The GKS Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships offered by the South Korean government. Officially known as the Global Korea Scholarship, it supports international students who wish to pursue higher education in South Korea.
What is the GKS Scholarship?
The National Institute for International Education (NIIED) manages the GKS Scholarship under the Ministry of Education of South Korea.
The program was previously known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP). It was renamed to Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) to reflect its broader global focus.
The scholarship aims to:
- Strengthen international educational exchange
- Promote global talent development
- Build friendly relations between South Korea and participating countries
According to official NIIED guidelines, the scholarship supports undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and research programs at designated Korean universities.
GKS Scholarship Benefits
The GKS Scholarship provides comprehensive financial coverage. Benefits may vary slightly by degree level, but typically include:
- The Korean government covers the full tuition fee at designated universities.
- Undergraduate: approximately 900,000 KRW per month
- Graduate: approximately 1,000,000 KRW per month
- A one-time arrival allowance is provided to help students adjust during their first month.
- Round-trip economy airfare between the scholar’s home country and South Korea.
- Recipients must complete one year of Korean language training. This training helps students integrate smoothly into academic and social life.
- Basic health insurance coverage is included.
- Additional support may be granted for thesis printing or research-related expenses.
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Types of GKS Scholarship Programs
The program offers multiple tracks:
Undergraduate Program
- Duration: 4–6 years (including 1 year of language training)
Graduate Program
- Master’s: 3 years (1 year language + 2 years degree)
- Doctoral: 4 years (1 year language + 3 years degree)
Research Program
Short-term research for exchange students and postdoctoral researchers.
Each year, NIIED publishes an official guideline document detailing the available quotas and participating universities.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility depends on the program level. However, the general criteria include:
- Applicants and their parents must not hold Korean citizenship.
- Undergraduate: usually under 25 years
- Graduate: usually under 40 years
- Applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirement stated in the official call. Typically, candidates must rank within the top percentage of their previous academic program or maintain a minimum GPA threshold.
- Applicants must be physically and mentally fit to study in South Korea.
Required Document
- Completed GKS Application Form
- Personal Statement
- Study Plan (or Research Proposal for graduate applicants)
- Letter(s) of Recommendation
- Applicant Agreement
- Personal Medical Assessment Form
- Graduation Certificate (or Expected Graduation Certificate)
- Official Academic Transcript
- Proof of Citizenship (Applicant and Parents)
- Copy of Passport
How to Apply for GKS Scholarship
Let’s simplify the process:
1: Check Official Guidelines
Visit the official GKS website managed by NIIED:
https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr
Download the latest application guidelines and forms.
2: Prepare Required Documents
Common documents include:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- Study plan
- Letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts
- Graduation certificates
- Proof of language proficiency
- Medical assessment form
All documents must follow strict formatting and authentication requirements.
3: Submit Application
Submit through the embassy or university before the deadline.
Deadlines vary by country and institution.
4: Screening Rounds
The selection usually includes:
- First round: Embassy or university screening
- Second round: NIIED evaluation
- Final round: University admission confirmation
Only candidates who pass all stages receive final confirmation.
Selection Criteria and Evaluation
The GKS Scholarship selection process focuses on:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership potential
- Study plan clarity
- Language preparedness
- Contribution to international cooperation
Committees review applications carefully. Strong academic records alone do not guarantee selection. A clear academic goal and well-prepared documentation increase your chances.
Korean Language Requirement
GKS scholars are required to complete Korean language training at designated institutes.
Students who achieve a TOPIK Level 5 or 6 may be eligible to skip the language year in some cases.
The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) measures Korean language proficiency.
Most degree programs are taught in Korean, although some graduate programs offer English tracks.
Participating Universities
Each year, NIIED designates universities eligible under the GKS program.
Top Korean universities that often participate include:
- Seoul National University
- KAIST
- Yonsei University
- Korea University
Trusted Sources for GKS Scholarship Information
To avoid misinformation, rely only on official sources:
- Study in Korea official portal:
https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr - Official Korean Embassy websites in your country
- Official university international admission pages
Avoid social media rumors or unofficial blogs that lack documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the GKS Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition, airfare, monthly stipend, and additional allowances as stated in official guidelines.
2. Can I apply without knowing Korean?
Yes. However, you must complete Korean language training unless exempted.
3. Can I choose any Korean university?
Only designated universities listed in the annual guideline are eligible.
4. Can I work while studying?
International students may work part-time under Korean immigration regulations, subject to approval.
Conclusion
The GKS Scholarship stands as one of the most respected government-funded scholarship programs in Asia. Managed by NIIED under the Ministry of Education, it offers a structured, transparent, and fully funded pathway to study in South Korea.
If you plan carefully, follow official instructions, and submit a strong academic proposal, your chances improve considerably.
Always verify information using official sources. Accurate preparation matters more than speculation.
South Korea invests heavily in education and global cooperation. Through the GKS Scholarship, the country opens its doors to talented students worldwide.