Apply For Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026

🇰🇷 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 ;  The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) — formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) — is a prestigious, fully-funded scholarship program offered by the Government of the Republic of Korea through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).

The goal of the GKS program is to promote international exchange in education, strengthen mutual friendship between Korea and other countries, and develop global leaders who will contribute to the advancement of their home countries and global cooperation.

For the 2026 academic year, the GKS will continue to provide international students with the opportunity to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees at recognized Korean universities.

🎯 Purpose of the Scholarship

The GKS aims to:

1. Provide talented international students the opportunity to study in Korea.

2. Build global networks of professionals who understand Korea and contribute to international relations.

3. Promote Korea’s higher education globally.

4. Enhance cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Korea and participating countries.

🎓 Types of GKS Scholarships 2026

There are two main categories for 2026:

1. GKS Undergraduate (U) 2026

For students applying to pursue Bachelor’s degree programs in Korea.

2. GKS Graduate (G) 2026

For applicants seeking to pursue Master’s or Doctoral degrees.

📅 GKS 2026 Key Dates (Estimated Timeline)

While the official NIIED announcement for GKS 2026 will be released in February–March 2026, here’s the typical timeline:

🧾 GKS 2026 Available Study Levels

💰 Scholarship Benefits (Fully Funded)

The GKS 2026 provides one of the most generous packages among global scholarships:

🧡 All funding is managed by NIIED and disbursed directly to students.

🌍 Eligible Countries

🇰🇷 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 ;  The GKS is open to citizens from over 150 countries that have diplomatic relations with South Korea.
Each country has a specific quota depending on NIIED’s yearly allocation.
Examples include Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, USA, UK, Canada, France, Brazil, Egypt, and more.
Apply here

🧑‍🎓 Eligibility Requirements (2026)

General Criteria:

1. Citizenship: Applicant and parents must be non-Korean citizens.

2. Age:

   • Undergraduate: Under 25 years (as of March 1, 2026)

   • Graduate: Under 40 years (as of September 1, 2026)

3. Health: Must be physically and mentally healthy to study in Korea.

4. Education:

   • Undergraduate: Must have completed or expect to complete high school by March 2026.

   • Master’s: Must hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree by August 2026.

   • Doctoral: Must hold or expect to hold a master’s degree by August 2026.

5. GPA Requirement:
   Minimum CGPA 2.64/4.0 or 80% above on a 100-point scale.

6. Language:
   While not mandatory, TOPIK (Korean proficiency) or English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) is highly advantageous.

🏫 Application Tracks

There are two main ways to apply for GKS 2026:

1. Embassy Track

• Submit your application to the Korean Embassy in your home country.

• The embassy shortlists candidates and sends documents to NIIED.

• You can choose three universities (one must be a Type B university).

2. University Track

• Apply directly to a Korean university that participates in the GKS program.

• The university nominates you to NIIED for the final selection.

• You can only apply to one university.

⚠️ You can apply to only one track — applying to both embassy and university tracks leads to disqualification.

📄 Required Documents for GKS 2026

🇰🇷 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 ;  Applicants must submit one original and three photocopies of all required documents (embassy track) or as per university track guidelines.

Key Documents Include:

1. GKS Application Form (2026 version)

2. Personal Statement

3. Study Plan

4. Recommendation Letter(s)

5. GKS Applicant Agreement

6. Academic Transcripts and Certificates

7. Proof of Citizenship (applicant and parents)

8. Passport copy (if available)

9. Certificate of Expected Graduation (if applicable)

10. Proof of English or Korean proficiency (if available)

11. Awards, Certificates, or Publications (optional)

12. Medical Assessment Form

All documents must be in English or Korean (or officially translated and notarized).

🏛️ Participating Universities (Examples)

Some of the top universities under GKS 2026 include:

• Seoul National University (SNU)

• Korea University

• Yonsei University

• KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

• POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology)

• Hanyang University

• Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)

• Kyung Hee University

• Ewha Womans University

• Pusan National University

• Chung-Ang University

Over 60+ universities are approved by NIIED annually.

📬 How to Apply for GKS 2026 (Step-by-Step)

Embassy Track:

1. Visit your country’s Korean Embassy website (Feb–Mar 2026).

2. Download the GKS 2026 forms and guidelines.

3. Prepare all required documents.

4. Submit your application (usually in hard copy).

5. Attend interview (if shortlisted).

6. Wait for embassy nomination results.

7. NIIED final review and announcement.

8. Visa application and pre-departure briefing.

University Track:

1. Visit the official website of the chosen university.

2. Download and fill the GKS 2026 university track forms.

3. Submit your application and supporting documents.

4. Wait for university screening and nomination.

5. NIIED final review and confirmation.

6. Visa processing and travel to Korea.

🧠 Tips for a Successful Application

1. Start Early: Prepare your transcripts, translations, and recommendation letters months ahead.

2. Write a Strong Personal Statement: Highlight your motivation, leadership, and global goals.

3. Select Universities Wisely: Choose based on your academic background and English/Korean program availability.

4. Check Embassy Notices Regularly: Deadlines differ by country.

5. Show Academic Excellence: A high GPA and strong research interest increase your selection chance.

6. TOPIK or IELTS Scores Help: Optional but they strengthen your profile.

7. Be Honest: False information leads to automatic disqualification.

🌐 Official Links

• NIIED Official Website: https://studyinkorea.go.kr

• Embassy of the Republic of Korea (by country): Check your local embassy website.

• GKS Guidelines Archive: Available on the official Study in Korea website under “Notice.”

📣 Final Notes

🇰🇷 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 ;  The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 remains one of the world’s top fully-funded scholarships for international students, offering not just financial support but also an incredible opportunity to experience Korean education, culture, and technology firsthand.

If you aspire to become a global professional and study in one of Asia’s most advanced nations, start preparing your documents in late 2025 so you can apply promptly when the 2026 call opens.