GKS Scholarship 2026: Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS Scholarship) 2026 is a fully funded program by the Korean government for international students who want to pursue a bachelor’s or associate degree in South Korea. It covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and language training, making it one of the most appealing opportunities for students wishing to study in Korea without financial burdens.

The scholarship formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), GKS, aims to promote cultural exchange and strengthen ties between Korea and participating countries. For 2026, there are a total of 280 scholarships available, with openings offered through both the Embassy Track and the University Track.

Students from over 150 countries are eligible to apply, making it a truly global and competitive program. The GKS 2026 gives motivated students the chance to earn a degree, build international experience, and explore one of Asia’s most dynamic countries—all fully funded.

Now, let’s apply for the GKS Korean Government Undergraduate Scholarship 2026. Follow the step-by-step guide of Scholarships Edge to learn about benefits, eligibility, required documents and how to apply. 👇

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Global Korea Scholarship 2026 Details

2026 Quota for GKS Undergraduate Scholarship

Benefits of the Global Korea Scholarship

The 2026 GKS Scholarship covers:

• Airfare: Round-trip economy class ticket.
• Full tuition fee covered (up to 5 million KRW per semester).
• Settlement Allowance of 200,000 KRW upon arrival.
• Monthly Stipend:
  • Around 900,000 KRW/month for living expenses.
• TOPIK Incentive of 100,000 KRW/month for high scorers.
• Medical Insurance Coverage is provided during the study period.
• Completion Grant of 100,000 KRW upon successful graduation.
• Language Training: 1-year intensive Korean course (mandatory unless TOPIK 5/6 or you are studying a program in the Korean language).

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Eligibility Criteria of GKS Scholarship

• General
  • Nationality: The applicant and their parents must be non-Korean citizens.
  • At the time of application, the candidate must be under 25 years old as of March 1, 2026.
  • Health: Must be physically and mentally healthy to study abroad.
• Education:
  • Bachelor’s Degree Track: High school graduate (or expected graduate) OR associate degree holder.
  • Associate Degree Track: High school graduate (or expected graduate).
• Academic Performance:
  • Minimum 80% GPA OR ranked in the top 20% of class.
  • GPA equivalents: 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0.
• Restrictions:
  • Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree or higher are NOT eligible.
  • Previous GKS degree recipients cannot reapply.

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Required Documents for GKS Scholarship 2026

1. Application Form (NIIED format).
2. Personal Statement & Study Plan.
3. 2 Recommendation Letters (sealed and signed).
4. High School Diploma (or certificate of expected graduation).
5. High School Transcripts (official, with grading scale).
6. Proof of Citizenship for applicant & parents (passport/national ID).
7. Birth Certificate / Family Register (to verify parents’ nationality).
8. Language Proficiency Certificates (TOPIK, TOEFL/IELTS if available – optional but advantageous).
9. Medical Assessment Form (NIIED format).
10. Other certificates/awards (optional but strengthens the application).

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How to Apply for the Global Korea Scholarship 2026

Step 1 – Choose Application Track

• Embassy Track
  • Apply via the Korean Embassy in your country.
  • Embassy screens and nominates candidates to NIIED, which then completes the final review and nominates candidates for university admission.
  • Advantage: You can apply to 3 universities.
• University Track
  • Apply directly to a designated Korean university.
  • The university nominates candidates to NIIED for final approval.
  • Advantage: Faster process, but only 1 university choice.

(For 2026, undergraduate applications will mainly move to the Study in Korea online portal, reducing paperwork for embassies/universities.)

Step 2 – Gather Documents

• Prepare, notarize, and translate all required documents.
• Submit before the September–October 2025 deadline, depending on track.

Step 3 – Screening & Results

• 1st Round: Embassy or University screening.
• 2nd Round: NIIED review.
• Final Round: University admissions (for Embassy track).

Step 4 – Announcement

• Final selection is usually announced by December 2025.
• Language training begins in March 2026.

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Download GKS Scholarship 2026 Application Guidelines

Download GKS Scholarship 2026 Application Form.pdf

Download GKS Scholarship 2026 Application Form in Document

Frequently Asked Questions: