Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) to Study in South Korea

This is a government-invited scholarship degree program aimed at fostering global talent and establishing international networks by inviting outstanding students from around the world.
The Korean government provides international students with opportunities to study and offers various scholarship programs.

The wait is over! The 2026 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Graduate Degrees has officially been announced. This fully-funded program, sponsored by the Korean government, is one of the most prestigious academic opportunities in the world, designed to foster international leaders by providing them with the tools to succeed in South Korea’s cutting-edge academic environment.

Whether you are aiming for a Master’s or a Doctoral degree, the 2026 GKS-G program offers a gateway to top-tier education and a life-changing cultural experience.

Major 2026 Update: Online-First Application

For the first time, the application process has moved to a more streamlined, digital system.

• Submission Portal: www.studyinkorea.go.kr
• Application Period: February 12 (Thu) 11:00 AM – February 25 (Wed) 6:00 PM, 2026 (KST)
• Note: All Embassy Track applications must be submitted online. Physical documents, mail, or email submissions will not be accepted during the initial round.

Why Study in South Korea?

South Korea is a global hub for innovation, technology, and culture. Scholars can choose from over 60 prestigious universities. Some of the most sought-after institutions include:

• SKY Universities: Seoul National University (SNU), Korea University, and Yonsei University—the trio representing the peak of Korean academia.
• Tech & Innovation: KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) and POSTECH, ideal for Engineering and Artificial Intelligence.
• Business & Humanities: Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) and Sogang University, known for their deep corporate ties and historical excellence.
• Specialized Fields: Ewha Womans University (Global Leadership) and Hanyang University (R&D and Industry-Academic cooperation).

Scholarship Benefits: What’s Included?

The GKS is a fully-funded scholarship, meaning it covers almost everything:

• Full Tuition: 100% of admission and tuition fees.
• Monthly Allowance: Up to 1,000,000 KRW for living expenses.
• Airfare: Round-trip economy class tickets.
• Language Training: 1 year of intensive Korean language courses.
• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage.
• Grants: Settlement allowance, research grants, and thesis printing fees.

Top Universities You Can Apply To

South Korea is home to elite institutions known for research, innovation, and global rankings. Through the GKS program, you can aim for:

University	Best For
Seoul National University (SNU)	All-around excellence (The “Harvard” of Korea)
KAIST	Engineering, Science, and Technology
Korea University	Business, Political Science, and Law
Yonsei University	Medicine, International Relations, and Liberal Arts
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)	Samsung-backed Innovation & Social Sciences
Ewha Womans University	Interdisciplinary Studies & Women’s Leadership

[Type A ] 30 Universities

AJOU UNIVERSITY, CHUNG-ANG UNIVERSITY, DONGGUK UNIVERSITY(Seoul), DUKSUNG WOMEN`S UNIVERSITY, EWHA WOMANS UNIVERSITY, HANKUK UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES, HANSUNG UNIVERSITY, HANYANG UNIVERSITY, HONGIK UNIVERSITY, INCHEON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, INHA UNIVERSITY, KONKUK UNIVERSITY, KOOKMIN UNIVERSITY, KOREA UNIVERSITY, KYUNG HEE UNIVERSITY, MYONGJI UNIVERSITY（Yongin campus), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), SEOKYEONG UNIVERSITY, SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SOGANG UNIVERSITY, SOOKMYUNG WOMEN`S UNIVERSITY, SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIVERSITY (SKKU), Shinhan University, Shinhan University, Sungshin Women’s University, TECH UNIVERSITY OF KOREA, UNIVERSITY OF SEOUL, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), YONSEI UNIVERSITY

[Type B][R-GKS] 39 Universities

BUSAN UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES, CHEONGJU UNIVERSITY, CHONNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, CHOSUN UNIVERSITY, CHUNGBUK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, CHUNGNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY(CNU), DAEGU CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY, DAEGU UNIVERSITY, DAEJEON UNIVERSITY, DONG-A UNIVERSITY, DONGSEO UNIVERSITY, GYEONGKUK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, GYEONGSANG NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANNAM UNIVERSITY, HOSEO UNIVERSITY, INJE UNIVERSITY, JEJU NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, JEONBUK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, KANGWON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, KEIMYUNG UNIVERSITY, KONGJU NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, KONYANG UNIVERSITY, KOREA UNIVERSITY(SEJONG), KOREATECH, KUNSAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, KYUNGPOOK National University, KYUNGSUNG UNIVERSITY, MOKWON UNIVERSITY, National Korea Maritime & Ocean University, PAI CHAI UNIVERSITY, PUKYONG NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, PUSAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, SEMYUNG UNIVERSITY, SILLA UNIVERSITY, SUNCHON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, SUNMOON UNIVERSITY, Soonchunhyang University, University of Ulsan, YEUNGNAM UNIVERSITY

Core Eligibility Requirements

To be a competitive applicant for the 2026 cycle, ensure you meet the following:

• Nationality: Applicant and parents must hold citizenship of an NIIED-designated country (and must not hold Korean citizenship).
• Academic Record: A Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 80% or higher (or rank in the top 20% of your class).
• Age: Under 40 years old (born after September 1, 1986).
  • Note: Academic professors from ODA recipient countries may apply if under 45 (born after September 1, 1981).
• Degree Completion: You must hold (or be expected to hold) your degree by July 31, 2026.

Application Process: A Quick Roadmap

1. Step 1 (Online): Register on the “Study in Korea” portal and upload scanned versions of all required forms (Forms 1–10) and academic transcripts.
2. Step 2 (Selection): If you pass the 1st round (Embassy or University selection), you will be required to submit Consular Authenticated or Apostilled original documents.
3. Step 3 (Final): NIIED makes the final selection, followed by visa application and departure for Korea.