Korea is one of the best places in the world for students. It has many strong universities, great teachers, and modern facilities. Every year, many international students choose Korea for their studies. One of the main reasons is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). This program is fully funded and gives students a chance to study without worrying about money.
The GKS Scholarship 2026 is now open. It is a golden chance for students who want to study in Korea in 2026. The scholarship is for three levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. Students from all over the world can apply. The program supports both new students and those who want to continue higher studies.
There are two main tracks for this scholarship:
University Track – In this track, you apply directly to a Korean university. If the university selects you, then you can receive the scholarship.
Embassy Track – In this track, you apply through the Korean Embassy in your country. The embassy will check your documents and send them to Korea.
Both tracks are good. Students can choose the one that is best for them.
The GKS scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, monthly allowance, health insurance, and airfare. This means students can focus only on their studies. It also provides Korean language training for one year. This helps students learn the language and enjoy life in Korea.
Studying in Korea with GKS is not just about education. It is also about culture, friendship, and future career. Korea is safe, modern, and full of opportunities. With GKS, you can get a world-class degree, make international friends, and build a strong career.
The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 is truly a life-changing chance for students worldwide.
GKS Scholarship 2026 Details
Host Country: Korea Scholarship By: Korean Government Universities: Various top universities in Korea Number of Scholarships: 350 scholarships
GKS Scholarship Benefits
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 offers excellent benefits for international students. These benefits make studying in Korea easier and worry-free.
Monthly Allowance: Students receive 1,000,000 KRW to 1,500,000 KRW per month for living expenses.
Free Tuition: All tuition fees at the chosen Korean university are fully covered.
Free Dormitory: Students can stay in on-campus dormitories without paying rent.
Free Health Insurance: Health insurance is provided, so students can access medical care easily.
Visa Fee Payment: The Korean government pays for your student visa fees.
Transportation Support: Airfare or travel costs to and from Korea are fully covered.
GKS 2026 Programs and Universities
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 offers international students a chance to study in Korea at different levels. The program has Bachelor’s, Associate, and University Industry Cooperation (UIC) programs. Every student first studies 1 year of Korean language, then continues their main degree.
Degree Programs
Associate Degree:
1 year Korean language + 2–3 years degree program
Bachelor’s Degree:
1 year Korean language + 4–6 years degree program
Application Tracks and Quota
GKS has two tracks:
Embassy Track – Apply through the Korean embassy in your country.
Total: 150 scholarships
General: 82 scholars from 71 countries
Overseas Koreans: 7 scholars
R-GKS: 61 scholars from 56 countries
University Track – Apply directly to the Korean university.
Associate Degree: 30 scholars
UIC Program: 100 scholars (focus on science and engineering)
Available Fields of Study
Students can choose any field offered by the participating universities.
Evening programs, short-term courses, online, or distance learning programs are not eligible.
Students must select universities and departments listed in the official GKS University Information file.
Available Universities
Embassy Track Universities:
Type A (30 top universities): Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, POSTECH, Sungkyunkwan University, Ewha Womans University, Hanyang University, and more.
Type B (39 universities): Busan University of Foreign Studies, Chonnam National University, Pusan National University, Jeju National University, Kyungpook National University, and more.
University Track Universities:
Associate Degree: Dong-Eui Institute of Technology, Kyungbok University, Osan University, and others.
Students can apply to up to 3 universities in the Embassy Track (Type B universities are required).
UIC program offers practical learning and industry experience for science and engineering fields.
GKS supports students from 71 countries in Embassy Track and all countries in the University Track.
GKS 2026 Eligibility – Who Can Apply
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 is open for international students, but not everyone can apply. Below is a simple guide about who is eligible.
1. Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of countries invited by the Korean government (NIIED).
UIC Program: Open to students from any country.
Applicants or their parents cannot have Korean citizenship.
If an applicant or parent had Korean citizenship before, they must provide proof of renunciation.
If citizenship changes during selection, the applicant may be disqualified (does not apply to UIC).
2. Education Level
Bachelor’s program: For students who finished (or will finish) high school or an associate degree.
Associate program: For students who finished (or will finish) high school.
Students with a bachelor’s degree cannot apply.
Students with an associate degree can apply only to a bachelor’s program.
Students expected to graduate by December 31, 2025 must submit a certificate of expected graduation. After passing the first round, they must provide the final graduation certificate and transcript by the same date.
3. Grades
Students must have high grades:
Top 20% of their class or
GPA above the accepted scale (e.g., 2.64/4.0, 3.23/5.0, etc.)
If GPA is not available, the school must provide an official grading explanation.
Students expected to graduate should calculate their latest GPA.
4. Age
Applicants must be under 25 years old (born after March 1, 2001).
5. Health and Conduct
Must be healthy, physically and mentally, to study in Korea.
Must have no criminal record or issues that prevent overseas travel.
6. Restrictions
Students who studied in Korean high schools, associate programs, or online Korean curricula cannot apply.
Students who already received a GKS degree scholarship or a scholarship from another Korean government agency cannot apply.
Applicants can apply to only one program and one university. Multiple applications will be canceled.
Following these rules is very important. Only eligible students can apply for the life-changing GKS 2026 scholarship.
How to Apply for GKS 2026
Applying for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 is done online through the official Study in Korea website: www.studyinkorea.go.kr.
Step 1: Online Application
Create an account on the Study in Korea website.
Fill out the form and upload all required documents.
Some universities may ask for extra files (for example, a portfolio). Send those directly to the university.
Step 2: Check University Rules
Each university or department may have extra requirements (such as TOPIK level 4 instead of level 3).
If you fail to meet these, your scholarship may be canceled.
Some universities accept students only in March or September, so check the enrollment period.
Selection Process
The GKS selection has three rounds.
Embassy Track (150 scholarships)
First Round (Embassy):
Apply online by September 30, 2025.
Results announced by October 17, 2025.
Second Round (NIIED):
Embassy sends selected applications to NIIED.
Results announced in late November 2025.
Third Round (Universities):
Universities review applicants.
Results announced by December 26, 2025.
Final Result:
Announced on January 9, 2026.
👉 Note: If you fail in Embassy Track first round, you can still apply for University Track.
University Track (130 scholarships)
First Round (University):
Apply online by October 31, 2025.
Results announced by November 14, 2025.
Second Round (NIIED):
Documents arrive at NIIED by November 28, 2025.
Results announced in mid-December 2025.
Final Result:
Announced in January 2026 on Study in Korea website.
Important Notes
All dates are based on Korean Standard Time (KST).
Applicants must check updates on Study in Korea website. NIIED does not email results directly.
If you do not meet university requirements or miss deadlines, your scholarship will be canceled.
GKS 2026 – Documents to Submit
When applying for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026, you need to prepare and submit several documents. These documents are important to complete your application and pass the selection process.
1. Online Application Forms
Fill out the following forms on the Study in Korea website:
Application Form (Form 1) – Fill online, print, and sign.
Personal Statement (Form 2) – Explain yourself and your goals.
Study Plan (Form 3) – Write your plan for studying in Korea.
Recommender’s Information (Form 4) – Submit online and include the sealed recommendation letter if you pass the first round.
GKS Applicant Agreement (Form 5) – Fill online, print, and sign.
Personal Medical Assessment (Form 6) – Submit with official confirmation (apostille or consular).
2. Required Certificates
These documents are mandatory:
Proof of citizenship for applicant and parents
Proof of family relationship
High school graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate
High school transcript
Associate degree certificate (if applicable)
Associate degree transcript (if applicable)
Proof of Overseas Korean status (if applicable)
Proof of renunciation of Korean citizenship (if applicable)
Proof of Korean War veteran descendant (if applicable)
Passport copy
3. Optional Documents
You may also submit:
TOPIK or English test scores
Awards or certificates
Other supporting documents
4. Document Requirements
All forms must be filled in English or Korean with original signatures.
Original recommendation letters must be submitted for the second round.
Certificates from other languages must include a certified English or Korean translation.
Required documents must be apostilled or consular confirmed (depending on your country).
