The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a government-invited scholarship program administered by the Korean government to foster global talent and strengthen international networks.
Through this flagship initiative, outstanding students from around the world are given the opportunity to pursue higher education in South Korea while building academic, professional, and cultural ties that contribute to global cooperation.
The Global Korea Scholarship offers a transformative opportunity for international students to access high-quality education, cultural immersion, and global networking in South Korea.
By supporting academic excellence and cross-cultural exchange, the GKS continues to play a vital role in shaping future leaders and strengthening international partnerships worldwide.
Program Objectives
The GKS is South Korea’s representative scholarship program, designed to attract talented international students and support their pursuit of academic degrees and advanced research. The program aims to nurture future global leaders who will contribute to mutual understanding, international collaboration, and sustainable development.
Degree Programs Offered
The GKS supports a wide range of academic pathways, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as select associate degree programs. All degree programs are typically preceded by Korean language training, unless otherwise specified. Participating universities span diverse academic fields across more than 80 GKS-designated institutions nationwide.
Scholarship Information and Duration
The scholarship includes Korean language training followed by degree programs with varying durations depending on the level of study. Undergraduate and associate degree programs range from two to six years, including language training. Master’s programs are typically two years, while doctoral programs extend up to three years, excluding any required language training period.
Scholarship Benefits
GKS scholars receive comprehensive financial support that removes major barriers to international study. Benefits include airfare, full tuition coverage, Korean language training costs, and monthly study allowances to support living expenses throughout the program.
Selection Quota
The program offers approximately 2,000 slots annually, including around 500 undergraduate scholars and 1,900 graduate scholars across various application tracks and program types.
Available Programs
The GKS includes both general and specialized programs. General programs cover a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and arts. Specialized programs include R&D-focused tracks in science and engineering fields related to industrial development, available only at the master’s and doctoral levels, and Global Network programs in humanities and social sciences aimed at enhancing international cooperation, often taught primarily in English and typically without Korean language training.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The applicant and both parents must hold non-Korean citizenship.
- Applicants must be under 40 years of age.
- Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree, depending on the program level.
- A minimum GPA of 80% (or equivalent) from the most recent academic program is required.
Selection Process and Timeline
The selection process is conducted in multiple stages and coordinated by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Korean embassies, and participating universities.
- Announcement by NIIED: February.
- Application submission through embassy or university: February to March.
- Review and evaluation: April to June.
- Final results announcement by NIIED: June
Application Tracks and Quotas
Applicants may apply through either the Embassy Track or the University Track. The Embassy Track includes General and Overseas Korean applicants and allows candidates to apply to up to three universities, with at least one from Type B institutions. The University Track includes General, R-GKS, Research, International Organization, and Specialization programs such as R&D and Global Network, each with designated quotas and eligible universities.
Application Method
Applicants to degree programs must submit their applications either through the Korean Embassy in their home country or directly to a GKS-designated university. Embassy Track applications are submitted online via the Study in Korea website, while University Track applicants apply directly to the chosen institution. Research program applicants follow specific university or institutional guidelines.