A prominent and completely supported Global Korea Scholarship option for international students to pursue undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and research degrees at prestigious South Korean universities is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP). Everything you need to know about the GKS is included in this extensive guide, including its goals, advantages, eligibility, application procedure, selection standards, and advice for submitting a strong application.
Global Korea Scholarship Summary
| Host Country | South Korea |
| Host Institute | Various institutes in South Korea |
| Level | Undergraduate, Graduate |
| Eligible Nationality | All |
| Scholarship Type | Fully funded |
| Benefits | |
| Duration | Up to 6 years |
| Opening Date | Usually September |
| Closing Date | December/January |
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
In order to draw gifted foreign students to Korean institutions, the Korean government launched the GKS, a flagship program run by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). Mutual understanding, international educational exchange, and the development of enduring relationships between Korea and participating nations are the objectives of the program.
Why Choose the Global Korea Scholarship?
- Fully Funded: Includes insurance, living expenses, tuition, and flights, among other things.
- Academic Excellence: Advanced research and access to Korea’s best universities.
- A year of rigorous Korean language instruction and exposure to Korean culture is known as cultural immersion.
- Career Opportunities: Expand your professional network and employability worldwide.
Global Korea Scholarship Benefits
Among international scholarships, the GKS offers one of the most extensive financial packages:
- 100% of tuition costs paid are covered under full tuition coverage.
- The monthly living allowance is between KRW 900,000 and KRW 1,000,000.
- Airfare: Tickets for round-trip travel.
- KRW 200,000 is the settlement grant upon arrival.
- Comprehensive health coverage is provided by medical insurance.
- One year of rigorous language study is known as Korean language training.
- Research Support: Extra money to cover the costs of the dissertation and research.
- Completion Grants: For completing a degree successfully.
- TOPIK Exam Fees: Paid for testing competency in Korean
Eligibility Criteria for Global Korea Scholarship
General prerequisites:
- Nationality: Citizens of a nation invited by NIIED are required to participate; dual nationals with Korean citizenship and Korean citizens are not.
- Undergraduate education: High school graduation or anticipated graduation prior to enrollment.
- Graduate: For master’s applicants, a bachelor’s degree; for doctoral aspirants, a master’s degree.
- GPA: a CGPA of at least 2.64/4.0 (or its equivalent), or a minimum of 80% on a 100-point scale, or the top 20% of the class.
- Under 25 for undergraduate programs and under 40 for graduate programs (may vary by year) are the age limits.
- Health: Both mental and physical well-being are required.
Extra Information:
Candidates are not permitted to apply to more than one university under the same track.
A bachelor’s degree holder is not eligible to apply to another bachelor’s program.
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Global Korea Scholarship Application Process
Select Your Track
- Embassy Track: Submit an application through your nation’s Korean embassy. Up to three universities are available for selection.
- University Track: Submit an application straight to a Korean university.
- Global Network Track: For candidates referred by foreign organizations.
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Get the necessary paperwork ready.
- Application form (available for download from the appropriate institution or Study in Korea)
- Study plan and personal statement
- Reference letters
- Academic records and certifications (embassy-certified or apostille)
- Evidence of citizenship (parents and applicant)
- Form for medical evaluation
- Certificates of language proficiency are optional, however they are advised for extra credit.
- Additional paperwork as required by the embassy or university
Submit Your Application Embassy Track
Prior to the date established by your nation, mail all supporting documentation to the Korean embassy.
University Track: Send paper copies to the university’s admissions office along with your online submission.
The Selection Process
Embassy Track
Embassy interviews and evaluates applications.
Candidates are recommended to NIIED by the Embassy.
Applications are sent to the chosen universities by NIIED.
Final applicants are reviewed and chosen by universities.
University Track
Candidates are nominated and applications are reviewed by the university.
NIIED evaluates and makes the ultimate choice.
Timetable For instance, graduate programs:
- March: The application period begins
- April–May: Initial round (university/embassy review)
- May–June: Final selection and NIIED review
- June–July: Final results are announced
Criteria for Selection
Criteria for Selection Global Korea Scholarship
- Academic excellence is demonstrated by a solid academic background and a high GPA.
- Personal Statement: Fit for Korea, clear goals, and motivation.
- Strong recommendations from professional or academic referees are included in recommendation letters.
- Language Proficiency: Extra points can be earned for English (IELTS/TOEFL) or Korean (TOPIK) scores.
- Extracurricular Activities: Community service, leadership, and other accomplishments.
When and Where to Apply
- For graduate programs, the application period usually begins in early fall (September); however, deadlines differ by nation and university.
- For announcements, paperwork, and instructions, see the official website, Study in Korea.
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