The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a Korean government scholarship for international students who want to study in South Korea.

For the 2026 graduate scholarship program, there are 2,000 places for international students who want to study for a Master’s or PhD degree in Korea.

The scholarship can cover tuition, airfare, Korean language training and other study-related costs.

GKS Graduate Scholarship 2026 – Quick Summary

Information	Details
Scholarship	Global Korea Scholarship
Country	South Korea
Study Level	Master’s, PhD and Research
Total Graduate Places	2,000
Main Tracks	Embassy Track and University Track
Master’s Duration	3 years
PhD Duration	4 years
Research Duration	6 months or 1 year
Minimum Academic Level	80% or equivalent GPA requirement
General Age Limit	Under 40
Korean Language	TOPIK may provide benefits or exemption in eligible cases
Tuition	Covered according to GKS rules
Airfare	Economy-class airfare
Korean Language Training	Covered for eligible programs
Application	Embassy or university depending on track

What Is the Global Korea Scholarship?

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) gives international students a chance to study at universities in South Korea.

The program aims to increase international education exchange and build better relationships between Korea and other countries.

The Korean Government Scholarship programs were combined under the name Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) in 2010.

GKS Graduate Scholarship Programs

The GKS Graduate program includes the following study options:

Program	Duration
Master’s Degree	1 year Korean language + 2 years degree
Doctoral Degree	1 year Korean language + 3 years degree
Research Program	6 months or 1 year

The Korean language program may not be required for some students who meet the language exemption rules.

GKS Graduate Scholarship Quota

The 2026 GKS Graduate program has a total of 2,000 places.

The places are divided between different programs and application tracks.

Track / Program	Places
Embassy Track	800
University Track	1,200
Total	2,000

The University Track includes programs such as General, R-GKS, Research, R&D and Global Network.

The R&D and Global Network programs are selected by the participating universities according to their own rules and admission requirements.

GKS Application Tracks

There are two main ways to apply for the GKS Graduate Scholarship:

1. Embassy Track
2. University Track

Your application process depends on the track you choose.

Embassy Track

Under the Embassy Track, you apply through the Korean Embassy in your country.

For the General program, applicants can choose up to three universities.

However, at least one of the three universities must be a Type B university.

You cannot choose three different departments from the same university.

University Track

Under the University Track, you apply directly to a participating Korean university.

You can apply to one university and one department.

Different University Track programs have different university and department options.

GKS Participating Universities

GKS universities are divided into Type A and Type B institutions.

Some Type A universities include:

• Ajou University
• Chung-Ang University
• Dankook University
• DGIST
• Dongguk University
• Ewha Womans University
• GIST
• Hanyang University
• KAIST
• Korea University
• Kyung Hee University
• POSTECH
• Seoul National University
• Sogang University
• Sungkyunkwan University
• UNIST
• University of Seoul
• Yonsei University

Some Type B universities include:

• Chonnam National University
• Chosun University
• Chungbuk National University
• Chungnam National University
• Daegu University
• Gyeongsang National University
• Jeju National University
• Jeonbuk National University
• Kangwon National University
• Kyungpook National University
• Pusan National University
• University of Ulsan
• Wonkwang University
• Yeungnam University

The official university list should always be checked before applying because universities and departments can have specific requirements.

Fields of Study

Applicants can choose academic fields offered by participating GKS universities.

However, you can only apply to universities and departments listed in the official University Information file.

The following types of programs are not covered:

• Evening or night programs
• Short-term programs
• Online programs
• Distance-learning programs

GKS R&D Program

The GKS R&D program is designed for students studying science and technology-related fields.

The program has 403 places.

Some available fields include:

• Computer Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Mechanical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Data Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Robotics

The R&D program is available to applicants from countries around the world.

GKS Global Network Program

The Global Network program has 80 places.

It is available at selected universities and focuses on areas such as:

• International Development
• Educational Technology
• Design Management
• Arts and Cultural Management
• Public Policy
• Development Policy
• Public Management
• International Logistics
• Public Administration

Participating universities include:

• Ajou University
• Gyeongkuk National University
• Hongik University
• KDI School of Public Policy and Management
• Pusan National University
• Seoul National University

GKS Graduate Scholarship Eligibility

Before applying, you should check whether you meet the basic GKS requirements.

1. Nationality

Applicants must be citizens of a country invited to participate in the GKS program.

The applicant and their parents must not hold Korean citizenship.

Applicants with dual citizenship that includes Korean citizenship are not eligible.

If an applicant or their parents previously had Korean citizenship, they must provide official documents showing that Korean citizenship was given up.

Applicants from all countries can apply for some programs such as the R&D and International Organization programs.

2. Education Requirements

The required previous degree depends on the program.

For a Master’s Degree

You need a Bachelor’s degree.

For a Doctoral Degree

You need a Master’s degree.

For Research Programs

The required education level depends on the specific research program.

Applicants who are expected to graduate by the required deadline may also apply if they provide an expected graduation certificate and academic records.

They must later submit their final graduation certificate and final transcript by the deadline given by NIIED.

3. Academic Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum academic score requirement.

Your previous degree program must meet at least one of these conditions:

• CGPA above 2.64 out of 4.0
• CGPA above 2.80 out of 4.3
• CGPA above 2.91 out of 4.5
• CGPA above 3.23 out of 5.0
• At least 80% on a 100-point scale
• Ranked within the top 20% of your class

You must provide an official academic transcript showing your CGPA or class ranking.

If your university uses a different GPA system, you may need to provide an officially verified GPA conversion.

4. Age Limit

Applicants must normally be under 40 years old.

For the 2026 program, the general requirement is to be born after September 1, 1986.

Academic professors from eligible ODA recipient countries may be eligible up to the age of 45.

For these applicants, the birth date requirement is after September 1, 1981.

5. Korean Language Requirement

Some applicants may be able to enter the degree program without completing the full Korean language course.

Applicants who achieve TOPIK Level 3 or higher may meet the language requirement for certain cases.

Some departments may require a higher TOPIK level.

Also read: GKS-G Scholarship 2027 – Global Korea Scholarship

For example, a university or department may require TOPIK Level 4.

Therefore, always check the language requirement of your chosen university and department.

6. Health Requirement

Applicants must be in good physical and mental health and should be able to study in Korea for the full scholarship period.

Who Cannot Apply?

Some applicants are not eligible for GKS.

A person who graduated from a Korean high school or Korean university cannot apply.

This also includes certain online programs from Korean schools or universities.

Students who are currently in their final year at a Korean university may also be excluded.

Previous Korean Government Scholarship

A person who has previously received a Korean government scholarship may not be eligible.

Applicants who previously studied in a degree program through another Korean government-sponsored scholarship may also be excluded.

Applicants who withdrew from or were disqualified from a GKS program may also be subject to restrictions.

Duplicate Applications

You cannot submit duplicate applications.

For example:

• An Embassy Track candidate who passes the first round cannot apply again through the University Track.
• Embassy Track applicants can apply to only one program under that track.
• University Track applicants can apply to only one program.
• University Track applicants can apply to only one university and one department.

If duplicate applications are found, the application can be excluded.

Even if the duplicate application is discovered later, the scholarship can be cancelled.

How to Apply for GKS Graduate Scholarship

The application method depends on your application track.

Embassy Track Application

• Embassy Track applicants apply online through the Study in Korea website.
• You need to create an account and complete the online application.
• You will also need to upload the required documents.

University Track Application

• University Track applicants apply directly to the selected university.
• The university decides how applications should be submitted.
• Some universities may accept applications by post while others may have their own submission process.
• Applicants must check the university’s official instructions before sending documents.

Documents Required for GKS

Applicants need several documents for the GKS application.

The exact documents can depend on your program and application track.

Main Application Documents

Common documents include:

1. Application Form
2. Personal Statement
3. Study Plan
4. Research Proposal, if required
5. Letter of Recommendation
6. GKS Applicant Agreement
7. Personal Medical Assessment
8. Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information

Academic Documents

You may need:

• Bachelor’s graduation certificate
• Bachelor’s academic transcript
• Master’s graduation certificate, if applying for a PhD
• Master’s academic transcript, if applying for a PhD
• Doctoral documents for relevant research programs

Citizenship Documents

You need documents that prove:

• Your citizenship
• Your parents’ citizenship
• Your relationship with your parents

Examples can include a birth certificate or family registration document.

If citizenship information is not clear in the document, a passport copy or another government document may be required.

TOPIK or English Test Results

Language test results can be submitted when required or when they are useful for the application.

Possible tests include:

• TOPIK
• TOPIK IBT
• TOEFL
• IELTS

Applicants should check which certificates are accepted for their application year.

Passport Copy

A passport copy may be submitted as an additional document if citizenship information is not clear in other documents.

Awards and Certificates

Applicants may also submit copies of awards, certificates and other documents that support the activities mentioned in their application.

These documents are generally optional.

Letter of Recommendation

Applicants need one Letter of Recommendation.

The letter should preferably come from someone who knows your academic work well.

Possible recommenders include:

• University professor
• Department head
• Academic supervisor
• Other suitable academic professional

For Embassy Track applicants, the required GKS recommendation form should be completed and signed by the recommender.

The signed letter is uploaded during the application process.

Successful applicants may later need to submit the original recommendation letter.

Apostille and Document Verification

Some required certificates must be apostilled or consular confirmed.

This can include academic certificates and other required official documents.

If your documents are not in English or Korean, you may need a certified translation.

The translation may also need the required authentication.

Simple photocopies of apostilled or consular-confirmed documents may not be accepted.

Applicants should carefully follow the document rules for their country.

If a document cannot be apostilled, another official verification method may be required.

GKS Selection Process

The GKS selection process has several stages.

Embassy Track

The general process is:

• Step 1: Korean Embassy selection
• Step 2: Recommended candidates are sent to NIIED
• Step 3: NIIED reviews the applications
• Step 4: Selected candidates are reviewed by universities
• Step 5: Final GKS scholars are announced

University Track

The general process is:

• Step 1: University selection
• Step 2: University recommends successful candidates to NIIED
• Step 3: NIIED reviews the applications
• Step 4: Final GKS scholars are announced

GKS 2026 Application Timeline

• The exact dates can vary by embassy and university.
• For the Embassy Track, the application period was scheduled for February.
• The first-round results were scheduled for March.
• Recommended applications were then sent to NIIED.
• The second-round results were expected in May.
• Embassy Track applicants who pass the second round may then be reviewed by the universities they selected.
• Final results were expected in late June.
• University Track deadlines are decided by individual universities.

Applicants should always check the official announcement from their Korean Embassy or chosen university.

GKS Application Evaluation

The selection committee checks whether applicants meet the basic requirements.

They also review the applicant’s academic record and overall application.

The evaluation can include:

• Academic qualifications
• Academic grades
• Personal Statement
• Study Plan
• Research Proposal, where required
• Recommendation Letter
• Interview, where applicable
• Other supporting documents

There is no oral interview during the second-round NIIED evaluation.

Extra Points for GKS Applicants

Some applicants may receive additional points.

TOPIK

Applicants with TOPIK Level 3 or higher can receive additional points.

The additional points are equal to 10% of the total allocated points.

Korean War Veteran’s Descendants

Direct descendants of foreign military personnel who participated in the Korean War can receive additional points.

The additional points are 5% of the total allocated points.

Science and Engineering

Applicants applying to science and engineering departments can receive additional points.

The additional points are 5% of the total allocated points.

English and Korean Language Scores

Language test results may be used in the evaluation.

The source guidelines give the following score levels:

Also read: What Is TOPIK? Complete Guide to the Korean Language Test

Level	TOPIK	TOEFL iBT	IELTS
Level 5–6	Level 5 or 6	–	–
Level 4	Level 4	114+	8.0+
Level 3	Level 3	95+	7.0+
Level 2	Level 2	72+	6.0+
Level 1	Level 1	42+	5.0+

The exact scoring method can depend on the institution and the language test rules.

If more than one language score is submitted, the highest valid score may be used.

Who May Receive Preference?

The selection process may give preference to some groups, including:

• Overseas Koreans
• Applicants from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds
• Applicants applying to science and engineering fields at Regional Type B universities
• Academic professors from eligible ODA recipient countries
• Applicants with strong English test scores
• Postdoctoral Research applicants in science and engineering

Meeting one of these conditions does not guarantee selection.

Final GKS Selection

After the selection stages are completed, NIIED announces the final successful candidates.

Embassy Track applicants who pass the university review must submit their final university choice by the given deadline.

After the final choice is submitted, it cannot normally be changed.

Successful candidates receive further instructions about their scholarship and entry to Korea.

If You Want to Withdraw

If a successful candidate decides to leave the GKS program after the final announcement, they must submit a signed scholarship withdrawal letter.

Once the scholarship is cancelled, the decision cannot normally be reversed.

A candidate who gives up the scholarship before enrollment may also be restricted from 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.

If they fail to submit the required documents on time, their scholarship can be cancelled.

Selected students should also prepare enough authenticated copies of their graduation documents.

These documents may be needed for:

• University admission
• Visa processing
• Immigration procedures

Entry to Korea

Selected GKS scholars receive support for their entry to Korea.

Each university purchases an economy-class one-way flight ticket for selected scholars.

If a scholar has to purchase the ticket because of unavoidable circumstances, the cost may be reimbursed according to the program rules.

However, some travel and visa support restrictions apply.

For example, entry airfare or visa support may not be provided if a scholar enters Korea from a country other than their country of citizenship.

There are also special airfare rules for scholars selected from some countries.

GKS Scholarship Duration

The scholarship period depends on the program.

Master’s Program

3 years total

• 1 year Korean language program
• 2 years Master’s degree

Doctoral Program

4 years total

• 1 year Korean language program
• 3 years Doctoral degree

Research Program

6 months or 1 year

Global Network Program

Up to 2 years for the Master’s degree program.

Korean Language Program Exemption

Some students may not need to complete the Korean language program.

Research program scholars and students who already have TOPIK Level 5 or 6 can be exempt from the Korean language program according to the program rules.

Students who achieve TOPIK Level 5 or 6 during the first six months of the Korean language program may also be able to move to their degree program earlier.

GKS Scholarship Benefits

The GKS scholarship provides several benefits.

Benefit	Details
Airfare	Economy-class airfare
Tuition	Up to 5 million KRW from NIIED plus additional university support where applicable
Korean Language Training	Covered according to program rules
Study Incentive	Provided according to the program rules
Korean Proficiency Grant	Available for eligible students with TOPIK Level 5 or 6

Airfare

Selected scholars receive an economy-class flight ticket according to the GKS rules.

Tuition

NIIED provides tuition support of up to 5 million KRW.

If tuition is higher than this amount, the university covers the amount above 5 million KRW according to the scholarship rules.

Admission fees are also covered according to the program rules.

Korean Language Training

The Korean language program fee is listed as 14.4 million KRW per year.

Study Incentive

The listed study incentive amounts are:

• Korean language program: 5.2 million KRW for four quarters
• Graduate degree program: 16.56 million KRW per year
• Research program: 20.88 million KRW per year

Some benefits do not apply to every GKS program.

For example, the Korean language training fee is not provided for the Global Network program.

Research program scholars also have different benefit rules.

Important Rule About Withdrawal

If a GKS scholar withdraws from the scholarship within the first three months after enrolling at the university, they may have to return the scholarship money they have already received.

This can include:

• Airfare
• Settlement allowance
• Monthly allowance
• Tuition
• Other scholarship payments

Other scholarship changes can also affect future or previously paid amounts.

Important Things Applicants Should Know

Applicants are responsible for checking their application carefully.

If you make a mistake in your application or fail to submit a required document, you may be responsible for the result.

The selection committee does not normally provide individual reasons for passing or failing at each stage.

Visa approval is also the applicant’s responsibility.

If a visa is not issued within the required entry period, the scholarship acceptance may be cancelled.

Applicants should regularly check the official GKS announcements and their email.

Where to Check GKS Updates

Applicants should check the official Study in Korea website for GKS announcements.

The Korean Embassy or university may also publish additional instructions.

Always check:

• Application deadline
• Required documents
• University requirements
• Department requirements
• Submission method
• Interview details
• Visa information

Embassies and universities may set their own first-round application requirements.

Korean Portal	www.korea.net
Ministry of Foreign Affairs	www.mofa.go.kr
Visa and Immigration	www.immigration.go.kr , www.hikorea.go.kr
Higher Education in Korea	www.academyinfo.go.kr

Final Words

The GKS Graduate Scholarship is a major scholarship opportunity for international students who want to study in South Korea.

Before applying, make sure you meet the nationality, education, CGPA, age and other eligibility requirements.

You should also choose your university and department carefully. Embassy Track applicants can select up to three universities, but at least one must be a Type B university.

Prepare your academic certificates, transcripts, recommendation letter and other required documents early. Some documents may need apostille or consular confirmation.

Most importantly, check the latest instructions from your Korean Embassy, selected university and Study in Korea before submitting your application because deadlines and university requirements can be different.

Good luck with your GKS application!