Global Korea Scholarship 2026

The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 (GKS Scholarship 2026) is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in the world, giving international students the chance to pursue higher education in South Korea. Sponsored by the Korean government and managed by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), this scholarship supports talented individuals to study at leading Korean universities while fostering mutual understanding between Korea and participating countries.

• Table of Content
• About Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
• Undergraduate Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of Undergraduate Scholarship
• Requirements for Undergraduate Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Undergraduate Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of Undergraduate Scholarship

The GKS Scholarship 2026 is among the most prestigious scholarships to study in Korea for free because it is fully funded, covering nearly every aspect of a student’s academic journey. Here are the benefits in detail:

• Airfare – Round-trip economy class flight ticket provided.
• Tuition Fees – Up to 5 million KRW per semester (excess covered by universities if tuition is higher).
• Korean Language Training – 1 year of intensive Korean language program at a designated institution
• Monthly Allowance – Stipend of around KRW 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 depending on program type.

Korean language program: 12,840,000 KRW per year
Degree program: 13,680,000 KRW per year

• Settlement Allowance – One-time allowance provided upon arrival.
• Medical Insurance – Health insurance for the duration of the scholarship.
• Research Support – Extra financial aid for thesis printing, academic materials, and field research.
• Completion Grant – Awarded at the end of the program to support transition after graduation.
• Korean Proficiency Grant – Scholars with advanced Korean language skills (TOPIK 5 or 6) may receive additional support.

These benefits ensure that recipients can focus fully on their studies without worrying about financial stress.

Requirements for Undergraduate Scholarship Qualification

• Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of NIIED-designated countries. Parents must also not hold Korean citizenship. Dual citizens with Korean nationality are not eligible. UIC program is open to all nationalities.
• Education:
  • Bachelor’s program: High school graduates (or expected to graduate by Dec 31, 2025).
  • Associate program: High school graduates (or expected to graduate by Dec 31, 2025).
  • Applicants with a bachelor’s degree cannot apply.
  • Expected graduates must submit proof of graduation by Dec 31, 2025.
• Grades:
  • At least 80% or top 20% of class, OR
  • Minimum CGPA: 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0.
• Age: Must be under 25 years old (born after March 1, 2001).
• Health: Must be in good physical and mental health.
• Restrictions:
  • Graduates (or expected graduates) of Korean high schools, associate degree programs, or online Korean programs are not eligible.
  • Applicants who previously received a Korean government scholarship for a degree are not eligible.
  • Duplicate applications to multiple tracks/universities are not allowed.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Round 1) Submission of required documents submitted through the Study in Korea System

• The first round of selection institutions will determine whether or not to accept submitted documents.

Round 2) All applicant documents sent to NIIED for the second round of selection must meet the submission requirements for the second round of selection

You can download the important documents by clicking the following links:

• GKS Scholarship 2026 Application guidelines
• GKS Scholarship 2026 Application FORM – PDF
• GKS Scholarship 2026 application form – DOCS
• GKS SCholarship 2026 Universities link

For more information, kindly visit GKS scholarship webpage.