Korean Government Scholarship for Undergraduate, Masters & PhD

We are pleased to announce that the applications for the GKS Scholarship 2026 i.e Global Korea Scholarship 2026 are open now and here is your chance to pursue your studies in South Korea for free.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the guidelines thoroughly before preparing their applications.

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.
Period of Global Korea Scholarship 2026

Bachelor’s Degree Program (5~7 years)

– 1 year of Korean language training + 4~6 years of degree program

Associate Degree Program (3-4 years)

– 1 year of Korean language training + 2~3 years of degree program

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 yearSettlement Allowance – One-time allowance provided upon arrival.Medical Insurance – Health insurance for the duration of the scholarship.

Korean language trainingResearch 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.

GKS 2026 Embassy Track Quota

This year, 150 students from various countries will be selected through the Embassy Track, with each country having its own quota.General: 82 scholars
Overseas Koreans: 7 scholars
R-GKS: 61 scholars from 56 countries
Total = 150

GKS 2026 University Track QuotaAssociate Degree: 30 scholars from 71 countries
University Industry Cooperation (UIC) Program: 100 scholars
*UIC Program is open to all countries around the world

Available Universities and Fields of Study

Applicants may only apply to the universities and departments listed in the “University Information” file, which is attached below this article and at the GKS Notice on the Study in Korea website

Below you can find the list of all the universities and the available fields of study for GKS Scholarship 2026 for both the Embassy Track and University Track.or the General and Overseas Korean program of the Embassy Track, applicants choose up to THREE different universities in any order of preference and MUST apply to at least one of the universities from Type B.

For the R-GKS program of the Embassy Track, applicants can choose up to TWO different universities from Type B universitie

The UIC Program under University Track provides customized curriculum and field experience through industry-university cooperation focused on the fields of natural science and engineering.
Application Method for GKS Scholarship 2026

Step 1: Create account and apply through the Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr)

Step 2: After registering membership on the website, proceed with the application process by filling out the required sections and uploading the necessary documents.

Step 3) If a university requires additional documents (e.g., portfolio), applicants must submit those materials directly to the university

Applicants must check additional restrictions or eligibility set by each degree university
Please check if there is any additional eligibility set by each university/department

Eligibility for GKS Scholarship 2026 (Undergraduate)

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.
Bachelor's program requirements
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.
Required Documents for GKS Scholarship 2026

Documents to complete:GKS Applicant Agreement

Application form
Personal Statement
Study Plan
Personal Medical Assessment
Recommendation documents*

Required certificates:Graduation (or expected to graduate) certificate

Academic transcript
Proof of citizenship
Proof of Overseas Korean document, etc.

Recommendation documents:Recommender’s information (download the FORM 4. from the system)
Recommendation letter

How to submit documents for Global Korea Scholarship 2026

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

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

For details, visit the application guidelines file attached at the end of this post.
Embassy Track vs University Track

1- Embassy Track
Korean language training

Embassy track applicants must check the requirements when filling in desired universities.

2- University Track

University track applicants should fill in ONE university in their application

Visit Embassy vs University Track article on the detailed explanation of the difference between both these tracks and which one to choose.

GKS Scholarship 2026 Official Notice Link

GKS SCholarship 2026 Universities link