: 17
These quotas are part of the figures listed in the provided GKS guidelines.
GKS Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the required conditions before applying.
1. Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of countries invited to participate in GKS.
The applicant and parents must not have Korean citizenship.
Applicants with dual citizenship that includes Korean citizenship are not eligible.
If the applicant or parents previously had Korean citizenship, they must provide official proof that Korean citizenship was given up.
Applicants from all countries may apply for some programs such as R&D and International Organization programs.
2. Education Requirement
Applicants must have the required previous degree for the program.
For Master’s
You must have a Bachelor’s degree.
For Doctoral Degree
You must have a Master’s degree.
For Research Programs
The required previous degree depends on the specific research program.
Students who are expected to graduate may also apply if they can provide an expected graduation certificate and meet the final document deadline.
3. Academic Grades
Applicants must meet at least one of the following academic requirements:
- CGPA of at least 2.64/4.0
- CGPA of at least 2.80/4.3
- CGPA of at least 2.91/4.5
- CGPA of at least 3.23/5.0
Another option is:
- 80% or higher on a 100-point scale
Or:
- Rank within the top 20% of the class
Applicants must provide an official transcript showing their CGPA or class ranking.
If the transcript does not use one of the accepted GPA systems, the applicant may need to submit a converted transcript.
4. Age Requirement
Applicants generally must be under 40 years old.
Academic professors from eligible ODA recipient countries may apply if they are under 45 years old.
Applicants should check the birth-date requirement in the official guidelines for the specific year.
5. Korean Language Ability
Applicants who already have a valid TOPIK or TOPIK IBT certificate may submit it.
The provided guidelines recognize specific TOPIK and TOPIK IBT exam results.
Applicants without a TOPIK certificate can still apply where the program allows it.
GKS scholars normally need to reach TOPIK Level 3 before starting their degree program.
Some universities or departments may require a higher level such as TOPIK Level 4.
6. Health Requirement
Applicants must be physically and mentally healthy enough to study in Korea for the full scholarship period.
GKS Application Restrictions
Some applicants cannot apply for GKS.
You cannot apply if you:
- Graduated from a Korean high school
- Graduated from a Korean university
- Are currently in the final year of a Korean university
- Completed an online curriculum from a Korean high school or university in Korea
- Previously received certain Korean Government scholarships
- Were previously selected for a GKS program and withdrew or were disqualified under the stated restrictions
Duplicate Applications
Applicants must not submit duplicate applications.
Embassy Track applicants cannot apply through multiple GKS programs.
University Track applicants must choose only one applicable program.
University Track applicants must apply to one university and one department.
If duplicate applications are discovered, the application can be excluded and the scholarship can be cancelled.
How to Apply for GKS
Embassy Track
Embassy Track applications are submitted online through the Study in Korea website.
Applicants need to:
- Create an account.
- Complete the application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Check all information carefully.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
University Track
University Track applications are submitted directly to the university.
Also read: 96th TOPIK Test Papers 2026, Answer Keys and Audio
The university may require applications to be sent:
- By post
- In person
Each university can have its own application deadline and additional requirements.
Applicants should check the official university website before applying.
GKS Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare several documents.
The exact documents can vary depending on the application track and program.
Main Documents
The main documents include:
- Application Form
- Personal Statement
- Study Plan
- Research Proposal, where required
- One Letter of Recommendation
- GKS Applicant Agreement
- Personal Medical Assessment
- Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information
- Proof of Citizenship
- Proof of Family Relationship
- Graduation Certificate
- Academic Transcript
- Passport Copy, where required
- TOPIK or English test result, if available
- Awards and other supporting documents, if available
The provided guidelines list these documents for Embassy and University Track applications.
Letter of Recommendation
Applicants need one recommendation letter.
The letter should normally be written by someone who knows the applicant’s academic ability.
Examples include:
- Professor
- Department Head
- Academic supervisor
- Relevant specialist
For Embassy Track, applicants must use the required GKS recommendation form and upload a signed copy during the first stage.
The original recommendation letter may be required later.
Graduation Certificate
Applicants must submit an official graduation certificate, degree certificate, or diploma.
The document should show the graduation or degree completion date.
Temporary documents such as attendance certificates or temporary completion records are generally not accepted as final graduation proof.
Students who are still completing their degree may apply with an expected graduation certificate if they meet the required conditions.
Academic Transcript
Applicants must submit an official academic transcript from their previous university.
The transcript should show the applicant’s academic results.
If the CGPA is not shown in an accepted GPA system, a converted transcript may be required.
The conversion should be officially confirmed by the relevant university.
A transcript without CGPA or ranking information may create problems during evaluation.
Apostille and Consular Confirmation
Some required certificates must be apostilled or consular confirmed.
If documents are written in a language other than English or Korean, applicants may need to provide:
- A certified translation
- Apostille or consular confirmation
Applicants from countries that are members of the Apostille Convention should follow their country’s apostille procedure.
Simple photocopies of apostilled documents are generally not accepted unless they meet the specified certified-copy requirements.
Digital certificates may also need apostille or consular confirmation.
Applicants should carefully follow the document rules given for their application track.
GKS Selection Process
The selection process has several stages.
Embassy Track
The process is generally:
Step 1: Korean Embassy selects candidates
↓
Step 2: Selected applications are sent to NIIED
↓
Step 3: NIIED conducts the second selection
↓
Step 4: Universities review Embassy Track candidates
↓
Step 5: Final GKS scholars are announced
University Track
The process is generally:
Step 1: University selects candidates
↓
Step 2: University sends successful applications to NIIED
↓
Step 3: NIIED conducts the second selection
↓
Step 4: Final successful candidates are announced
GKS Application Schedule
The exact dates can change each year.
According to the provided guidelines, the Embassy Track application period was scheduled for February 12 to February 25.
The Embassy Track first-round results were scheduled for March.
Successful applications were then sent to NIIED.
The second round was expected around May.
Embassy Track candidates who passed the second round were reviewed by the universities they selected.
Final results were expected in late June 2026.
University Track deadlines were decided by individual universities.
Applicants must always check the latest announcements from their embassy or university.
Application Form Important Points
Applicants should be very careful when completing the application.
University Name
- Write the official name of the university.
- Use the university and department listed in the official University Information file.
- Writing an incorrect department can cause problems with the application.
Applicant Name
Your English name must match your passport.
Differences in your first name, middle name, or family name can cause problems later, including visa processing.
Documents
Check every document before submission.
Documents should be:
- Complete
- Correct
- Authentic
- In the required order
- Properly signed
Documents should normally be prepared in A4 or letter size.
Evaluation Process
GKS applications are reviewed based on several factors.
Qualification Review
The selection committee checks:
- Citizenship
- Education
- Academic grades
- Required documents
- Other eligibility requirements
Competency Review
The committee also checks the applicant’s overall academic and personal qualifications.
An interview may be used at some stages.
The provided guidelines state that there is no oral interview during the second NIIED selection round.
Document Verification
NIIED may check information in the application with relevant universities or governments when necessary.
False or incorrect information can cause an application to be rejected.
Also read: What Is TOPIK? Complete Guide to the Korean Language Test
Additional Points
Some applicants may receive additional points.
According to the provided guidelines:
- TOPIK Level 3 or higher: 10% additional points
- Direct descendants of Korean War veterans: 5% additional points
- Applicants to science and engineering departments: 5% additional points
English and Korean Language Scores
The guidelines include score levels for TOPIK, TOEFL iBT and IELTS.
Higher language scores can receive higher evaluation points.
If an applicant submits more than one score report, only the highest valid score is considered.
Evaluation Preferences
The guidelines mention additional consideration for some groups, including:
- Overseas Koreans
- Applicants from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds
- Applicants applying to natural science and engineering programs at Regional Type B universities
- Certain academic professors
- Applicants with strong English test scores
- Some Postdoctoral Research applicants in science and engineering
These preferences do not guarantee selection.
Final GKS Announcement
After all selection stages, NIIED announces the final successful candidates.
Embassy Track applicants can check their results through the Study in Korea My Page.
Successful candidates receive further information about:
- University admission
- Entry to Korea
- Scholarship arrangements
- Other required procedures
NIIED also sends the final list to the relevant embassies and universities.
Choosing the Final University
Embassy Track applicants who pass the university selection stage must submit their final university choice to NIIED.
Once the final university decision is made, it cannot normally be changed.
Applicants should therefore consider their university choices carefully before submitting them.
Withdrawing from GKS
A successful candidate who wants to withdraw must submit a signed scholarship renunciation letter.
Once the scholarship is officially given up, it cannot be reversed.
Candidates who give up the scholarship before enrollment may also face restrictions on applying for GKS again for the next three years.
Graduation Documents After Selection
Students who apply with an expected graduation certificate must submit their final graduation certificate and final transcript by the required deadline.
Failure to provide the required documents can result in cancellation of the scholarship.
Selected students should prepare several authenticated copies of their graduation documents before traveling to Korea.
These documents may be needed for:
- University admission
- Visa processing
- Immigration procedures
Students Already Living in Korea
Students who are already living in Korea with a Korean visa may have additional visa requirements.
They should contact the Korean Immigration Office after receiving the final result.
Students should confirm whether they need to change or obtain a new visa.
Travel Support
Selected GKS scholars receive support for their initial travel to Korea under the scholarship rules.
The university normally purchases an economy-class one-way ticket for the selected scholar.
If a scholar has to buy the ticket because of unavoidable circumstances, the university may reimburse the eligible airfare after arrival.
Travel support may not be provided when a scholar travels to Korea from a country other than their country of citizenship.
Special rules may apply to scholars from certain countries.
GKS Scholarship Duration
Master’s Degree
3 years
- 1 year Korean language program
- 2 years Master’s degree
Doctoral Degree
4 years
- 1 year Korean language program
- 3 years PhD
Research Program
6 months or 1 year
Global Network Program
Up to 2 years
GKS Scholarship Benefits
The GKS scholarship provides several types of financial support.
Benefits listed in the provided guidelines include:
- Airfare
- Tuition support
- Korean language training
- Study support
- Living support according to the scholarship payment rules
- Other applicable grants
Airfare
Selected scholars receive an economy-class flight ticket according to the GKS rules.
Tuition
For the degree program, tuition support is provided according to the scholarship guidelines.
The provided information states:
- NIIED: up to 5 million KRW
- The university covers the amount above 5 million KRW and admission fee where applicable.
Korean Language Training
The Korean language program fee is covered according to the scholarship rules.
The provided guidelines list:
14,400,000 KRW per year for the Korean language program.
Study Support
The guidelines list the following annual amounts:
- Korean language program: 14,400,000 KRW
- Graduate degree program: 16,560,000 KRW
- Research program: 20,880,000 KRW
These amounts are subject to the official GKS payment rules.
TOPIK Level 5 or 6
Students who already have TOPIK Level 5 or 6 may be exempt from the Korean language program according to the applicable rules.
Some successful scholars may also receive a Korean Proficiency Grant.
Specific programs and applicants may have different rules.
Important Scholarship Rules
If a GKS scholar withdraws within the first three months after enrollment, they may have to return the scholarship money they have already received.
This can include:
- Airfare
- Settlement allowance
- Monthly allowance
- Tuition
- Other scholarship payments
Even after three months, some payments may need to be returned or deducted if the student’s scholarship status changes.
Other Important Notes
Applicants are responsible for mistakes in their applications.
This includes:
- Incorrect information
- Missing documents
- Missing signatures
- Incorrect university or department information
- Other application errors
The reasons for passing or failing each selection stage are not normally disclosed.
Applicants are responsible for their visa application.
If a visa is rejected or is not issued within the required entry period, the scholarship may be cancelled.
Selection announcements are posted on the official GKS Notice section of the Study in Korea website.
Applicants should check the website regularly because results may not be sent individually.
Applicants should also check their email regularly because embassies, universities or NIIED may contact them directly.
Useful Korean Government Websites
Applicants should use official sources for the latest information.
Study in Korea
The Study in Korea website publishes GKS announcements and application information.
Korean Language Learning
The Sejong Hakdang website provides Korean language learning information.
Korea.net
Korea.net provides information about Korea.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website provides official foreign affairs information.
Visa and Immigration
The Korean Immigration and HiKorea websites provide information about visas and immigration.
Final Summary
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Graduate Program provides international students with an opportunity to study in South Korea.
The program offers scholarships for Master’s, Doctoral, Research, R&D and Global Network programs.
Applicants must meet the requirements for:
- Nationality
- Education
- Academic grades
- Age
- Language ability
- Health
- Required documents
There are two main application routes: Embassy Track and University Track.
Embassy Track applicants can choose up to three universities, while University Track applicants normally choose one university and one department.
Because requirements and deadlines can change, applicants should always check the latest official GKS announcement before submitting an application.
