Global Korea Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in South Korea
Opportunity to Study for Free in South Korea
The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 (GKS), also known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is one of the world’s most prestigious scholarships. The GKS Scholarship 2026 is one of the most prestigious scholarships to study in Korea for free because it is fully funded, covering virtually all aspects of a student’s academic journey AFS-USA.
In 2026, the Korean government will select 2,200 international students for undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and research programs at top-tier South Korean universities. This is your chance to study in one of Asia’s most innovative countries at no cost!
Complete Scholarship Benefits
The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 offers a comprehensive package that eliminates financial worries:
What’s Included:
Airfare Round-trip economy class airfare provided AFS-USA.
Full Tuition Up to 5 million KRW per semester (excess covered by universities if tuition is higher) AFS-USA.
Korean Language Training 1 year intensive Korean language program at designated institution AFS-USA. This preparatory year is mandatory and fully funded.
Generous Monthly Stipend Stipend of approximately KRW 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 depending on program type AFS-USA:
- Korean language program: 12,840,000 KRW per year
- Undergraduate program: 13,680,000 KRW per year
Settlement Allowance One-time allowance provided upon arrival AFS-USA.
Medical Insurance Health insurance for the duration of the scholarship AFS-USA.
Academic Bonus Can receive an additional KRW 300,000 if they pass Level 5 or higher in the oral section of the Korean Proficiency Test Highland County Press.
Available Programs and Duration
Undergraduate
Associate Diploma Program (3-4 years) – 1 year Korean language training + 2~3 years undergraduate program AFS-USA.
Next year’s program will select 280 scholars from 71 countries Highland County Press for undergraduate studies.
Graduate (Postgraduate)
In 2026, the Korean government intends to welcome 2,000 (a large increase in quota compared to last year) talented students from around the world to enroll in graduate programs at top-tier Korean universities CSIET.
Program Duration: Master’s Program: 3 years – 1 year Korean language program + 2 years graduate program CSIET Doctoral Program: 4 years – 1 year Korean language program + 3 years graduate program CSIET Research Program: 6 months or 1 year CSIET
Eligibility Requirements
For Undergraduate:
Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or be about to graduate Highland County Press. They and their parents must be foreign citizens, and the maximum age is 25 as of March 1, 2026 Highland County Press. Those who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher are ineligible Highland County Press.
For Graduate:
Applicants must be under 40 years old (born on or after September 1, 1986) Afsla. Bachelor’s degree holders for Master’s program / Master’s degree holders for Doctoral program Afsla.
Academic Requirements:
You must meet one of the following requirements: A Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 80 percent or higher in your previous school. Achieve a grade in the top 20 percent in your previous undergraduate program AFS Intercultural Programs.
Nationality:
Applicants and both parents must be non-Korean citizens with nationality of the host country Afsla.
Two Application Pathways
The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 offers two application routes:
1. Embassy Track
In 2026, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) will select 2,000 students from around the world. 800 through the Embassy Track CSIET.
Advantages:
- Can choose up to three Korean universities
- Greater flexibility in selection
- Process through Korean embassy in your country
2. University Track
1,200 through the University Track CSIET.
Features:
- Direct application to chosen university
- Includes special programs: R&D (Research and Development) and Global Network The R&D and Global Network Programs in the University Track are selected by each university based on their own scholarship selection guidelines and admission criteria CSIET
Fields of Study
All academic fields established by GKS participating universities CSIET.
This includes:
- Engineering and Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Arts and Design
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Business Administration
- International Relations
- And much more
Note: Academic programs offered during evenings (night school), short-term programs, online and distance learning programs are not applicable in this scholarship program CSIET.
Simplified Application Process
Important Change for 2026:
The application process has also been changed. Starting next academic semester, applications can be filled out and submitted online through the official Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr), instead of submitting them in person at a Korean embassy or mailing them to a Korean university Highland County Press.
How to Apply:
Step 1: Visit www.studyinkorea.go.kr Step 2: Create an account in the system Step 3: Choose between Embassy Track or University Track Step 4: Complete the online form Step 5: Upload all required documents Step 6: Submit before the deadline
Required Documents:
- Complete application form (online)
- Diploma and academic transcript (notarized)
- Two recommendation letters
- Study plan or research proposal
- Medical examination (specific form)
- Passport copy
- Language proficiency certificate (if applicable)
Recommendation letters must be filled out on form downloaded from the system, completed and signed by the recommender, and uploaded by the applicant Afsla.
2026 Application Deadlines
Undergraduate:
The Ministry of Education and the National Institute for International Education on September 4 announced the application period for the Global Korea Scholarship 2026 for undergraduates from September 15 to October 31 Highland County Press.
Results: Results will be announced in January Highland County Press.
Graduate:
Deadlines vary by embassy and university. Generally:
- Embassy Track: Check with local embassy (usually March-April)
- University Track: Check with specific universities
Important: Always verify specific deadlines on the official website and with your chosen embassy/university.
TOPIK Requirement
All selected GKS scholars are generally required to achieve at least TOPIK Level 3 during or after the Korean language program to proceed to their graduate program. Some departments may require higher levels such as TOPIK Level 4 CSIET.
Advantage: If you already have TOPIK level 5 or 6 when applying, you may not need to take the 1-year Korean language program.
Participating Universities
Over 80 Korean universities participate in the GKS program, including world-renowned institutions such as:
- Seoul National University
- Korea University
- Yonsei University
- KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)
- POSTECH
- Sungkyunkwan University
- Hanyang University
- Ewha Womans University
- And many others
Tips for Successful Application
- Start Early: Prepare documents in advance
- Choose Strategically: Research universities and programs carefully
- Strong Letters: Get recommendations from professors who know your work well
- Clear Plan: Write a detailed and convincing study plan
- Learn Korean: Starting to learn Korean demonstrates commitment
- Complete Documentation: Ensure all documents are notarized
Why Study in South Korea?
- World-Class Education: Universities among Asia’s best
- Advanced Technology: Leading country in technological innovation
- Rich Culture: Unique cultural experience (K-pop, K-drama, ancient history)
- Safety: One of the world’s safest countries
- Career Opportunities: Presence of global companies (Samsung, LG, Hyundai)
- Cost of Living: Relatively affordable compared to other developed countries
Contact and Resources
Official Website: www.studyinkorea.go.kr
NIIED Email: gksniied@korea.kr
Phone (Undergraduate): +82-2-3668-1483
Phone (Graduate): +82-2-3668-1389
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