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Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 (Fully Funded)
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a South Korean government program that supports international students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at designated Korean universities. Applicants either apply directly to universities or through embassies, with each institution/embassy selecting its own candidates.
If you are interested, check out the available courses for international students in different institutions, such as the bachelor’s courses and Master’s courses for international students.
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Coverage
This government fully funded scholarship for international students covers the following:
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Tuition Fees
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Airplane tickets
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Living Stipend
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Health Insurance
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Research Funding
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), you need to meet the following criteria:
- From eligible countries
- Holding the required degree
- Students with a GPA of 80% or higher or in the top 20% of their class
- Under the age of 40 with the exception of Current academic professors from Official Development Assistance if they are under the age of 45
- In good mental and physical health
For detailed requirements, refer to the official eligibility page .
Eligible degree levels
Eligible programmes
Eligible nationalities
Important Notice
Disclaimer
- Additional points are given based on language proficiency exam score in Korean and English.
- Out of the 146 eligible countries only 62 are eligible for the University Track. Please check the official website for the full list for each.
- Each embassy/University could have its own application process.
How to Apply
In this section, we'll provide a clear general overview of requirements and steps to guide you through the application process for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).
Important Note: The application procedures and required documents for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) may vary depending on your degree, program, nationality and other factors. For specific details regarding the requirements, kindly visit the official website of Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).
Application Deadlines
Now that you’re familiar with the application procedure, it’s time to know the application dates! Knowing the dates for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) will help you prepare early and it will also give you the time you need to put together a competitive application.
Application deadlines vary
The application deadlines for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) vary. It’s important to review official guidelines on the official website or contact administrators for specific deadlines. Make sure to regularly check the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) page for the latest and most accurate information on application deadlines.
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Eligible Institutions
The eligible institutions for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) are listed below:
C
D
H
K
- Kangwon National University
- Keimyung University
- Kongju National University
- Konkuk University
- Konyang University
- Kookmin University
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- Korea Development Institute of Public Policy and Management
- Korea Maritime and Ocean University
- Korea University
- Korea University of Technology and Education
- Kumoh National Institute of Technology
- Kunsan National University
- Kyung Hee University
- Kyungpook National University
- Kyungsung University
P
S
- Sangmyung University
- Semyung University
- Seokyeong University
- Seoul National University
- Seoul National University of Science and Technology
- Silla University
- Sogang University
- Sookmyung Women’s University
- Soonchunhyang University
- Soongsil University
- Sunchon National University
- Sungkyunkwan University
- Sungshin Women’s University
- Sun Moon University
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Recipients
Meet students who have received Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and learn how they secured their award.
Scholarship Recipients and Their Degree Studies
151 published recipient stories describe degree study supported by the Global Korea Scholarship (including its earlier KGSP name).
Nationalities Reported in the Stories
| Nationalities | Stories per nationality |
|---|---|
| Indonesian | 35 |
| Indian | 17 |
| Bangladeshi | 9 |
| Pakistani | 6 |
| Azerbaijani, Cambodian, Filipino, Malaysian, Nigerian, Vietnamese | 4 each |
| Burmese, Ethiopian, Kenyan, Turkish | 3 each |
| Brazilian, Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Ghanaian, Kyrgyz, Moroccan, Somali, Thai, Uzbek | 2 each |
| Algerian, American, Bhutanese, Bolivian, Botswanan, British, Canadian, Chilean, Colombian, Cuban, Ecuadorian, Georgian, Hungarian, Iraqi, Italian, Libyan, Malagasy, Mozambican, Nepali, Norwegian, Peruvian, Portuguese, Russian, Saudi Arabian, Sudanese, Syrian, Timorese, Tunisian, Turkmenistani, Yemeni | 1 each |
| Degree level | Stories | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | 30 | Including Computer Science; Pharmaceutical Engineering; Business Administration; Social Welfare; Architecture; Mechanical Engineering; Food Science and Nutrition; Energy Resources Engineering. |
| Master’s | 104 | Including Artificial Intelligence; Service Design; Business Administration; Data Science; Urban Planning; English Linguistics; International Development and Cooperation; Agricultural Economics; Biological Systems Science and Biotechnology; Preventive Veterinary Medicine; Film and Digital Media; International Trade, Finance and Management. |
| PhD | 12 | Including Organic Chemistry; Molecular Biology; Marine Biology; International Relations; Teaching Korean as a Second Language; Industrial Systems Engineering; Aquatic Life Medicine. |
Juju San also describes a GKS-supported associate degree at Cheju Halla College before transferring to Hanyang University with a different scholarship.
The degree table groups stories that establish a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral level; the overall total also includes other confirmed degree-study accounts. A story can describe more than one supported degree.
Funding Reported by Recipients
| Recipient and degree/program | Reported coverage |
|---|---|
| Wina Oktalia Cahyadi — Bachelor’s in Computer Science; Jeonbuk National University | Tuition, a monthly stipend, flight tickets, insurance and a settlement allowance. |
| Jannatul Ferdous — Bachelor’s in Biopharmaceutical Science; Semyung University | Tuition of around KRW 3,600,000 per semester paid to the university, plus around KRW 1,100,000 per month. A separate university activities scholarship provided about KRW 350,000 per semester; dormitory work was paid employment. |
| Rifah — Bachelor’s in Food Science and Nutrition; Soonchunhyang University | Full tuition, return airfare, about KRW 900,000 per month during her earlier period, separate health insurance, and support for two TOPIK sittings. |
| Fathani Rakhmah — Master’s in Mass Communication, Advertising and PR; Daegu Catholic University | Tuition, airfare, visa expenses and reported monthly allowances of about KRW 1,180,000 during language training and KRW 1,300,000 during the master’s. |
| Deepika Goyal — Master’s in Service Design; Dongseo University | Airfare and a reported monthly stipend of KRW 1,300,000, with one funded Korean-language year followed by two years of master’s study. |
| Alivia Kirana Hartono Putri — Master of Engineering; Kumoh National Institute of Technology | Return airfare, tuition, monthly allowances and health insurance; also received an additional allowance after reaching TOPIK Level 5. |
| Catia Mota — PhD in Molecular Biology; Chung-Ang University | Full tuition, intensive Korean-language training fees, airfare, a monthly stipend and a settlement allowance. |
| Nicolai Hede — PhD in International Relations; Korea University | Reported approximately KRW 1,400,000 per month as of 2026, tuition for the language and degree programmes, and a round-trip flight. |
| Rana (PhD began September 2024) — PhD in Industrial Systems Engineering; Jeonbuk National University | Tuition, Korean language training, airfare, health insurance and monthly allowances of KRW 1,000,000 during language training and KRW 1,400,000 during doctoral study. |
Examples of Featured Recipients’ Application Backgrounds
| Recipient and degree/program | Scholarship/application route | Reported background and preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Nabila Azzahra — Bachelor’s in Pharmaceutical Engineering; Gyeongsang National University | GKS undergraduate application | Analytical Chemistry vocational-school GPA 89/100; environmental and science-club leadership, chemistry competitions, and a five-month pharmaceutical-company internship with a final-project score of 97. |
| Sara Nuruddin Panjawani — Bachelor’s in Business Administration; Yonsei University | GKS undergraduate application | International Baccalaureate score 39; used a gap year for tutoring, a school internship and teaching-assistant work. |
| Rifah — Bachelor’s in Food Science and Nutrition; Soonchunhyang University | GKS university track | School CGPA 5.00/5.00, bioscience and nutrition competitions, major-related short courses and online internships. |
| Deepika Goyal — Master’s in Service Design; Dongseo University | GKS graduate application | Hotel Management and Administration undergraduate degree and eight years of work in India, including sales, marketing and an assistant-manager role at an IT food-delivery company. |
| Alivia Kirana Hartono Putri — Master of Engineering; Kumoh National Institute of Technology | GKS university track | Industrial Engineering bachelor’s, GPA 3.44/4.00; undergraduate research in Human Factors Engineering and User Experience helped her explain the fit with her intended laboratory. |
| Toyin Bukola Kezia Oluwatuyi — Master’s in Agricultural Economics; Chonnam National University | KGSP / GKS graduate application | Agricultural Economics and Extension Services background; connected her application to agricultural markets, food systems and practical development goals. |
| Meenakshi — PhD in Organic Chemistry | GKS embassy track | Master’s CGPA 9.0 and GATE qualification; maintained continuity from prior chemistry study into her doctoral field. |
| Nicolai Hede — PhD in International Relations; Korea University | GKS embassy track | MSc in Global Studies, research-assistant work, exchanges at Sungkyunkwan University and Chung-Ang University, and professional experience in a Danish government agency. |
| Sumaiya Binte Ayesha — PhD in Aquatic Life Medicine; Kunsan National University | GKS ADB–ROK, university track | Fisheries bachelor’s CGPA 3.844/4.000, Fisheries Management master’s CGPA 4.000/4.000, President’s Gold Medal, and experimental research on Nile tilapia. |
How Recipients Met Language Requirements
| Language requirement route | Stories / total funded degree-study stories | Recipients and examples |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 55/151 | 6.5 (Dawit Shanko Firisa, Elmir Musali, and 4 others); Around 6.5–7.5 (Wina Oktalia Cahyadi); 7.0 (Jannatul Ferdous, Rifah, and 9 others); 7.5 (Amisha Flowrence Gomes, Olivia Ofni Tanisaputra, and 11 others); 8.0 (Camila Painefilo, Gracia Amadea, Jowellyn Galito); 8.5 (Phung Lan Phuong Linh); IELTS taken for the application (Afrin Ahmed, Destinalutfi Citra Rahmadani, and 18 others). |
| TOPIK at application or degree entry | 51/151 | Level 2 at application (Camila Painefilo, Catia Mota, and 4 others); Level 3 at application (Aikanysh, Bella Naufal Wafa Nabila A, and 3 others); Level 3 before degree study (Angelin Selsiya J, Hajiyev Sarkhan, and 2 others); Level 4 at application (Ngan Nguyen Thi Kim); Level 4 before degree study (Andreas Danniswara, Ayu Fitri Izaki, and 7 others); Level 5 at application (Kristina Zakharenko, Pelinsu Yıldırım, and 2 others); Level 5 before degree study (Amisha Flowrence Gomes, Angelica, and 2 others); Level 6 at application (Angela Michelle Gunawan, Tran Ngoc Ly); Level 6 before degree study (Kounen Fathima, Orzigul, Sebil Ayral); TOPIK certificate submitted (Rahmania Hanifa (Hani), Zainab Ummu Hasanah); TOPIK taken for the application or degree entry (Afrin Ahmed, Alejandrina, and 8 others); TOPIK II certificate reported for the application (Amelia). |
| TOEIC | 12/151 | TOEIC 790 (Nabila Azzahra); TOEIC 880 (Hening Tyas Subekti); TOEIC 900 (Tran Ngoc Ly); TOEIC 945 (Amir Mahmud); TOEIC taken for the application (Fathani Rakhmah, Geovanna Luisa Romero Gomez, and 6 others). |
| TOEFL | 11/151 | TOEFL iBT 104 (Amir Mahmud); TOEFL 109 (Souad); TOEFL iBT 116 (Karina); TOEFL ITP 517 (Ayu Fitri Izaki); TOEFL taken for the application (Anna Povolná, Carlos Vintimilla, and 5 others). |
| Language certificates optional or personal test exemption | 18/151 | Language certificates optional for the reported application (Alisson Yheraldin Onzueta Caballero, Alivia Kirana Hartono Putri, and 14 others); No language test score required in the reported application (Rana); Selected without language certificates (Md. Shamim Gazi). |
| Alternative English-language evidence accepted | 2/151 | C1 English-course certificate submitted (Zuzana Benešová); English academy certificate accepted (Anjavola Rasolonjatovo). |
| English-medium education accepted | 9/151 | English-medium education accepted (Annie Favour, Biniyam Aschalew, and 7 others). |
| Cambridge CPE | 1/151 | Cambridge CPE C2 submitted (Freja Boe Møller). |
| Unnamed English proficiency evidence | 1/151 | English proficiency evidence submitted (Hanna). |
| Unnamed English proficiency test | 2/151 | English proficiency test taken for the application (Naz Kamaran, Priyal Gupta). |
| University English certificate accepted | 2/151 | University English certificate accepted (Namrah Siddiqua, Toyin Bukola Kezia Oluwatuyi). |
| EF SET | 1/151 | EF SET taken for the application (Namrah Siddiqua). |
Standardized Tests Reported by Featured Recipients
| Test | Stories reporting the test / total funded degree-study stories | Linked recipients and reported scores |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | 2/151 | 1350 (Dawit Shanko Firisa); Reported total 1400 (Asiye Baran). |
| GMAT | 1/151 | GMAT taken for the application (Vania Estrellita Soegiarto). |
| GATE | 1/151 | Qualified (Meenakshi). |
Application Timelines Reported by Recipients
| Recipient and degree/program | Application or scholarship route | Reported application timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Sara Nuruddin Panjawani — Bachelor’s in Business Administration; Yonsei University | GKS undergraduate, 2021 award cycle | Started preparation in June 2020; applied in October 2020; final decision in December 2020; arrived in Korea in February 2021. |
| May Myint Myat — Master’s in Environmental Science and Engineering; Pohang University of Science and Technology | GKS university track, 2023 | Submitted in March 2023; university result in late April; final NIIED result around June, as she recalled. |
| Amelia — Master’s in Film and Digital Media; Dongguk University | GKS ADB–ROK track, 2025 award | Started preparing around four months before applications opened and contacted a professor for a recommendation two months early. |
| Md. Shamim Gazi — Master’s in Preventive Veterinary Medicine; Chungbuk National University | GKS university track | University recommendation came first, followed by final NIIED selection in June 2025. He then completed Korean language training before starting the degree. |
| Rana (PhD began September 2024) — PhD in Industrial Systems Engineering; Jeonbuk National University | Embassy track, Sudan | Spent about one month assembling and authenticating documents before submission. A panel interview followed, then scholarship and university decisions, then a Korean language year before doctoral study. |
Interview Experiences and Preparation Lessons
| Recipient and degree/program | Reported selection experience |
|---|---|
| Sara Nuruddin Panjawani — Bachelor’s in Business Administration; Yonsei University | Prepared a long list of potential questions but organised answers as phrases rather than memorised sentences, which she felt helped her sound natural. |
| Elmir Musali — Master of Business Administration; Jeju National University | A Zoom interview covered his educational background, future plans and how he would manage studying in Korean. |
| Annie Favour — Master’s in International Development and Cooperation; Ajou University | During the university interview with the GSIS dean, she was asked to discuss her volunteering experience. |
| Desy Simamora — Master’s study in Medical Science; Yonsei University | The questions she had practised did not appear in the interview. Looking back, she recommended knowing her essays more deeply and preparing for a wider range of questions. |
| Sumaiya Binte Ayesha — PhD in Aquatic Life Medicine; Kunsan National University | A roughly ten-minute interview in English with her prospective supervisor and other university representatives. She reviewed the supervisor’s papers and prepared concise explanations of her master’s research and PhD goals. |
| Rana (PhD began September 2024) — PhD in Industrial Systems Engineering; Jeonbuk National University | A three-person panel interviewed her after she submitted through the Korean Embassy in Sudan. She recalled questions related to her personal statement. |
Teaching Languages Described by Recipients
The table groups the teaching languages in the examples below.
| Teaching language | Stories with explicit degree-language evidence | Recipients and degree/host context |
|---|---|---|
| Entirely English | 2 | Souad — Master’s in International Relations; ; Aman Kumar — International Trade, Finance and Management; Yonsei University. |
| Mixed English and Korean | 1 | Rana — Industrial Systems Engineering; Jeonbuk National University. |
| Mostly Korean | 2 | Andreas Danniswara — Master’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering; ; Catia Mota — PhD in Molecular Biology; . |
| Entirely Korean in reported scope | 4 | Nabila Azzahra — Bachelor’s in Pharmaceutical Engineering; (first semester); Fathani Rakhmah — Master’s in Mass Communication, Advertising and PR; ; Amelia — Film and Digital Media; Dongguk University; Sumaiya Binte Ayesha — Aquatic Life Medicine; Kunsan National University. |
What Recipients Pursued After Their Scholarship-Funded Studies
| Recipient | Scholarship-funded degree/program | Reported outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Deepak Kumar | Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering; Korea University | Current role: Partner Manager at SAP Labs India. |
| Amisha Flowrence Gomes | Bachelor’s in Energy Resources Engineering; Inha University | Current role: works in the New Energy division at Hyundai Engineering & Construction in Seoul, on sustainable energy and infrastructure projects. |
| Alisson Yheraldin Onzueta Caballero | Bachelor’s double major in Biotechnology and International Studies; Korea University | Ongoing further study: a master’s in Water and Environmental Engineering at Aalto University, supported by a full tuition scholarship. |
| Alejandrina (February 2013–February 2018) | Bachelor’s in Electronic Engineering; Hanyang University | Further study: a Fulbright-funded master’s in Computer Science at Rochester Institute of Technology. |
| Tran Ngoc Ly | Bachelor’s in Computer Software Engineering; Namseoul University | Further study: a GKS-funded master’s in Data Science at Chonnam National University, with Medical AI research. |
| Oumaima Latrech | Master’s in Media and Communication; Ewha Womans University | Current role: Overseas Marketing Manager, after a B2B marketing internship and a subsequent full-time offer. |
| Pidchayanin Chutipattana | Master’s in Business and Technology Management; KAIST | Completed degree and founded ELKXA, a Seoul-based cross-border consulting firm, after graduating in December 2025; also founded TKET for Thai–Korean bilingual talent. |
| Samuel Muobom Saabome | Master’s in Chemical Engineering | Further study and venture: pursued a GSFS-supported PhD at Seoul National University and founded the RHEOGREEN sustainable-plastic-recycling project. |
| Carlos Vintimilla | Master’s in Data Science; Seoul National University of Science and Technology | Current role: lead developer of AI products at a consultancy in Ecuador. |
| Mohammad Nazmul Alam | Master’s in Pharmacology; Gyeongsang National University | Current role: Executive in Product Development within the Quality Assurance Department at Orion Infusion Ltd in Bangladesh. |
| Olebogeng Thelma G. Eyman (September 2020–August 2022) | Master’s in Ecology and Environmental Biology; Korea University | Returned to Botswana and later worked as Senior Officer for Continuous Professional Training at Botho University. |
| Angelin Selsiya J | Master’s in Clothing and Textiles; Sookmyung Women’s University | Current role: joined the overseas business team of a Korean skincare company after completing the degree. |
| Catia Mota | PhD in Molecular Biology; Chung-Ang University | Further research: pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the Korea Basic Science Institute. |
| Buhari Lawan Muhammad | PhD in Marine Biology; Sangmyung University | Current role: Postdoctoral Researcher at SangMyung University in South Korea. |
Other Offers in Featured Applicants’ Journeys
| Recipient | Reported alternative | Decision described in the story |
|---|---|---|
| Alivia Kirana Hartono Putri — Master of Engineering | Scholarships from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan MOE, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, and Tung Hai University. | Chose GKS because she considered it the most challenging and exciting opportunity. |
| Reema Priyanka — Master’s in Physical Therapy | Admission at Mahidol University for the July 2022 intake. | Chose GKS for full funding and because she viewed South Korea as safe and secure. |
| Nain Danish — Master’s in International Studies | Admission at Korea University as well as Seoul National University. | Chose Seoul National University for its reputation and a curriculum matching his goals. |
| Phung Lan Phuong Linh (2019–2021) — MBA in Finance | A 100% tuition scholarship from Sogang University for International Business. | Chose GKS for its comprehensive financial support, reputation and the longer-term benefits she associated with her plans in Korea. |
| Andreas Danniswara — Master’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering | The MEXT-supported Global Scale Innovator Program for Sustainable Society (GIPS) at Tokyo City University in 2023. | Declined that programme offer and pursued GKS-funded study at Yonsei University, describing a closer fit with his long-term academic and personal goals. |
| Pidchayanin Chutipattana — Master’s in Business and Technology Management | GKS-linked offers from Hanyang University for Technology Management and Kumoh National Institute of Technology for an MBA. | Chose KAIST; these were host choices under the same government scholarship. |
| Buhari Lawan Muhammad — PhD in Marine Biology | China Scholarship Council-funded PhD at Huazhong Agricultural University, including tuition, a stipend and accommodation. | Explicitly declined the CSC offer to accept GKS for doctoral study in South Korea. |
What Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Scholars Say
Advice and reflections from scholars about the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) application process and programme.
"This prestigious scholarship fully supports my study in Korea by covering tuition fees, round-trip airfare, and settlement allowance upon arrival."
"GKS is fully funded and covers tuition fees, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, and a year of intensive Korean language training."
"I would suggest that everyone be confident and apply to every scholarship they come across instead of thinking that it might be impossible."
"I suggest everyone interested in applying always check the previous year’s details so that they can prepare the documents in advance."
"Overall, my time at Korea University was transformative, enriching my academic expertise and personal growth while preparing me for a future in engineering."
"My experience at Chung-Ang University was very positive. I found both the academic environment and the campus community to be supportive and welcoming."
There are many degrees that are open to international students right now — find yours.

How can I apply please
Please check the scholarship page!
I don’t know how to apply
Hello, start by checking the current GKS application guidelines through the official scholarship page above. You’ll need to follow either your Korean embassy’s or a participating university’s application process. What country are you from, and which degree are you applying for?
can you share the application procedure please!
Hello, you apply through the Korean embassy in your country or a participating university, depending on the GKS track. Use the official scholarship page above to find the current guidelines, then check your embassy or university’s submission instructions and deadline. Are you applying for a Bachelor’s or graduate degree?