Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): requirements, benefits and deadline

The Global Korea Scholarship brings international students to Korean universities for graduate degrees; the Korean government planned to invite 2,000 graduate students in 2026.

Country
South Korea
Level
Master’s and PhD (graduate programme)
Funding
Fully funded
Next deadline
Announced yearly on Study in Korea

Official website

What it covers

  • Airfare
  • Tuition fees
  • A monthly living allowance
  • One year of Korean language training
  • Medical insurance, plus research and settlement allowances and a completion grant

Who can apply

  • Under 40 years old (graduate programme)
  • A bachelor’s or master’s degree, with an average of at least 80% in your most recent degree
  • You and both parents must not hold Korean citizenship

Key dates

Study period
Master’s: 2 years; PhD: 3 years; plus 1 year of Korean language training
Applications
The yearly call is published on the Study in Korea notice board

How to apply

  1. Read the current year’s GKS graduate programme notice on Study in Korea.
  2. Choose the Embassy Track (apply through the Korean embassy in your country) or the University Track (apply to a designated university).
  3. Submit your documents by the deadline in the notice.

Open Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) listings on SeekFora

Frequently asked questions

What does the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) cover?

Airfare. Tuition fees. A monthly living allowance. One year of Korean language training. Medical insurance, plus research and settlement allowances and a completion grant.

Who can apply for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

Under 40 years old (graduate programme). A bachelor’s or master’s degree, with an average of at least 80% in your most recent degree. You and both parents must not hold Korean citizenship.

When is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) deadline?

Announced yearly on Study in Korea. Study period: Master’s: 2 years; PhD: 3 years; plus 1 year of Korean language training. Applications: The yearly call is published on the Study in Korea notice board.

How do I apply for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

Read the current year’s GKS graduate programme notice on Study in Korea. Choose the Embassy Track (apply through the Korean embassy in your country) or the University Track (apply to a designated university). Submit your documents by the deadline in the notice.

Sources: Study in Korea: GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) Program (checked 26 September 2026)

Compare dates across programmes in the scholarship deadlines calendar.

Other scholarship guides