Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 (Fully Funded)

Funding
Full Funding
Level
Bachelor's · Master's · PhD
Nationality
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda
… Show more
Duration
Master's: 3 Years · 4 Years
Offered by
Government of the Republic of Korea
Official scholarship page

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:

  • Tuition Fees
  • Airplane tickets
  • Living Stipend
  • Health Insurance
  • 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

Bachelor's Master's — 3 Years PhD

Eligible programmes

All subjects

Eligible nationalities

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine State, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

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.

Important notice

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:

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Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Recipients

Meet students who have received Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and learn how they secured their award.

40 Documented recipients
29 Nationalities
3 Degree levels
Filter by degree
See more recipient stories

Scholarship Recipients and Their Degree Studies

145 published recipient stories describe degree study supported by the Global Korea Scholarship (including its earlier KGSP name).

Nationalities Reported in the Stories

NationalitiesStories per nationality
Indonesian34
Indian16
Bangladeshi7
Pakistani6
Cambodian, Filipino, Malaysian, Nigerian, Vietnamese4 each
Azerbaijani, Burmese, Ethiopian, Kenyan, Turkish3 each
Brazilian, Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Ghanaian, Kyrgyz, Moroccan, Somali, Thai, Uzbek2 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, Syrian, Timorese, Tunisian, Turkmenistani, Yemeni1 each
Degree levelStoriesSubjects
Bachelor’s30Including Computer Science; Pharmaceutical Engineering; Business Administration; Social Welfare; Architecture; Mechanical Engineering; Food Science and Nutrition; Energy Resources Engineering.
Master’s100Including Artificial Intelligence; Service Design; Business Administration; Data Science; Urban Planning; English Linguistics; International Development and Cooperation; Agricultural Economics.
PhD10Including Organic Chemistry; Molecular Biology; Marine Biology; International Relations; Teaching Korean as a Second Language.

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/programReported coverage
Wina Oktalia Cahyadi — Bachelor’s in Computer Science; Jeonbuk National UniversityTuition, a monthly stipend, flight tickets, insurance and a settlement allowance.
Jannatul Ferdous — Bachelor’s in Biopharmaceutical Science; Semyung UniversityTuition 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 UniversityFull 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 UniversityTuition, 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 UniversityAirfare 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 TechnologyReturn 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 UniversityFull tuition, intensive Korean-language training fees, airfare, a monthly stipend and a settlement allowance.
Nicolai Hede — PhD in International Relations; Korea UniversityReported approximately KRW 1,400,000 per month as of 2026, tuition for the language and degree programmes, and a round-trip flight.

Examples of Featured Recipients’ Application Backgrounds

Recipient and degree/programScholarship/application routeReported background and preparation
Nabila Azzahra — Bachelor’s in Pharmaceutical Engineering; Gyeongsang National UniversityGKS undergraduate applicationAnalytical 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 UniversityGKS undergraduate applicationInternational 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 UniversityGKS university trackSchool CGPA 5.00/5.00, bioscience and nutrition competitions, major-related short courses and online internships.
Deepika Goyal — Master’s in Service Design; Dongseo UniversityGKS graduate applicationHotel 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 TechnologyGKS university trackIndustrial 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 UniversityKGSP / GKS graduate applicationAgricultural Economics and Extension Services background; connected her application to agricultural markets, food systems and practical development goals.
Meenakshi — PhD in Organic ChemistryGKS embassy trackMaster’s CGPA 9.0 and GATE qualification; maintained continuity from prior chemistry study into her doctoral field.
Catia Mota — PhD in Molecular Biology; Chung-Ang UniversityGKS / KGSP doctoral applicationBachelor’s in Clinical Analysis and Public Health, followed by a master’s in Biomedical Science.
Nicolai Hede — PhD in International Relations; Korea UniversityGKS embassy trackMSc in Global Studies, research-assistant work, exchanges at Sungkyunkwan University and Chung-Ang University, and professional experience in a Danish government agency.

How Recipients Met Language Requirements

Language requirement routeStories / total funded degree-study storiesRecipients and examples
IELTS53/1456.5 (Dawit Shanko Firisa, Elmir Musali, and 4 others); Around 6.5–7.5 (Wina Oktalia Cahyadi); 7.0 (Alivia Kirana Hartono Putri, Bella Naufal Wafa Nabila A, and 8 others); 7.5 (Amisha Flowrence Gomes, Andreas Danniswara, and 10 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 entry50/145Level 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).
TOEIC12/145TOEIC 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).
TOEFL11/145TOEFL 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 exemption16/145Language certificates optional for the reported application (Alisson Yheraldin Onzueta Caballero, Alivia Kirana Hartono Putri, and 14 others).
Alternative English-language evidence accepted2/145C1 English-course certificate submitted (Zuzana Benešová); English academy certificate accepted (Anjavola Rasolonjatovo).
English-medium education accepted9/145English-medium education accepted (Annie Favour, Biniyam Aschalew, and 7 others).
Cambridge CPE1/145Cambridge CPE C2 submitted (Freja Boe Møller).
Unnamed English proficiency evidence1/145English proficiency evidence submitted (Hanna).
Unnamed English proficiency test2/145English proficiency test taken for the application (Naz Kamaran, Priyal Gupta).
University English certificate accepted2/145University English certificate accepted (Namrah Siddiqua, Toyin Bukola Kezia Oluwatuyi).
EF SET1/145EF SET taken for the application (Namrah Siddiqua).

Standardized Tests Reported by Featured Recipients

TestStories reporting the test / total funded degree-study storiesLinked recipients and reported scores
SAT2/1451350 (Dawit Shanko Firisa); Reported total 1400 (Asiye Baran).
GMAT1/145GMAT taken for the application (Vania Estrellita Soegiarto).
GATE1/145Qualified (Meenakshi).

Application Timelines Reported by Recipients

Recipient and degree/programApplication or scholarship routeReported application timeline
Sara Nuruddin Panjawani — Bachelor’s in Business Administration; Yonsei UniversityGKS undergraduate, 2021 award cycleStarted preparation in June 2020; applied in October 2020; final decision in December 2020; arrived in Korea in February 2021.
Amir Mahmud — Master’s in Engineering; Pukyong National UniversityGKS university trackBegan researching scholarships in September 2021; after the end-of-April application deadline, received a university recommendation without an interview; final GKS announcement in mid-June; arrived in late August.
Alivia Kirana Hartono Putri — Master of Engineering; Kumoh National Institute of TechnologyGKS graduate, university trackDescribed an application process running from February to June, without an interview; saw her name on the final list released in June.
May Myint Myat — Master’s in Environmental Science and Engineering; Pohang University of Science and TechnologyGKS university track, 2023Submitted in March 2023; university result in late April; final NIIED result around June, as she recalled.

Interview Experiences and Preparation Lessons

Recipient and degree/programReported selection experience
Sara Nuruddin Panjawani — Bachelor’s in Business Administration; Yonsei UniversityPrepared 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 UniversityA 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 UniversityDuring the university interview with the GSIS dean, she was asked to discuss her volunteering experience.
Desy Simamora — Master’s study in Medical Science; Yonsei UniversityThe 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.

Teaching Languages Described by Recipients

Recipient and degree/programReported teaching language
Nabila Azzahra — Bachelor’s in Pharmaceutical Engineering; Gyeongsang National UniversityReported that her first-semester study was 100% in Korean.
Souad — Master’s in International Relations; Sogang UniversityHer programme was entirely in English.
Fathani Rakhmah — Master’s in Mass Communication, Advertising and PR; Daegu Catholic UniversityClasses were fully conducted in Korean.
Andreas Danniswara — Master’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering; Yonsei UniversityMost study was in Korean, with some engineering courses and professor communication in English.
Catia Mota — PhD in Molecular Biology; Chung-Ang UniversityMost of her classes were entirely in Korean.

What Recipients Pursued After Their Scholarship-Funded Studies

RecipientScholarship-funded degree/programReported outcome or current status
Deepak KumarBachelor’s in Electrical Engineering; Korea UniversityCurrent role: Partner Manager at SAP Labs India.
Amisha Flowrence GomesBachelor’s in Energy Resources Engineering; Inha UniversityCurrent role: works in the New Energy division at Hyundai Engineering & Construction in Seoul, on sustainable energy and infrastructure projects.
Alisson Yheraldin Onzueta CaballeroBachelor’s double major in Biotechnology and International Studies; Korea UniversityOngoing 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 UniversityFurther study: a Fulbright-funded master’s in Computer Science at Rochester Institute of Technology.
Tran Ngoc LyBachelor’s in Computer Software Engineering; Namseoul UniversityFurther study: a GKS-funded master’s in Data Science at Chonnam National University, with Medical AI research.
Oumaima LatrechMaster’s in Media and Communication; Ewha Womans UniversityCurrent role: Overseas Marketing Manager, after a B2B marketing internship and a subsequent full-time offer.
Pidchayanin ChutipattanaMaster’s in Business and Technology Management; KAISTCompleted 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 SaabomeMaster’s in Chemical EngineeringFurther study and venture: pursued a GSFS-supported PhD at Seoul National University and founded the RHEOGREEN sustainable-plastic-recycling project.
Carlos VintimillaMaster’s in Data Science; Seoul National University of Science and TechnologyCurrent role: lead developer of AI products at a consultancy in Ecuador.
Mohammad Nazmul AlamMaster’s in Pharmacology; Gyeongsang National UniversityCurrent 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 UniversityReturned to Botswana and later worked as Senior Officer for Continuous Professional Training at Botho University.
Angelin Selsiya JMaster’s in Clothing and Textiles; Sookmyung Women’s UniversityCurrent role: joined the overseas business team of a Korean skincare company after completing the degree.
Catia MotaPhD in Molecular Biology; Chung-Ang UniversityFurther research: pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the Korea Basic Science Institute.
Buhari Lawan MuhammadPhD in Marine Biology; Sangmyung UniversityCurrent role: Postdoctoral Researcher at SangMyung University in South Korea.

Other Offers in Featured Applicants’ Journeys

RecipientReported alternativeDecision described in the story
Alivia Kirana Hartono Putri — Master of EngineeringScholarships 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 TherapyAdmission 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 StudiesAdmission 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 FinanceA 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 EngineeringThe 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 ManagementGKS-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 BiologyChina 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."

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Master’s in Pharmacy, Keimyung University

— Imadudin

Read the full story

"GKS is fully funded and covers tuition fees, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, and a year of intensive Korean language training."

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Bachelor’s in Media and Communication, Sun Moon University

— Afra Rafilah Khansa

Read the full story

"I would suggest that everyone be confident and apply to every scholarship they come across instead of thinking that it might be impossible."

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Bachelor’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University

— Aliza Khan

Read the full story

"I suggest everyone interested in applying always check the previous year’s details so that they can prepare the documents in advance."

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Master’s in International Trade, Finance, and Management, Yonsei University (GSIS)

— Rizka

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"Overall, my time at Korea University was transformative, enriching my academic expertise and personal growth while preparing me for a future in engineering."

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Korea University

— Deepak Kumar

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"My experience at Chung-Ang University was very positive. I found both the academic environment and the campus community to be supportive and welcoming."

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) MSc in Chemical Engineering, Chung-Ang University

— Mohamed Atwair

Read the full story

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4 Comments

  1. Anonymous June 2, 2026 at 12:04 am - Reply

    How can I apply please

    • Hyun Lee August 13, 2026 at 6:14 pm - Reply

      Please check the scholarship page!

  2. Warila Trindade Warila September 1, 2026 at 10:19 pm - Reply

    I don’t know how to apply

  3. Ashika Samindi September 9, 2026 at 8:22 pm - Reply

    can you share the application procedure please!

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