GKS Scholarship (Graduate 2026-2027)

 

Fully Funded 2026-2027

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

Complete Guide for Masters & PhD Programs

Scholarship Overview

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a prestigious program by the South Korean government (NIIED) designed to provide international students with opportunities to conduct advanced studies (Masters, PhD, Research) in South Korea.

Key Benefit: 100% Tuition, Monthly Stipend, Airfare, and Medical Insurance are covered.

What Does It Cover?

Benefit	Description
Tuition Fee	100% full coverage (Entrance fee + Tuition).
Monthly Stipend	Approx. 1,000,000 KRW - 1,500,000 KRW.
Airfare	Economy class return flight ticket.
Language Training	1-year free Korean language course.
Medical Insurance	National Health Insurance coverage.
Settlement Allowance	200,000 KRW (One-time payment).

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Applicants and their parents must hold non-Korean citizenship.
• Age: Must be under 40 years of age (Born after Sept 1, 1986).
• Grades: Minimum CGPA of 80% or above from the previous institution.
• Health: Applicants must be in good mental and physical health.
• Degree: Must hold a Bachelor’s (for Masters) or Master’s (for PhD) by the time of enrollment.

Application Tracks

You can apply through ONLY ONE of the following paths:

1. Embassy Track

Apply via the South Korean Embassy in your home country. You can choose up to 3 different universities. Best for those with high academic profiles.

2. University Track

Apply directly to one of the designated Korean universities. You can only choose 1 university. Best for those targeting a specific research lab or department.

Important Deadlines (Graduate 2026)

The timeline is very strict. Missing the deadline means waiting for another year!

• Announcement: February 12, 2026
• Embassy Track Deadline: February 25, 2026 (Approx)
• University Track Deadline: Varies by university (March - April 2026)
• Final Result: Late June 2026
• Departure to Korea: Late August 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is IELTS/TOEFL mandatory? A: It is not mandatory but highly recommended. It adds extra points to your application.

Q: Can I apply if I am in my final semester? A: Yes, you can apply with a "Certificate of Expected Graduation," but you must submit your final degree by the deadline.

Q: How many years is the scholarship? A: Masters (3 Years: 1yr Language + 2yrs Degree), PhD (4 Years: 1yr Language + 3yrs Degree).

Official Source & Application

To download forms and check the latest notices, visit the official portal:

Visit Study In Korea Official Portal

Source: National Institute for International Education (NIIED), South Korea.

© 2026 GKS Student Resource Center. Prepared for Educational Purposes.