Fully Funded Scholarship In Korea (Global Korea Scholarship)

🌍 What Is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) — also known historically as KGSP — is a fully funded government scholarship offered by the Republic of Korea to international students. It supports undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies in South Korean universities, including one year of Korean language training before degree work begins. GKS aims to build international academic exchange and strengthen global cooperation.

This scholarship is highly valued because it covers tuition, monthly living support, airfare, health insurance, and other costs that make studying abroad possible for many students.

📆 Key Deadlines & Application Periods for the 2026 Intake

Undergraduate (GKS‑U) – 2026 Cycle

Embassy Track Deadline: September 15 – September 30, 2025 — submit applications through your local Korean embassy by 30 September 2025. Asia Daily+1
University Track Deadline: September 15 – October 31, 2025 — apply directly to participating Korean universities by 31 October 2025. Asia Daily+1
Final Results Announcement: January 2026 — scholarship results are typically released by January 2026. Opportunities Nexus

Graduate (GKS‑G) – 2026 Cycle

Application Opening: February – March 2026 — graduate applications generally open early in the year (exact dates vary by country and university). Global Education News
Embassy/University Deadlines: Specific embassy and university deadline windows usually fall within March 2026 (for embassy track) and March – April 2026 (for university track). Global Education News
Final Results: June 2026 (approx.) — most final selections for graduate applicants are announced by late June 2026. Global Education News

Note: Exact deadlines for the graduate track are set by Korean embassies or universities in each applicant’s home country. Always check official embassy or university notifications for your specific location.

🎓 What GKS Covers

GKS is fully funded and includes:

Full tuition coverage for degree programs
Monthly stipend for living expenses (about KRW 900,000–1,000,000 per month)
Round‑trip airfare
One year of Korean language training fees
Health insurance and settlement allowance upon arrival
Additional support grants such as research or thesis printing allowances for graduate students

This makes it one of the most comprehensive government‑funded scholarships globally.

📘 Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility criteria differ slightly by level, but generally:

Undergraduate applicants:
• Must be under 25 years old by March 1, 2026
• Must have completed high school or be expected to graduate by December 31, 2025
• Strong academic records (e.g., GPA ~80% or top 20% of class) Scholardigger
Graduate applicants:
• Must be under 40 years old by September 1, 2026
• Master’s applicants require a Bachelor’s degree by 31 July 2026
• PhD applicants need a Master’s degree by 31 July 2026
• Good academic performance and health are required Scholardigger

Applicants cannot hold Korean citizenship or have graduated from a Korean university previously. Always confirm eligibility details in your country’s GKS announcement.

🛠️ How to Apply

There are two main application routes:

Embassy Track:
Apply through the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. Deadlines for this track are usually earlier (e.g., 30 September 2025 for undergraduates). Asia Daily
University Track:
Apply directly to one of the participating Korean universities by their posted deadline (e.g., 31 October 2025 for undergraduates). Asia Daily

You must choose one track — submitting to both can invalidate your application.

💡 Tips for a Strong Application

Start Early: Begin preparing documents 3–6 months before the deadlines.
Language Preparation: While not always required, having TOPIK or TOEFL/IELTS scores can strengthen your application.
Document Checklist: Prepare academic transcripts, recommendation letters, study plans, personal statements, passport copy, and health certificates.
Check Official Notices: Always verify dates and requirements on the Study in Korea portal or your local Korean embassy’s announcement.

🎯 Final Thoughts

The Global Korea Scholarship is a highly valuable opportunity for students seeking international study experiences with strong financial support. Knowing the exact deadlines and being well prepared can make the difference between a successful and missed application.

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