The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly KGSP, is the South Korean government’s main scholarship for international students. It funds undergraduate and graduate degrees at Korean universities, including one year of Korean language training.
Last checked: October 2026. Quotas, eligible countries and dates are published in each year’s official GKS notice by NIIED (the National Institute for International Education).
What GKS Covers
- Full tuition
- One year of Korean language training
- A monthly living allowance
- Return airfare
- Settlement allowance, medical insurance and other support as set in the annual notice
Two Ways to Apply
- Embassy track: apply through the Korean embassy in your country, which recommends candidates within a country quota.
- University track: apply directly to one of around 80 designated Korean universities, which recommend candidates to NIIED.
Eligibility
- You and both parents must not hold Korean citizenship.
- Undergraduate: under 25, with a high school diploma (or associate degree).
- Graduate: under 40, with a bachelor’s degree (for master’s) or master’s degree (for PhD).
- A grade average of at least 80% (or equivalent).
- Good health.
When to Apply
- Undergraduate: applications usually open in September. For 2027 entry, the embassy-track window ran from 15 to 30 September 2026.
- Graduate: applications usually open in late winter (around February–March) for entry later that year. Watch for the 2027 graduate notice.
For Indian and Bangladeshi Applicants
India and Bangladesh have typically been included in GKS quotas. Check the Korean embassy in New Delhi or Dhaka for the current year’s embassy-track quota and dates, and consider applying through the university track as well, if the rules allow.
Seoul National University and Other Universities
Seoul National University (SNU), Korea’s top-ranked university, participates in GKS and also offers its own scholarships for international students, such as tuition waivers for outstanding applicants. Other leading universities, including KAIST, Yonsei and Korea University, also have international scholarships. Check each university’s international admissions page.
Tips
- Start learning Korean early; a TOPIK score can strengthen your application and helps with daily life.
- Write a specific study plan and personal statement linking Korea to your goals.
- Have documents translated and apostilled or consularised as required.
See also our guide to fully funded scholarships by country.
