Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2026 | GKS Scholarship | Fully Funded

GKS 2026 Scholarship Benefits

• Tuition Fees: Covered up to 5 million KRW per semester (additional costs covered by the university).
• Korean Language Training: 1 year of intensive training (5.2 million KRW, approx. 12.84 million KRW per year).
• Airfare: Round-trip economy class flight ticket.
• Monthly Allowance: Around 1,000,000 KRW–1,500,000 KRW, including:
  • Living expenses
  • Health insurance
  • Korean proficiency grants
  • Settlement allowance
  • TOPIK exam fee coverage
  • Degree completion grant

Available Universities and Fields of Study under GKS Scholarship 2026:

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.

GKS 2026 Embassy Track Fields of Study – Study in Korea

GKS 2026 University Track (Fields of Study)

Eligibility Criteria of the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2026:

• The candidate must be a citizen of Global Korea Scholarship partner countries.
• Bachelor’s Degree Program: Available to students who have already graduated, or are set to graduate, from high school or an associate degree program.
  Associate Degree Program: Available to students who have already graduated, or are set to graduate, from high school.
• The candidate should not hold Korean citizenship or dual citizenship.
• Bachelor’s Degree Program or Associate Degree Program; The candidates must have graduated from high or are expected to graduate by December 1, 2025.
• The candidates who have an associated degree or are expected to graduate by December 1, 2025, can only apply for the bachelor’s degree.
• The candidates must be under 25 years of age.
• The candidates must be in good health.
• A candidate should maintain his GPA in order to sustain 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 Global Korea Scholarship: Key Guidelines for the GKS Scholarship 2025

Embassy Track:

• Applicants can choose up to three different universities.
• You cannot select multiple departments within the same university.
• At least one university choice must be from the Type B university list.
• If you mistakenly list a Type A university in the Type B section, your application could be disqualified.

University Track:

• Applicants must choose only one university to apply to.

Our team has prepared a detailed and informative article on the Embassy and University Tracks. Take a moment to read it and share it with others who might find it helpful.

Additional Points for GKS Scholarship 2026:

• Applicants with a TOPIK level 3 or above will earn extra points, accounting for 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.
• Extra points can also be earned through proficiency in Korean and English:
  • Korean: Points will be awarded based on the applicant’s TOPIK certificate level.
  • English: Additional points will be given based on valid scores from recognized English proficiency exams like TOEFL or IELTS.

Required Documents for Global Korea Scholarship 2026:

• GKS-U Applicant Form
• Personal Statement (Learn how to write a Personal Statement)
• Study Plan
• TWO letters of Recommendation
• GKS Applicant Agreement
• Personal Medical Assessment
• Proof of Citizenship
• Certificate of Graduation
• High school Grade Transcripts
• Proof of Age
• Proof of Overseas Korean
• Proof of Korean Citizenship Renunciation Document
• Awards and other certificates (Optional)
• Certificate of valid TOPIK score (Optional)
• Certificate of valid English Proficiency Test (Optional)
• Applicant’s Passport Copy (Optional)
• Proof of Korean War Veterans‟s Descendants (ONLY for descendants of Korean War Veterans)

How to Submit Documents for 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 check your documents and decide if they accept them.
  • If you pass, 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 where needed, and submit the original recommendation letter in a sealed envelope.
  • Submit one original copy of each document.

• Certificates:

  • If documents are in English or Korean → they must be apostilled or consular confirmed.
  • If documents are in another language → submit a certified translation plus apostille or consular confirmation.
  • High school graduation certificates and transcripts can be accepted with consular confirmation if apostille is not possible.

Global Korea Scholarship 2026Application Deadline:

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