The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is the flagship international scholarship program of the Republic of Korea. Administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), the program is designed to attract outstanding students from around the world to pursue higher education in South Korea. Through academic opportunities and cultural exchange, GKS aims to nurture global talent and establish strong international networks between Korea and participating countries.

The scholarship provides international students with the opportunity to study at leading Korean universities while receiving comprehensive financial support from the Korean government. It is recognized as one of the most prestigious and competitive government-funded scholarship programs in Asia.

The GKS program supports a wide range of academic opportunities through Korean universities designated by the Korean government.

Undergraduate Programs

• Associate Degree Programs
• Bachelor's Degree Programs

Students can pursue studies in various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, arts, and physical education.

Graduate Programs

• Master's Degree Programs
• Doctoral Degree Programs
• Research Programs
• Specialized R&D Programs
• Global Network Programs

Applicants can choose from numerous academic disciplines offered by participating Korean universities for different levels, including engineering, science, technology, public policy, economics, business administration, international development, education, health sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities.

For GKS Graduate Programs, participating universities are categorized into Type A and Type B institutions.

1.    Type A Universities
Type A universities generally include highly competitive institutions located in major metropolitan areas and research hubs.

2.    Type B Universities
Type B universities primarily include strong regional universities that play an important role in Korea's balanced regional development and academic excellence.

SCHOLARSHIP COVERAGE

The Global Korea Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support that allows students to focus on their academic and personal development. Major benefits include:

• Round trip international airfare
• Full tuition coverage
• Korean language training support
• Monthly living allowance
• Medical insurance support
• Settlement and academic assistance
• Access to university facilities and academic resources

These benefits help remove financial barriers and provide scholars with a stable environment for academic success in Korea.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Although requirements vary by university and program, applicants generally must meet the following requirements.
1.    Be a citizen of a country other than South Korea and in good health both mentally and physically as well as no any criminal record.
2.    Applicants must have a strong academic background and scientific & innovative abilities.
3.    Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the university of preference in terms of academic ability, research competency, and among others. 
4.    Fulfill language requirements for English taught or Korean taught programs. 

• Applicants for Korean-taught programs may require to submit valid TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korea) scores in accordance with the corresponding Korean proficiency requirements.
• Applicants for English-taught programs shall provide English language proficiency certificates according to the universities’ requirements, like IELTS or TOFEL report. Even, if the program is English taught, the applicants may require to take a one-year Korean language. 

5.    Typical age limits include:

• Undergraduate applicants: under 25 years 
• Master’s applicants: under 40 years 
• PhD applicants: under 40 years 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR MASTER & PHD APPLICATION (UNIVERSITY TRACK) 

1.    Application Form for preferred Global Korea Scholarship designed university.
2.    Passport Copy: Applicants are required to submit a clear scanned copy of the information page of their ordinary passports. 
3.    Recently take digital passport size photo. 
4.    Academic Certificates: Degree Certificate (from the undergraduate program onwards). Doctoral applicants must submit both bachelor's and master's certificates. 
5.    Academic transcripts (from the undergraduate program onwards). Copies of academic records from the first to last semester during the undergraduate, graduate (if any), and doctoral programs (if any) shall be provided. These transcripts shall be issued and sealed by the attending university's academic affairs office, graduate school, or student management department. 
6.    Study and Research Plan or Research Proposal that specify the applicant’s previous research background, research achievements, prospective research field, research plan, etc. 
7.    Letter(s) of recommendation from academic expert. (The content shall describe the applicant's study objectives, comprehensive abilities, and evaluation of future development).
8.    Physical Examination Record for Foreigners. 
9.    Non-criminal record report. An applicant shall submit a valid Certificate of Non-Criminal Record (or Police Clearance Certificate) issued by the local public security (such as the police station).
10.    Language qualification certificates. Programs taught in Korean language may require to submit a valid TOPIC score and English taught programs may require to provide relevant language proficiency certificates, such as IELTS or TOEFL score reports, in accordance with the requirements of each university. However, it is generally required to take one-year Korean language class even for English program. 
11.    Supervisor Acceptance Letter from potential supervisor at your preferred university. 
12.    Complete Curricular Vitae – CV
13.    Other supporting materials (Published papers, Rewards, certificates, etc.)
14.    An applicant for the arts or design program shall provide his/her own works (such as videos and paintings).

APPLICATION PROCESS (UNIVERSITY TRACK) 

1.    An applicant shall learn about designated Korean universities by visiting university official websites and identify the preferred scholarship program, major they offer, and the requirement for the application. 
2.    An applicant shall find the suitable supervisor as per the research interest. Students are highly recommended to get the supervisor approval letter before submitting an application. 
3.    An applicant shall attend the interview and the research presentation organized by the professor (if required). 
4.    An applicant shall fulfill the admission requirement of the designated university.
5.    An applicant must participate in the comprehensive interview or research presentation organized by the department or the designated university. 
6.    After the designated university finalize the nominated candidates. The university will submit the nominated candidates list and their application documents to the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). 
7.    The NIIED will organize comprehensive expert review on applicants’ eligibility and academic performance before finalizing the short-list candidates;
8.    The NIIED will notify the scholarship results to the university that will subsequently have the applicant informed through the official admission notice

OFFICIAL SITE: https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr