GKS (Global Korea Scholarship)
Want to study in Korea but worried about tuition costs?
The GKS (Global Korea Scholarship), the government-funded scholarship for international students, is a flagship national scholarship program run by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). Launched in 1967, the program selects more than 2,000 outstanding students each year from around 160 countries worldwide.
It covers full tuition as well as a monthly living allowance (about 900,000 KRW for undergraduates and about 1,000,000 KRW for graduate students), round-trip airfare, a settlement allowance (200,000 KRW), and health insurance, so you can fulfill your dream of studying in Korea without financial burden.
We have summarized the types of GKS scholarships and how to apply. Take your time to go through the details below.
Degree Programs
The GKS degree program is a full-package scholarship that supports the entire journey, from one year of Korean language training through to earning your degree.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview | A flagship government scholarship that invites outstanding students from around 160 countries and supports them in earning a degree in Korea |
| What's Covered | One year of Korean language training + the degree program (some English-track programs waive the Korean language training) |
| Number Selected | About 280 undergraduate students (including associate degrees) + about 1,900 graduate students (varies by year) |
| Scholarship Period | Korean language training (1 year) + associate degree (2–3 years) / bachelor's (4–6 years) / master's (2 years) / doctorate (3–4 years) |
| Benefits | Round-trip airfare, settlement allowance (200,000 KRW), Korean language training fees, full tuition, monthly living allowance, and health insurance |
Available Tracks
You can choose from a wide range of majors at around 80 designated universities nationwide. When selecting a university, consider factors such as your major, location, and cost of living together.
- General Track: Choose from a wide range of fields including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, arts and physical education, and engineering
- R&D Track (STEM-focused): Concentrates on cutting-edge fields such as AI, semiconductors, biotech, and renewable energy (offered only for master's and doctoral programs)
- Global Network Track: Develops global talent in fields such as international development cooperation, diplomacy, and economics (master's program, English track with no separate Korean language training)
Benefit Details (as of 2024, subject to annual change)
- Round-trip airfare: actual costs covered (economy class)
- Settlement allowance: 200,000 KRW, paid once on arrival
- Korean language training fees: covered separately (language institute tuition waived)
- Tuition: admission fee and tuition fully waived
- Living allowance: 900,000 KRW/month for undergraduates / 1,000,000 KRW/month for graduate students
- Health insurance: partial coverage of National Health Insurance premiums
- Dissertation printing costs: covered separately upon completing a master's or doctoral program
- TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) award: additional support for reaching a certain level
※ The amounts above are for reference only; check the application guidelines for the relevant year for exact figures.
Undergraduate Programs (Including Associate Degrees)
The undergraduate program (including associate degrees) is for those who want to earn a degree at a Korean university after graduating from high school. Check whether you meet the requirements below.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Applicant and both parents must be non-Korean nationals (separate conditions apply for overseas Koreans) |
| Age | Under 25 years old (as of the application deadline; exceptions apply for some countries) |
| Education | High school graduate or expected graduate (recognition of GED-equivalent qualifications varies by country) |
| Grades | A cumulative high school average of 80% or higher (equivalent to a B, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) |
| Health | Physically and mentally healthy, with no conditions that would hinder studying abroad |
Selection Timeline (Undergraduate)
The GKS undergraduate program recruits only once a year. If you miss it, you'll have to wait another year, so be sure to keep track of the schedule!
| Step | Responsible Body | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Application announcement | National Institute for International Education (NIIED) | Early September |
| 2. Application submission | Overseas Korean mission (embassy) or designated university | September–October |
| 3. Document screening and interview | Mission (1st round) → NIIED (2nd round) → University (3rd round) | October–December |
| 4. Final results announced | National Institute for International Education (NIIED) | January–February of the following year |
| 5. Arrival in Korea | The scholarship recipient | August–September of the following year |
Choosing an Application Route
Overseas Mission (Embassy) Route
Recommended if you live in your home country. The embassy conducts the first screening and then recommends you to NIIED.
💡 Deadlines vary by embassy, so check your embassy's announcements regularly.
University Track
If you've already decided on your preferred university, apply directly to that school.
💡 Check with the university's international office for its separate document submission schedule.
Graduate Programs (Master's and Doctoral)
The graduate program selects on a larger scale than the undergraduate program (about 1,900 students) and looks for candidates with research ability. Competition tends to be relatively lower than for undergraduate admission, so go for it with confidence!
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Applicant and both parents must be non-Korean nationals |
| Age | Under 40 years old (as of the application deadline; some exceptions apply for doctoral programs) |
| Education | Master's: holds (or expects to hold) a bachelor's degree / Doctorate: holds (or expects to hold) a master's degree |
| Grades | A cumulative average of 80% or higher in your most recent degree program (equivalent to a B, GPA 3.0/4.0) |
| Language | Submitting a TOPIK or official English test score is recommended (not required, but earns bonus points) |
Selection Timeline (Graduate)
The graduate program has a different recruitment schedule from the undergraduate program! Note that applications close in February–March.
| Step | Responsible Body | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Application announcement | National Institute for International Education (NIIED) | Early February |
| 2. Application submission | Overseas Korean mission or designated university | February–March |
| 3. Document screening and interview | Mission → NIIED → University | April–June |
| 4. Final results announced | National Institute for International Education (NIIED) | June–July |
| 5. Arrival in Korea and language training | The scholarship recipient | August–September |
Exchange Student Program
Want to experience Korea for one semester (four months) before committing?
The GKS Exchange Student Program gives students currently enrolled at universities abroad the chance to study in Korea for one semester (about four months). It's a great opportunity to experience life at a Korean university before applying for a degree program.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Period | Four months (one semester; choose spring or fall) |
| Number Invited | Around 500 students per year (varies by budget and policy) |
| Benefits | Monthly living allowance (about 800,000 KRW) and health insurance |