The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 is a Korean government scholarship for international students to study undergraduate programs at some of the best higher education institutions in South Korea. The GKS 2026 Scholarship for undergraduate programs aims to promote goodwill and mutual cooperation between Korea and participating countries. This scholarship is one of the largest and most competitive programs in the world, offering an excellent opportunity for international students to study in Korea for free. 

The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 is a fully-funded scholarship for international students . The Korean government offers a total of 280 scholarships to students from more than 150 countries. Formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), this scholarship remains a prestigious opportunity for students seeking a high-quality education abroad.

There are many compelling reasons to study in South Korea. Most importantly, its educational institutions are ranked among the best in the world. Additionally, the country boasts a highly developed education system, a rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural scenery. Other major attractions include strong government support programs, abundant job opportunities, and a high quality of life. South Korea also offers numerous fully-funded scholarships, allowing students to study there for free. There are two ways to apply.

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 is offered through two application streams: the Embassy Stream and the University Stream. The Embassy Stream will select 150 students for undergraduate programs, while the University Stream will offer 130 scholarships, including both undergraduate and fellowship programs. Each embassy or university has its own application deadline. More details on how to successfully apply for this scholarship are found in the sections below.

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 | GKS Scholarship:

Host country:

• Korea

Sponsored by:

• Korean government

Degree level:

• Bachelor's degree
• Associate's degree

Duration of the Global Korea Scholarship 2026:

• Scholarship for a Bachelor's Degree for 5 to 7 years (One-year Korean Language Program)
• 3 to 4 year scholarship for associate degree (one-year Korean language program)

GKS Scholarship 2026 Bachelor's Degree:

The Global Korea Scholarship is one of the prestigious scholarships to study in Korea. There are 280 scholarships in South Korea for international students under this program.

• University track: 130 scholarships
• Embassy Track: 50 Researchers from 71 Countries
  • Year: 82 researchers from 71 countries 
  • Koreans Abroad: 7 Scientists from 7 Countries
  • R-GKS: 61 researchers from 56 countries

GKS Scholarship Benefits 2026

• Tuition fees: Covered up to 5 million Korean won per semester (additional costs covered by the university).
• Korean language training: One year of intensive training (5.2 million Korean won, equivalent to 12.84 million Korean won per year).
• Flight ticket price: Round-trip economy class ticket.
• Monthly allowance: approximately 1,000,000 - 1,500,000 Korean won, including:
  • living expenses
  • health insurance
  • Korean Language Proficiency Scholarship
  • Settlement allowance
  • TOPIK exam fee coverage
  • Degree Completion Scholarship

Universities and fields of study available under the GKS 2026 Scholarship:

You can apply for all fields of study offered by GKS universities. However, evening classes, short-term courses, online, or distance-learning programs are not covered. Applicants must choose only from the universities and departments listed in the official “University Information” file on the Study in Korea website.

Eligibility Criteria for the Global Korean Scholarship (GKS) 2026:

• The candidate must be a citizen of a Global Korea Scholarship partner country.
• Bachelor's Program : Available to students who have already graduated, or are about to graduate, from high school or an associate's degree
  program .
• The candidate must not hold Korean nationality or dual nationality.
• Bachelor's degree program or associate's degree program; candidates must have graduated from high school or be expected to graduate by December 1, 2025.
• Candidates who hold a related undergraduate degree or are expected to graduate by December 1, 2025, may apply for the bachelor's degree only.
• Candidates must be under 25 years of age.
• Candidates must be in good health.
• The candidate must maintain his/her cumulative GPA in order to retain the scholarship.

Application Method for Gloabl Korea Scholarship 2026:

1. Go to the official Study in Korea website and register as a member.
2. Fill in the application form online, complete all required sections, and upload the necessary documents. If a university asks for extra documents (like a portfolio), send them directly to that university.
3. Check the “University Information” file to see if your chosen university or department has any extra requirements.
4. All GKS scholars must pass TOPIK Level 3 to begin their degree program, but some universities may require TOPIK Level 4 or higher. If you don’t meet these requirements, your scholarship will be cancelled.
5. Some degree programs only allow students to start in specific semesters (for example, March only). If your language program is delayed, you need to confirm whether your chosen degree program is available in the next semester

How to Apply for the Global Korea Scholarship: Key Guidelines for the GKS Scholarship 2025

Embassy path:

• Applicants can choose up to three different universities.
• You cannot choose multiple departments within the same university.
• The university chosen must be at least from the list of type B universities.
• If you mistakenly list a Type A university in the Type B section, your application may be disqualified.

University track:

• Applicants must choose only one university to apply to.

Additional points for the GKS 2026 scholarship:

• Applicants who score TOPIK level 3 or higher will receive additional points, representing 10% of the total score.
• Direct descendants of Korean War veterans who served in foreign military forces during the war will receive an additional 5% of the total points.
• Additional points can also be earned by being proficient in both Korean and English:
  • Points will be awarded based on the applicant's TOPIK certificate level.
  • English: Additional points will be awarded based on correct scores from recognized English proficiency exams such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Required documents for the Korean Global Scholarship 2026:

• GKS-U Application Form
• Personal Statement (Learn How to Write a Personal Statement)
• Study plan
• My letters of recommendation
• GKS Applicant Agreement
• Personal Medical Assessment
• Proof of nationality
• Graduation certificate
• High school grade reports
• Proof of age
• Proof of Korean nationality abroad
• Proof of Renunciation of Korean Citizenship
• Other Awards and Certifications (Optional)
• Valid TOPIK score certificate (optional)
• Valid English Proficiency Test Certificate (optional)
• Copy of applicant's passport (optional)
• Proof of Descendants of Korean War Veterans (for descendants of Korean War veterans only)

How to submit documents for the Global Korea Scholarship 2026:

• First round (Embassy or University track):
  
  • Submit your application and required documents online through the Study in Korea system .
  • The embassy or university will review your documents and decide whether or not to accept them.
  • If you are successful, your documents will be sent to NIIED for the next stage.
• Second round (NIIED):
  
  • Fill out all forms in English or Korean and sign them by hand.
  • Print the online application forms, sign them where required, and submit the original letter of recommendation in a sealed envelope.
  • Submit one original copy of each document.
• Certificates:
  
  • If the documents are in English or Korean → they must be authenticated or confirmed by the consulate.
  • If the documents are in another language → provide a certified translation as well as confirmation of the legalization or consulate.
  • High school diplomas and transcripts with consular confirmation may be accepted if authentication is not possible.

Global Korea Scholarship 2026 Application Deadline:

• For the Embassy Pathway criteria, candidates need to obtain an update from the Korean embassy in their home country, as they all have different application deadlines.
• For university track criteria, candidates need to get update from GKS eligible universities from the official website.