Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 – Fully Funded Study in South Korea
South Korea’s flagship international scholarship is back for another cycle, and the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 — formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) — is opening its undergraduate track application window this year. Funded by the South Korean government through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), GKS is one of Asia’s most generous fully funded scholarships, covering tuition, living costs, airfare, and a full year of Korean language training.
Each year, around 1,500 to 2,200 students from more than 150 countries receive the award, making it a realistic, well-funded option for students who want to study in one of Asia’s most dynamic economies.
Scholarship Overview
- Scholarship Name: Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly KGSP
- Funded By: South Korean Government / NIIED
- Study Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
- Host Country: South Korea
- Undergraduate Deadline: September – October 2026
- Graduate Deadline: February – April 2027
- Eligible Nationalities: Citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with South Korea (150+ countries)
About the GKS Programme
GKS exists to deepen international educational exchange between South Korea and its partner nations, and it funds study across all academic disciplines at top Korean universities. The scholarship includes a mandatory one-year Korean language training programme for most tracks before students begin their main degree, helping international scholars adjust academically and culturally before formal coursework begins.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full tuition fees at the host Korean university
- Monthly living stipend for the full duration of the scholarship
- Round-trip airfare to and from South Korea
- One year of Korean language training prior to degree study
- National Health Insurance covering medical expenses at Korean hospitals and clinics
- Settlement and resettlement allowances
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with South Korea, and hold no Korean citizenship (parents included)
- Meet the academic performance requirement — generally top 20% of your class or 80%+ marks
- Meet the age requirement for your track (typically under 25 for undergraduate, under 40 for graduate applicants)
- Not currently be enrolled in, or a graduate of, a Korean university or graduate school
- Be in good physical and mental health, as verified through a medical exam
- Choose either the Embassy Track (apply to up to three universities) or the University Track (apply to one university only) — not both
Required Documents
- Completed GKS application form
- Academic transcripts and certificates, officially translated where required
- Personal statement and study plan
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of Korean or English language proficiency (TOPIK or equivalent), where relevant
- Health examination report
- Valid passport copy
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Choose your track: Embassy Track (through the Korean embassy in your home country) or University Track (direct to your chosen university)
- Gather and prepare all required academic and supporting documents, including certified translations
- Submit your application within the correct window — September to October 2026 for undergraduate, or February to April 2027 for graduate applicants
- Complete the first-round review conducted by the embassy or university
- Advance to the second-round review conducted by NIIED
- Receive your final selection result and prepare for visa processing and travel to South Korea
- Begin the one-year Korean language programme ahead of formal degree study
Application Deadline
The undergraduate track for the 2027 intake opens in September 2026, with deadlines running into October 2026. The graduate track (Master’s and PhD) follows later, with applications typically accepted between February and April 2027. Exact dates vary by country and by whether you apply through the Embassy Track or University Track, so applicants should confirm with their local Korean embassy or chosen university.
Why Apply for GKS
South Korea combines a rapidly growing global reputation in technology, business, and the creative industries with one of the most comprehensive scholarship packages available in Asia. The built-in year of language training also means students arrive at their degree programme with a genuine head start, rather than being thrown into coursework without local language support.
Embassy Track vs University Track
Applicants must choose one of two application routes and cannot apply through both in the same cycle. The Embassy Track is processed through the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country and allows you to list up to three university and major preferences, with placement decided later in the selection process. The University Track requires you to apply directly to a single Korean university that participates in GKS, meaning you commit to one institution from the start. The Embassy Track tends to suit applicants who want flexibility across several universities, while the University Track can suit those with a strong preference for a specific institution or programme that has a direct GKS quota.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start collecting and translating academic documents months in advance — certified translations and notarisation can take longer than expected.
- If you already hold a TOPIK certificate, include it, since Korean proficiency can strengthen both your application and your placement options.
- Write a personal statement and study plan that connect clearly to your intended major, rather than a generic essay about wanting to study abroad.
- Choose referees who can comment specifically on your academic ability and readiness for independent study.
- Track your embassy’s specific internal deadline closely, since it is often earlier than the general NIIED deadline published online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to speak Korean to apply?
No. GKS includes a full year of Korean language training before your main degree begins, so incoming students are not expected to already be fluent, though basic familiarity can help during the transition.
Can I choose which university I attend?
On the Embassy Track, you list up to three preferences and final placement is decided during selection. On the University Track, you apply to and commit to one specific university from the start.
Is the scholarship renewable each year?
Yes, GKS funding continues for the full duration of your programme provided you maintain the required academic standards and comply with visa and enrolment conditions throughout your studies.
Scholarship Summary
- Scholarship: Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027
- Host Country: South Korea
- Study Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Coverage: Fully Funded
- Deadline: September–October 2026 (undergraduate) / February–April 2027 (graduate)
- Official Website: studyinkorea.go.kr