Are you dreaming of studying in South Korea for free? The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 application period is officially open, offering an incredible opportunity for international students to pursue higher education in Korea! This prestigious scholarship, sponsored by the Korean government and managed by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), supports talented individuals in achieving their academic goals at leading Korean universities while fostering global understanding.
This comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about applying for the GKS Scholarship 2026 Undergraduate Program.
What is the GKS Scholarship 2026?
The GKS Scholarship 2026 is one of the world’s most prestigious and fully funded scholarships, designed to give international students the chance to study in South Korea. It aims to support academic excellence and cultural exchange between Korea and participating countries.
Unlock a World of Benefits: Why Choose GKS 2026?
The GKS Scholarship 2026 is truly fully funded, covering almost every aspect of your academic journey, allowing you to focus completely on your studies without financial stress. Here’s a detailed look at the benefits:
• Airfare: Enjoy a round-trip economy class flight ticket to and from Korea.
• Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers up to 5 million KRW per semester, with any excess potentially covered by your chosen university.
• Korean Language Training: Benefit from a one-year intensive Korean language program at a designated institution. Those with TOPIK level 5 or 6 are exempt from this program.
• Monthly Allowance: Receive a generous stipend of around KRW 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 depending on your program type. This amounts to 12,840,000 KRW per year for the language program and 13,680,000 KRW per year for the degree program.
• Settlement Allowance: A one-time allowance is provided upon your arrival in Korea.
• Medical Insurance: Health insurance is covered for the entire duration of your scholarship.
• Research Support: Get extra financial aid for thesis printing, academic materials, and field research.
• Completion Grant: Receive an award at the end of your program to support your transition after graduation.
• Korean Proficiency Grant: Scholars with advanced Korean language skills (TOPIK 5 or 6) may qualify for additional financial support.
Program Duration for Undergraduate Studies
The GKS Scholarship 2026 offers two undergraduate program types:
• Bachelor’s Degree Program: Typically 5 to 7 years, including 1 year of Korean language training plus 4-6 years for your degree.
• Associate Degree Program: Usually 3 to 4 years, comprising 1 year of Korean language training plus 2-3 years for your degree.
◦ Note: As mentioned, applicants with TOPIK level 5 or 6 are exempt from the language program.
Who Can Apply? GKS Scholarship 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before you begin your application, it’s crucial to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for the undergraduate program:
• Nationality: You must be a citizen of an NIIED-designated country. Neither of your parents should hold Korean citizenship. Dual citizens with Korean nationality are not eligible. However, the University Industry Cooperation (UIC) program is open to all nationalities.
• Education:
◦ For Bachelor’s and Associate programs, you must be a high school graduate (or expected to graduate by December 31, 2025).
◦ If you are an expected graduate, you must submit proof of graduation by December 31, 2025.
◦ Applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree cannot apply for the undergraduate program.
• Grades: You need to demonstrate strong academic performance:
◦ At least 80% or be in the top 20% of your class, OR
◦ A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0.
• Age: You must be under 25 years old (born after March 1, 2001).
• Health: You must be in good physical and mental health to study in Korea for the duration of the scholarship.
• Restrictions:
◦ Graduates (or expected graduates) of Korean high schools, associate degree programs, or online Korean programs are not eligible.
◦ If you have previously received a Korean government scholarship for a degree, you are not eligible.
◦ Duplicate applications to multiple tracks/universities are strictly not allowed.
Choose Your Path: Embassy Track vs. University Track
The GKS 2026 Undergraduate program offers two main application tracks:
1. Embassy Track (Quota: 150 scholars) This track allows you to apply through the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
• General: 82 scholars
• Overseas Koreans: 7 scholars
• R-GKS (Regional GKS): 61 scholars from 56 countries
• For the General and Overseas Korean programs, you can choose up to THREE different universities in any order of preference, and MUST apply to at least one university from Type B.
• For the R-GKS program, you can choose up to TWO different universities from Type B universities.
• Please note: Some Embassy Tracks may not accept online submissions. You should check directly with your respective embassy or consulate to confirm their submission process.
• Associate Degree: 30 scholars from 71 countries
2. University Track (Quota: 130 scholars) This track allows you to apply directly to a participating Korean university.
• University Industry Cooperation (UIC) Program: 100 scholars. This program is open to all countries worldwide. The UIC Program offers customized curriculum and field experience focused on natural science and engineering.
• For the University Track, applicants should fill in ONE university in their application.
Available Universities and Fields of Study
All academic fields offered by GKS-participating universities are eligible. However, certain programs are not applicable, including evening (night school) programs, short-term programs, and online or distance-learning programs.
It is critical to apply only to universities and departments listed in the official “University Information” file. This file is available on the Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr) under the GKS Notice section, and also linked at the end of this blog post. You must ensure your chosen university and department are on this list to meet eligibility requirements.
If you are interested in specific fields like medicine, health, or physiotherapy, you must check the “University Information” file to see which universities offer those courses under the GKS Scholarship 2026.
How to Apply for GKS Scholarship 2026: Your Step-by-Step Guide
The application process has been updated, requiring online submission for most tracks:
Step 1: Create an Online Account
• Go to the Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr) and create an online account.
Step 2: Submit Your Online Application
• After registering, proceed with the application process by filling out the required sections and uploading all necessary documents through the Study in Korea system.
Step 3: Direct Submissions (if required)
• If your chosen university requires additional documents (e.g., a portfolio), you must submit these materials directly to the university.
• Always check for any additional restrictions or eligibility criteria set by each degree university/department.
Required Documents include:
• Documents to Complete: GKS Applicant Agreement, Application form, Personal Statement, Study Plan, Personal Medical Assessment, and Recommendation documents (including Recommender’s information and Recommendation letter).
• Required Certificates: Graduation (or expected to graduate) certificate, Academic transcript, Proof of citizenship, and Proof of Overseas Korean document (if applicable).
Document Submission Process:
• Round 1: Submit required documents through the Study in Korea System. The first round of selection institutions will review these.
• Round 2: All applicant documents sent to NIIED for the second round of selection must meet specific submission requirements. Refer to the application guidelines for details.
The Selection Timeline & Evaluation Process
The GKS Scholarship selection is rigorous, designed to identify the most promising candidates.
Main Evaluation Areas:
1. Qualification Review: The committee thoroughly checks documents to confirm your eligibility, including citizenship, education level, and academic performance.
2. Competency Review: You will be evaluated through your application documents and an oral interview (if applicable) to assess your potential and suitability for the scholarship.
Boost Your Chances: Extra Points & Preferences! You can earn extra points to enhance your application:
• TOPIK Level 3 or higher: +10% bonus points.
• Descendants of Korean War veterans (foreign military): +5% bonus points.
• Applicants to science & engineering fields: +5% bonus points.
Language Proficiency Scores: Official test results in Korean (TOPIK) or English (TOEFL iBT, IELTS) can add significant points if issued within 2 years of NIIED’s announcement. Only the highest score will be considered if multiple reports are submitted.
• TOPIK Level 5-6: 100% weight
• TOPIK Level 4: 90% weight (or TOEFL iBT 114+, IELTS 8.0+)
• TOPIK Level 3: 80% weight (or TOEFL iBT 95+, IELTS 7.0+)
• If no language score is submitted, your personal statement and study plan will be reviewed instead.
Evaluation Preferences (May be given to):
• Overseas Koreans
• Applicants from low-income families or underprivileged backgrounds
• Applicants applying to science and engineering departments
• Associate degree applicants who have won a national-level technical skills competition
• Applicants with high scores in English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS)
• Applicants whose chosen major is connected to regional RISE plans or specialized industries
• Applicants recommended by metropolitan or provincial government heads (mayors or governors)
Important Resources & Next Steps
To ensure a smooth application process, thoroughly review the guidelines before preparing your documents.
Application Period
The applications for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 are currently open.
For applicants choosing the University Track, applications must be submitted by October 31st, 2025.
However, for those applying through the Embassy Track, it is strongly advised to check directly with your respective embassy or consulate to confirm their specific submission process and deadlines, as some may have different requirements or may not accept online submissions
Don’t wait! This is your chance to turn your dream of studying in Korea into a reality. We wish you the very best of luck with your GKS Scholarship 2026 application!