GKS (Global Korea Scholarship)
Want to study in Korea but worried about tuition fees?
GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) is Korea's flagship government scholarship program, selecting over 2,000 students from around the world each year.
You can receive full support for tuition, living expenses, and even airfare, allowing you to pursue your dream of studying in Korea without financial burden.
Let us walk you through the types of GKS scholarships and how to apply.
Degree Programs
GKS degree programs support you from Korean language training to degree completion. Check out the key benefits below.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview | Korea's flagship scholarship program inviting talented students from around the world to pursue degrees |
| Coverage | Korean language training (1 year) + Degree program |
| Selection | Bachelor's (incl. Associate) ~280 students + Graduate ~1,900 students |
| Duration | Korean training (1 year) + Associate (2-3 yrs) / Bachelor's (4-6 yrs) / Master's (2 yrs) / Doctorate (3 yrs) |
| Benefits | Round-trip airfare, language training fees, full tuition, monthly stipend |
Available Tracks
You can choose from various majors at over 80 universities nationwide.
- General Track: Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, arts & sports, and more
- R&D Track: STEM fields in advanced/emerging industries (Master's & Doctorate only)
- Global Network: Humanities & social sciences for international cooperation (Master's only, no Korean training)
Scholarship Benefits Detail (2024 reference, may vary annually)
- Round-trip airfare: Actual cost (economy class)
- Settlement allowance: KRW 200,000 upon arrival
- Korean language training: Separately covered (language institute tuition waived)
- Tuition: Full enrollment and tuition fees waived
- Living allowance: Bachelor's KRW 900,000/month, Graduate KRW 1,000,000/month
- Medical insurance: Partial National Health Insurance coverage
- Thesis printing fee: Additional support upon completion of Master's/Doctorate
- TOPIK incentive: Additional support upon achieving certain levels
※ The above amounts are for reference only. Please confirm exact amounts in the recruitment guidelines for that year.
Good to Know
- Don't worry if you don't speak Korean. You'll receive one year of Korean language training first.
- With over 80 universities to choose from, you can consider your preferred major and location.
- If you achieve TOPIK Level 3 or higher during your Korean language training, your transition to the degree program will be smoother, and some universities offer additional scholarships.
Bachelor's (incl. Associate) Program
To apply for the Bachelor's (including Associate) program, you must meet the following requirements. Check if you're eligible!
Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Both you and your parents must be non-Korean citizens |
| Age | Under 25 years old (as of application deadline) |
| Education | High school graduate or expected graduate |
| Grades | Average grade of 80% (B grade) or above from previous school |
| Health | Physically and mentally healthy, with no conditions that would hinder studying abroad |
Selection Schedule
GKS only accepts applications once a year, so make sure to check the schedule!
| Step | Organization | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Announcement | NIIED | September |
| 2. Application | Embassy or University | Sep-Oct |
| 3. Review & Interview | Embassy, NIIED, University | Oct-Dec |
| 4. Final Results | NIIED | January (next year) |
| 5. Arrival in Korea | Scholar | Aug-Sep (following year) |
Application Routes
Embassy Route
Recommended if residing in your home country. Embassy conducts initial screening before recommending to NIIED.
💡 Deadlines vary by embassy, so check your embassy's announcements regularly.
University Track
If you've already decided on your preferred university, apply directly to that university.
💡 Contact the university's Office of International Affairs for document submission schedules.
UNIVijob Application Timing Tips
- Start preparing documents at least 3-6 months before the announcement (September). Notarization and translation of transcripts and diplomas take time.
- If you're in your home country, the embassy route may be advantageous. Interviews are conducted at the embassy, reducing language barriers.
- All documents must be translated into English or Korean with apostille or consular authentication. Requirements vary by country, so check the announcement carefully.
Graduate Program (Master's, Doctorate)
To apply for the Graduate program (Master's or Doctorate), you must meet the following requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Both you and your parents must be non-Korean citizens |
| Age | Under 40 years old (as of application deadline, some exceptions for doctorate) |
| Education | Master's: Bachelor's degree holder (or expected) / Doctorate: Master's degree holder (or expected) |
| Grades | Average grade of 80% (B grade, GPA 3.0/4.0) or above from previous degree |
| Language | TOPIK or English proficiency scores recommended (not required but gives bonus points) |
Selection Schedule (Graduate Program)
Note that the graduate program has a different application period from the bachelor's program! Applications close in Feb-Mar.
| Step | Organization | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Announcement | NIIED | Early February |
| 2. Application Submission | Embassy or Designated University | Feb-Mar |
| 3. Document Review & Interview | Embassy → NIIED → University | Apr-Jun |
| 4. Final Results Announcement | NIIED | Jun-Jul |
| 5. Arrival in Korea & Language Training | Scholar | Aug-Sep |
UNIVijob Graduate Application Tips
- Before applying, try contacting professors at your target university by email. Finding an advisor whose research interests match yours greatly helps your chances of admission.
- The Study Plan is very important. Be specific about why you want to study in Korea and what contributions you can make after graduation.
- Request recommendation letters from professors who know your academic abilities and research potential well. Letters with specific episodes are more effective than formal ones.
Exchange Student Program
Want to experience Korea for one semester (4 months)?
The GKS Exchange Program offers students currently enrolled at overseas universities the opportunity to study in Korea for one semester (about 4 months). It's a great opportunity to experience Korean university life before applying for a degree program.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Duration | 4 months (1 semester, choose from spring/fall) |
| Number of Invitations | Approximately 500 students per year (varies by budget and policy) |
| Scholarship Benefits | Monthly living stipend (approx. 800,000 KRW), health insurance support |
Difference from Degree Programs
UNIVijob Tip
Other Scholarships
Don't give up even if you're not selected for GKS! There are many scholarship opportunities in Korea. You can significantly reduce your study costs by actively utilizing university scholarships, government support scholarships, and private foundation scholarships.
University Scholarships (Most Accessible)
Most Korean universities offer their own scholarship programs to attract international students. The competition is lower than GKS, and multiple scholarships can often be combined, so be sure to check.
| Scholarship Type | Discount Rate | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Admission Merit Scholarship | 30-100% | Top admission scores (often automatically selected) |
| Academic Merit Scholarship | 20-50% | Based on previous semester GPA (usually 3.5/4.5 or above) |
| TOPIK Scholarship | 10-50% | TOPIK Level 4 or above (higher benefits for Level 6) |
| Language Institute Merit Scholarship | 10-30% | When advancing to undergraduate/graduate after completing the language institute at the same university |
| Financial Hardship Scholarship | 20-50% | When submitting documentation of family circumstances (varies by university) |
UNIVijob Tip
Major Foundation & Corporate Scholarships
There are also scholarships run by corporations and private foundations. Most require separate applications, and selection conditions and timing vary, so check information regularly.
| Scholarship Name | Target | Support |
|---|---|---|
| KOSAF (Korea Scholarship Foundation) | International students | Student loan support (some scholarships included) |
| Samsung Dream Scholarship Foundation | Excellent students from low-income families | Registration + Living expenses (up to 10 million KRW+ per year) |
| Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation | STEM graduate students (Master's, Doctorate) | Research expenses + Living expenses + Conference participation support |
| Lotte Scholarship Foundation | Southeast Asian students preferred | Registration support + Cultural experience program |
| POSCO TJ Park Foundation | Graduate students from Asian countries | Registration + Living expenses + Research support |
※ The above information is for reference. Please check the latest announcements on each foundation's official website.
Local Government Scholarships
Some local governments (metropolitan cities/provinces) provide scholarships to international students enrolled at universities in their region.
- Seoul: Seoul Scholarship Foundation International Student Scholarship
- Busan: Busan Global City Scholarship
- Daejeon: Daejeon International Student Support Program
- Gyeonggi Province: Gyeonggi-do Foreign Resident Children Scholarship
💡 Regional scholarships can be learned about through the International Office of universities in the region or checked on local government websites.
National Scholarship for Koreans (Reference)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Selection | About 60 students (General 34, Dream 17, Technical 9) |
| Target | Korean nationals wishing to pursue Master's/Doctorate abroad |
Preparation Checklist
Here is a checklist prepared by UNIVijob for those preparing to apply for GKS scholarship. Check each item as you prepare!
Pre-application Preparation Timeline
6 months before
- Check previous year's recruitment guidelines on GKS official site (studyinkorea.go.kr)
- List target universities and majors (3-5 recommended)
- Start preparing for English or Korean proficiency tests (TOPIK, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
3 months before
- Obtain transcripts and graduation certificates, prepare translations and notarization
- Request recommendation letters (ask professors/teachers in advance)
- Start drafting self-introduction and study plan
1 month before
- Check recruitment announcement (Bachelor: September, Graduate: February)
- Final review of all documents and translations
- Practice online application form (refer to previous year's format)
Just before deadline
- Submit documents to embassy or university (strictly observe deadline!)
- Keep submission confirmation email or receipt
- Start interview preparation (wait for contact if accepted)
Required Documents Checklist
※ Below is a general document list. Always check the official recruitment guidelines for the applicable year.
- ☐Application form (NIIED format)
- ☐Self-introduction and study plan (NIIED format)
- ☐2 recommendation letters (teacher/professor)
- ☐Transcripts (all years, original + translation)
- ☐Graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate (original + translation)
- ☐Passport copy
- ☐ID photo (taken within last 6 months)
- ☐Language proficiency certificate (TOPIK, TOEFL, IELTS, etc. - if available)
- ☐Health certificate (designated format)
- ☐Family relationship documents (for nationality verification)
Document Preparation Notes
- All non-English documents must be translated to English or Korean and notarized.
- Some countries require Apostille or consular confirmation.
- Document issuance may take time, so start preparation at least 1-2 months in advance.
- Original documents are not returned after submission, so prepare extra copies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions about GKS scholarship.
Q. Can I apply for GKS if I don't speak Korean at all?
A. Yes, you can! If you pass GKS degree program, you will receive 1 year of Korean language training (language institute) first. However, having a TOPIK score can give you bonus points during selection.
Q. Can I reapply if I fail GKS?
A. Yes, you can. There is no limit on reapplication. However, we recommend analyzing and improving on the reasons for previous failure before reapplying.
Q. Can GKS scholars work part-time?
A. GKS scholars are legally allowed to work part-time, but prior permission from NIIED and your university is required. It is allowed within a range that does not interfere with your studies.
Q. What if my grades drop while on scholarship?
A. GKS has minimum grade requirements. Failing to meet requirements may result in scholarship termination. Always prioritize your studies.
Q. Can I bring my family?
A. GKS is an individual scholarship. Family members are not covered by the scholarship, but you can bring them at your own expense with appropriate visas.
Q. Is there an age limit for GKS?
A. Bachelor's degree: under 25 years old, Graduate degree: under 40 years old (as of application deadline). Check the official guidelines for exact age requirements.
If you have more questions, please contact the office below or use UNIVijob's counseling service.
Contact Information
If you have more questions about scholarships, please contact the official channels below.
National Institute for International Education (NIIED)
GKS scholarship administering organization
- Email: gksniied@korea.kr
- Website: studyinkorea.go.kr
Korean Embassy/Consulate
If residing in your home country, contact the GKS officer at your local Korean embassy or consulate. Deadlines and required documents may vary by country.
Feeling overwhelmed?
It may feel daunting at first, but by following this guide step by step, you can definitely do it. UNIVijob is rooting for your Korea study journey!
Get 1:1 personalized consultation through UNIVijob's counseling service.