Scholarships in South Korea

A comprehensive guide covering eligibility, application strategies, and the best financial aid opportunities to make your South Korea education journey affordable.

Spring (March) & Fall (Sept) Intakes

Top Asian Research Universities (SKY)

D-2 Student Visa

Study in South Korea with Scholarship

South Korea is a global powerhouse in technology, media, and innovation, home to world-class universities like Seoul National University, KAIST, and Yonsei.

The Korean government's Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program provides complete full-ride funding including 1 year of Korean language training, full tuition, monthly stipends, and airfare.

Global Korea Scholarship
Application Guidelines for Undergraduate Degrees

Table of Contents

Global Korea Scholarship Application Guidelines

Official 2027 Intake Guidelines

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) is the flagship fully-funded Korean Government scholarship program designed to invite international students to pursue Associate or Bachelor’s degrees at premier higher educational institutions in South Korea. The award provides a complete full-ride package: 100% tuition coverage for the entire degree, 1 year of preliminary Korean language training, monthly living stipends of 1,000,000+ KRW, round-trip international airfare, settlement allowance, and national health insurance.

2027 GKS Scholarship Overview & Quotas

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027, administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), is one of the most prestigious and fully funded Korean government scholarships available to international students. Designed for undergraduate students, this program provides a life-changing opportunity to complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in South Korea, typically following one year of intensive Korean language training. For 2027, the GKS Undergraduate program aims to select 286 scholars worldwide. Whether you are aiming for the Embassy Track or the University Track, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to secure your fully funded study in Korea.

Official 2027 Program Summary

Program Detail	Official 2027 Information
Total Scholarship Quota	286 Scholars Worldwide
Embassy Track Quota	156 Bachelor’s Degree Scholars
University Track Quota	100 UIC Scholars & 30 Associate Degree Scholars
Embassy Track Application	September 15, 2026 – September 30, 2026 (18:00 KST)
University Track Application	September to November 2026 (Varies by University)
Final Results Announcement	Expected January 7, 2027

What Does the GKS Scholarship 2027 Cover?

The Global Korea Scholarship is highly sought after because it provides comprehensive financial support throughout your entire academic journey.

Tuition Fees

NIIED covers up to KRW 5 million per semester. The university covers any amount above KRW 5 million, along with the full admission fee.

Monthly Living Allowance

You receive an all-inclusive living subsidy of KRW 13,560,000 per year during the Korean language program, and KRW 14,400,000 per year during your degree program. This covers accommodation, meals, health insurance, and TOPIK application fees.

Language Program Fee

Fully covered (KRW 5.2 million per year) for 1 year of intensive Korean language training prior to your degree studies.

Round-Trip Airfare

A round-trip, economy-class flight ticket from your home country to South Korea. (Note: Entry airfare is not provided if you are already residing in Korea or traveling from a country other than your citizenship country).

Additional Grants & Allowances

Settlement Allowance: One-time grant provided upon arrival in Korea.
Korean Proficiency Grants: Automatic monetary grants provided for scholars who achieve TOPIK Level 5 or 6.
Degree Completion Grant: Lump-sum grant upon successfully finishing your degree program.

Official Scholarship Coverage Matrix

Scholarship	Tuition	Language Fee	Airfare	Monthly Allowance
Recipient	GKS Scholars in Degree program	GKS Scholars in Language program	All GKS Scholars	All GKS Scholars
Benefits	NIIED: up to 5M KRW/sem University: amount > 5M KRW + Admission fee	5.2 million KRW per year	Economy class round-trip flight ticket	Language: 13,560,000 KRW/yr Degree: 14,400,000 KRW/yr
Process	NIIED → Universities		NIIED → Universities → GKS Scholars

Step 1: Check Your GKS 2027 Eligibility

An excellent application means nothing if you don't meet the strict foundational requirements set by NIIED.

Nationality Requirements

You must hold citizenship of an NIIED-designated country. (The UIC track is open to applicants from all countries worldwide).
Your parents/legal guardians must not hold Korean citizenship.
Dual citizens holding Korean citizenship are strictly ineligible.

Age Requirement

You must be under 25 years old.
For the 2027 intake, you must have been born after March 1, 2002.

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s Degree Applicants: Must have graduated (or expect to graduate by December 31, 2026) from high school or an associate degree program.
Associate Degree Applicants: Must have graduated from high school.
Note: If you already hold a Bachelor’s degree, you are not eligible for the undergraduate program. Graduates from Korean high schools are also generally ineligible.

Academic Grade Requirement

Your cumulative academic record from your previous program must meet at least one of the following conditions:

① Score Percentile

Average score of 80% or higher on a 100-point scale

② Class Rank

Ranked within the top 20% of your graduating class

③ CGPA Cutoffs

CGPA ≥ 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0

(If your school uses a different grading scale, you must submit an officially authenticated conversion document).

Step 2: Choose Your Application Track

You must choose one track. You cannot apply through both tracks simultaneously.

Embassy Track vs. University Track Comparison

Feature	Embassy Track	University Track
Available Programs	General, Overseas Koreans & Adoptees, R-GKS	UIC (University Industry Cooperation) or Associate Degree
University Choices	Up to 3 universities (Must include at least 1 “Type B” university)	Only 1 university and 1 department
Application Deadline	September 30, 2026 (18:00 KST)	Varies by university (Sept – Nov 2026)
First Selection	Korean Embassy in your home country	The chosen university admissions committee

Program Quota

Embassy Track: 156 scholars from 74 countries

○ General: 88 scholars from 74 countries

○ R-GKS: 61 scholars from 52 countries

○ Overseas Koreans & Adoptees: 7 scholars from 7 countries

[G: General, R: R-GKS, O&A: Overseas Koreans & Adoptees]

No.	Country	G	R	O&A	Total
1	Afghanistan	1	1	-	2
2	Angola	1	1	-	2
3	Azerbaijan	1	-	-	1
4	Bahamas	1	-	-	1
5	Bangladesh	2	1	-	3
6	Bolivia	1	-	-	1
7	Brazil	1	1	1	3
8	Brunei	1	-	-	1
9	Bulgaria	1	-	-	1
10	Cambodia	2	1	-	3
11	Canada	1	-	1	2
12	Chile	2	1	-	3
13	Colombia	2	2	-	4
14	Costa Rica	1	-	-	1
15	Cuba	1	-	-	1
16	Czech Republic	1	-	-	1
17	Dominican Republic	1	-	-	1
18	Ecuador	1	1	-	2
19	Egypt	2	1	-	3
20	El Salvador	1	1	-	2
21	Equatorial Guinea	1	1	-	2
22	Ethiopia	2	1	-	3
23	Fiji	1	-	-	1
24	Gabon	1	-	-	1
25	Ghana	2	1	-	3
26	Guatemala	1	1	-	2
27	India	2	2	-	4
28	Indonesia	2	2	-	4
29	Iran	1	1	-	2
30	Iraq	1	-	-	1
31	Jordan	1	-	-	1
32	Kazakhstan	1	2	1	4
33	Kenya	1	1	-	2
34	Kyrgyzstan	1	1	1	3
35	Laos	1	1	-	2
36	Madagascar	1	-	-	1
37	Malaysia	1	1	-	2
38	Mexico	2	1	-	3
39	Mongolia	2	2	-	4
40	Morocco	1	1	-	2
41	Mozambique	1	1	-	2
42	Myanmar	1	1	-	2
43	Nepal (Nepal Official Quota)	1	1	-	2
44	Nigeria	2	2	-	4
45	Pakistan	2	1	-	3
46	Panama	1	-	-	1
47	Paraguay	1	1	-	2
48	Peru	1	1	-	2
49	Philippines	1	2	-	3
50	Poland	1	1	-	2
51	Russia	1	1	1	3
52	Rwanda	2	1	-	3
53	Saudi Arabia	1	-	-	1
54	Singapore	1	-	-	1
55	South Africa	1	1	-	2
56	South Sudan	1	-	-	1
57	Sri Lanka	1	1	-	2
58	Sweden	1	-	-	1
59	Syria	1	1	-	2
60	Tajikistan	1	1	-	2
61	Tanzania	1	2	-	3
62	Thailand	1	1	-	2
63	Timor-Leste	1	2	-	3
64	Trinidad and Tobago	1	-	-	1
65	Turkiye	1	1	-	2
66	Turkmenistan	1	1	-	2
67	Uganda	1	1	-	2
68	Ukraine	1	1	1	3
69	Uruguay	1	-	-	1
70	Uzbekistan	1	1	1	3
71	Venezuela	1	1	-	2
72	Vietnam	1	1	-	2
73	Yemen	1	1	-	2
74	Zimbabwe	1	1	-	2
Total		88	61	7	156

* Depending on local circumstances, the Korean embassy in the inviting country may choose not to recommend the candidate.

University Track: 130 scholars

○ UIC (University Industry Cooperation) Program: 100 scholars from 13 institutions

* UIC Program is open to all countries around the world

Program	University	Department	Quota
Bachelor’s Degree (10 institutions)	Ajou University	School of AI and Computer Engineering	7
	Daegu University	Division of Electronic Engineering	3
	Dong-A University	Food Science and Nutrition	5
	Dong-A University	Medicinal Biotechnology	5
	Inje University	AI Software	4
		Food Nutrition and Food Engineering	3
		Medical Information Technology	3
		Mechanical and Electrical Automotive Engineering	5
	Keimyung University	Mechanical Engineering	5
	Konyang University	Artificial Intelligence	5
	Konyang University	Smart Security	6
	Kookmin University	Software	7
	Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH)	Mechanical Engineering Major	5
	Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH)	Computer Engineering Major	5
	Sungshin Women’s University	Statistics/Big Data Science Major	5
	Yeungnam University	Environmental Engineering	6
Associate Degree (3 institutions)	Dong-Eui Institute of Technology	Electrical Engineering	5
	Dong-Eui Institute of Technology	Mechanical Engineering	5
	Kyungbok University	Software Convergence	6
	Osan University	Mechanical Engineering	5
Total (13 institutions)			100

○ Associate Degree: 30 scholars from 74 countries

※ Separate selection under the University Track

Program	Available Universities	Quota
Associate Degree (9 institutions)	Busan Institute of Science and Technology, Cheju Halla University, Dong-Eui Institute of Technology, Induk University, Korea University of Media Arts, Kyungbok University, Kyung-In Women's University, Kyungnam College of Information & Technology, Yeungnam University College	30 scholars

Fields of Study and Universities

Available Fields of Study

○ All fields of study offered by GKS participating universities

※ Applicants can only apply to the universities and departments that are listed in the ‘University Information’ file attached under the GKS Notice post in Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr > Plan your studies > Scholarships > GKS Notice)

○ Academic programs offered during evenings (night school), short-term programs, online and distant-learning programs are not applicable in this scholarship program

Available Universities

○ Embassy Track

Program	Classification	Available Universities	Quota
General, Overseas Koreans & Adoptees, R-GKS	Type A (28 institutions)	Ajou University, Chung-Ang University, Dongguk University, Ewha Womans University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Hansung University, Hanyang University, Hongik University, Incheon National University, Inha University, Kookmin University, Korea University, Kyungdong University, KyungHee University, Myongji University, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Sejong University, Seokyeong University, Seoul National University, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Sogang University, Soongsil University, Sungkyunkwan University, Sungshin Women's University, The Catholic University of Korea, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), University of Seoul, Yonsei University	156 Bachelor's degree scholars
General, Overseas Koreans & Adoptees, R-GKS	Type B [R-GKS] (42 institutions)	Busan University of Foreign Studies, Changwon National University, Cheongju University, Chonnam National University, Chosun University, Chungbuk National University, Chungnam National University, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu University, Daejeon University, Dong-A University, Gyeongkuk National University, Gyeongsang National University, Hanbat National University, Hannam University, Hoseo University, Inje University, Jeju National University, Jeonbuk National University, Kangwon National University, Keimyung University, Kongju National University, Konyang University, Korea National University of Transportation, Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH), Kunsan National University, Kyungpook National University, Kyungsung University, Kyungwoon University, Mokwon University, Pai Chai University, Pukyong National University, Pusan National University, Semyung University, Silla University, Soonchunhyang University, Sun Moon University, Sunchon National University, Tongmyong University, University of Ulsan, Wonkwang University, Yeungnam University	156 Bachelor's degree scholars

※ For the General and Overseas Koreans & Adoptees program of the Embassy Track, applicants choose up to THREE different universities in any order of preference and MUST apply to at least one of the universities from Type B.

※ For the R-GKS program of the Embassy Track, applicants can choose up to TWO different universities from Type B universities.

○ University Track

Program	Available Universities	Quota
Associate (9 institutions)	Busan Institute of Science and Technology, Cheju Halla University, Dong-Eui Institute of Technology, Induk University, Korea University of Media Arts, Kyungbok University, Kyung-In Women's University, Kyungnam College of Information & Technology, Yeungnam University College	30 scholars
UIC (13 institutions)	[Bachelor's Degree] Ajou University, Daegu University, Dong-A University, Inje University, Keimyung University, Konyang University, Kookmin University, Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH), Sungshin Women's University, Yeungnam University [Associate Degree] Dong-Eui Institute of Technology, Kyungbok University, Osan University	100 scholars

※ For the UIC and Associate Degree programs of the University Track, applicants must apply to only ONE university and ONE field of study.

* The UIC Program under University Track provides customized curriculum and field experience through industry-university cooperation focused on the fields of natural science and engineering

Choice of University and Department

○ Embassy Track

Program	University Type	Number of Eligible Universities
General, Overseas Koreans & Adoptees	Type A and Type B	Up to THREE universities * At least ONE must be a Type B university
R-GKS	Type B only	Up to TWO Type B universities

○ University Track: only ONE university and ONE department

* Applicants may not apply to multiple departments at the same university.

* If an R-GKS applicant enters a Type A university in a Type B university choice field, that application will be excluded from evaluation.

○ Embassy Track applicants should choose universities carefully. If applications are heavily concentrated at particular universities, an applicant may fail at all preferred universities during the third round even after passing the NIIED second round.

○ Admission requirements (language scores, academic eligibility, major-specific requirements, etc.) vary by university and department. Applicants must check the “University Information” file before applying.

○ Applicants should choose their intended department and field carefully in consideration of their academic plan and major fit.

※ After final selection, transfer to a different field of study is NOT PERMITTED.

Step 3: Prepare and Legalize Your Documents

Missing documents or incorrect formatting is the most common reason for rejection. Build your checklist early.

Required Official Forms

Application Form (Form 1)
Personal Statement (Form 2)
Study Plan (Form 3)
ONE Recommendation Letter (Form 4 - sealed)
GKS Applicant Agreement (Form 5)
Personal Medical Assessment (Form 6)

Required Certificates & Proofs

Proof of Citizenship (Applicant & Parents) and Family Relationship
High School Graduation Certificate (or expected graduation proof)
Complete High School Official Transcript
Valid TOPIK or English Test Score (Optional, but highly recommended)

Legalization and Translation Rules

Apostille or Consular Confirmation: All official certificates (graduation, transcripts, citizenship proof) submitted must carry an Apostille or Consular Confirmation from the Korean Embassy.
Certified Translation: If your documents are not originally issued in English or Korean, they must be accompanied by a certified, sworn translation.
Do NOT Submit Irreplaceable Originals: NIIED and universities will NEVER return submitted documents under any circumstances. Submit authenticated certified copies instead.

GLOBAL KOREA SCHOLARSHIP (GKS) APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

List of Documents to Submit

○ Checklist of Application Documents (Embassy Track & University Track)

Type	No.	Application Documents	Requirement	Submit with application	1st Round successful candidates
Documents to complete	1	(Form 1) Application Form	Required	Complete application form	Print the form and have a signature
	2	(Form 2) Personal Statement
	3	(Form 3) Study Plan
	4	(Form 4) Recommendation Letter		Completed by recommender	Original letter
	5	(Form 5) GKS Applicant Agreement		Complete application form	Print the form and have a signature
	6	(Form 6) Personal Medical Assessment
	7	(Form 7) Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information
Required certificates * Submit with apostille/ consular confirmation	8	Proof of Citizenship (applicant and parents) and Proof of Family Relationship	Required	As instructed by each university	Original document
	9	High School Graduation Certificate (or certificate of expected graduation)
	10	Academic Transcript of High School Curriculum
	11	Graduation Certificate (or Certificate of Expected Graduation) of Associate Degree Program	Required if applicable		Original document
	12	Academic Transcript of Associate Degree
	13	Proof of Overseas Korean or Korean Adoptee Status Document
	14	Proof of Korean Citizenship Renunciation Document
	15	Proof of Korean War Veteran's Descendant
Other documents	16	Score Report of Valid TOPIK (Original) or English Proficiency Test (Copy)	Required if applicable	As instructed by each university	- TOPIK: Original - English Test: Copy
	17	Copy of awards and other certificates, etc. (Up to FIVE (5) documents relate to activities or achievements from high school onward)	Optional		Copy
	18	Applicant's Passport	Optional		Copy

* Applications for the Embassy Track must be submitted through the Study in Korea system, while applications for the University Track must be submitted according to each university's own application method.

* Applicants who pass the 1st round of selection must submit the original and certified required documents for the 2nd round by the deadline announced by the embassy/university. For detailed requirements, including whether an apostille or consular confirmation is needed, please see 'Document Preparation for Application' below.

Document Preparation and Submission Requirements

○ Application documents for the FIRST round of selection

○ Application documents for the SECOND round of selection (NIIED)

< Items to Note on Apostille (or Consular Confirmation) >

○ Required Certificates (refer to ‘List of Documents to Submit’ section) must be apostilled (or consular confirmed).

○ If your document is unable to be re-issued, please keep the original and obtain an apostille (or consular confirmation) on a notarized copy.

○ Simple photocopies or notarized copies of the apostilled (or consular confirmed) documents are NOT accepted. However, a certified true copy (등본 인증) issued by a Korean embassy or a government agency that initially issued the original apostille document are accepted.

* If the document cannot be apostilled or consular confirmed (e.g., because the type of document is not subject to apostille), applicants must obtain a certified true copy (등본 인증) from the apostille issuing government authority or from the Korean embassy on a notarized copy. If the authenticity of the submitted document is unclear, such application may be put at a disadvantage during evaluation.

○ If an applicant graduated from a third country, he or she may obtain a consular confirmation from the embassy of the relevant country on the graduation certificate and academic transcript.

○ If an applicant is residing in a third country other than the invite country, proof of citizenship may be accepted with consular confirmation by the diplomatic mission of the invited country in the applicant’s country of residence.

○ Required certificates that are issued in digital format must also be apostilled (or consular confirmed).

○ If there is an expiration date on an apostilled or consular confirmed document, the validity of the document will be judged based on the date indicated on the authentication. If there is no specific date indicated, the document will be accepted if it was submitted within 2 years from the date of authentication.

Documents to submit	Submission Requirement
Proof of Citizenship and Family Relationship	- Official certificates such as birth certificate or family register issued by a government that proves ① family relationship between an applicant and his/her parents and ② their citizenship ※ If applicants cannot submit necessary documents due to absence of their parent(s), - e.g. divorced or deceased - please provide additional documents (e.g. divorce certificate or death certificate) that explains the reason for not submitting their proof of citizenship - If applicants’ or their parents’ citizenship information is not indicated in the above documents, then submit valid passport copies as supplementary documents • Ethnic group, birth place, or current residency in the submitted documents will not be accepted as a citizenship information. Please submit valid passport copies as supplementary documents • If passport copies are not available, please submit other government issued document or a copy of ID card that clearly indicates citizenship information as supplementary documents ※ If supplementary documents submitted in addition to a birth certificate or a family register do not provide the required information, your application may be put at a disadvantage
Certificate of Graduation	- Submit a graduation certificate, degree certificate, or a diploma that indicates a date (or month) of graduation - Submit a certificate officially issued by the institution of previous degree program* * If applicant who has an associate degree applies for a bachelor's degree program, the previous degree program of such applicant is associate degree program - Certificate of expected graduation will be accepted only if the document indicates expected graduation date (or month) - If a certificate of expected graduation cannot be apostilled or consular confirmed due to government policy, submit an apostilled or consular confirmed certificate of enrollment. Submit a notarized certificate of expected graduation with an authenticated certificate of enrollment ※ A simple certificate of enrollment without expected graduation date is NOT accepted - Provisional graduation (degree) certificate that does not indicate a graduation date will be considered as a certificate of expected graduation - Applicants who are expected to graduate must first submit a certificate of expected graduation at the time of application. If such applicants pass the first round of selection, they must submit a final graduation certificate (or a degree certificate) by December 31, 2026
Academic Transcript	- Submit an academic transcript officially issued by the school of previous degree program - If a CGPA is not indicated in one of the acknowledged GPA scales (4.0, 4.3, 4.5, 5.0 or 100-point scale), submit a transcript converted into one of the above GPA scales as a supplementary document • A converted transcript is only valid when the relevant high school/ university officially confirms (authenticates) the document (This document does not need to be apostilled or consular confirmed, but should be submitted in an original document with official authentication) ※ Without converted transcript, applicants' eligibility and academic ability cannot be evaluated - If a transcript indicates CGPA for the entire academic duration, it will be accepted even if it does not indicate GPA per semester/ year • In such case, please only provide your CGPA in your application - If a transcript of a transferred student does not include the pre-transfer grades, submit an academic record of the previous school as a supplementary document - In case of a country where graduation examination report is considered as an official academic record of a high school graduate, applicants' grade eligibility may be evaluated by such graduation exam report • In such case, it is recommended to provide additional academic record of the entire curriculum as a supplementary document
Recommendation Letter	- The letter should be written by a credible individual who can evaluate the applicant's academic ability, such as a school principal or teacher - Submit one letter of recommendation, issued within one year of the application deadline.
Proof of Overseas Korean or Adoptee	- Required for relevant applicants - Submit supporting documents such as family register or birth certificate that proves family relationship between an applicant and his/her lineal ascendant
Proof of Korean Citizenship Renunciation	- Required for relevant applicants - Submit supporting documents issued by the Korean government that indicates details on the definite loss of Korean citizenship and its date. An application or a receipt for renunciation of Korean citizenship is not accepted
Proof of Korean War Veteran's Descendant	- Required for relevant applicants - A government-issued certificate verifying that the applicant's lineal ascendant was a veteran who served in a foreign military and participated in the Korean War - Submit supporting documents such as family register of birth certificate that proves family relationship between an applicant and his/her lineal ascendant
Score Report of Korean or English Proficiency Test	- Submit if necessary (Optional) - Korean: TOPIK • TOPIK PBT certificates from the 96th to the 109th exam, TOPIK IBT certificates from the 4th to the 16th exam will be recognized as valid certificates • Submit a printed copy of one's TOPIK score report from www.topik.go.kr - English: TOEFL, IELTS • Submit a printed copy of one's valid English proficiency test score report from the respective website or a photocopy of original certificate
Copy of awards and other certificates	- Submit if necessary (Optional) - Submit materials such as an award that can prove the applicant's activities described in the “Personal statement” and “Study plan”. - May submit up to FIVE (5) documents relate to activities or achievements from high school onward. ※ These documents do not need to be apostilled or consular-confirmed
Passport Copy	- Submit if necessary (Optional) - Submit a valid passport copy as a supplementary document if the proof of citizenship (family register, birth certificate, etc.) does not clearly indicate citizenship information

Things to check when submitting application documents

○ Official Department Name: Applicants must put the official name of the university/department they are applying to.* Applicants can only apply among the universities and departments listed in the ‘University Information’ file. If an incorrect department name is written on an application, such application may be disqualified in the evaluation.

○ English Name Matching Passport: Applicant’s English name MUST match the name on their passport.* (Attention!) Any discrepancy in applicant’s name (family, given, middle name) will cause a delay in visa processing.

○ Completeness & Signatures: Before submission, check that all required documents are included and all required signatures are provided. Missing required documents or signatures may result in exclusion from evaluation.

○ Checklist Order: Application documents must be submitted in the order of the “Application Checklist” which is the first page of the application form and itself should be the front cover of each set of application documents.

○ Numbering & Labeling: Please number and label each document on the top right corner.

○ Standard A4 Sizing: All documents should be submitted as A4 sized (or letter sized) documents.* If a document is smaller than A4 sized (or letter sized) document, attach it on a blank A4 sized paper. If a document is larger than an A4 size document, fold the document into an A4 size.

Step 4: Write a Standout Personal Statement & Study Plan

Your essays are your chance to prove you are more than just your grades.

Personal Statement Strategy

Don't write a generic essay. Highlight specific experiences that shaped your academic goals. Explain why you chose South Korea (focus on your academic field and industry, not just K-pop or K-dramas). Show evidence of leadership, overcoming obstacles, and cultural adaptability.

Study Plan Strategy

Create a realistic timeline. Detail how you will master the Korean language before and after arriving. Outline the specific university laboratories, projects, or clubs you want to join, and align this with a clear, long-term career goal that benefits both Korea and your home country.

Step 5: Submit the Application & Selection Schedule

Applying via the Embassy Track

Create an account on the Study in Korea website.
Select the “2027 GKS Undergraduate Embassy Track” application.
Fill out the forms in English and upload scanned, authenticated documents.
Submit online before September 30, 2026, at 18:00 KST.
If you pass the first round, submit physical, authenticated hard copies to your local Korean Embassy.

Applying via the University Track

Visit your chosen university’s official website and locate their specific 2027 GKS-U notice.
Prepare your physical application package, including the sealed recommendation letter.
Mail the package directly to the university admissions department before their specific deadline (Sept–Nov 2026).

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 Official Selection Schedule & Results Timeline

○ Embassy Track Schedule

Stage	Schedule	How to Check
1st Round (Embassy)	By Oct. 16	Notice from Korean embassy & Study in Korea My Page
2nd Round (NIIED)	In November	GKS Notice on Study in Korea website
3rd Round (University)	By Dec. 23	Individual notice from each chosen university
Final Selection	Expected Jan. 7, 2027	Official announcement on Study in Korea portal

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid Applying for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

Applying to both tracks simultaneously

Applying through both the Embassy Track and University Track at the same time results in immediate disqualification for both applications.

Failing to include at least one "Type B" university

Embassy Track General program applicants MUST include at least one regional (Type B) university among their 3 choices.

Submitting transcripts without an official grading scale or CGPA conversion

If your transcript does not show a percentile or standard GPA, you must provide an official CGPA conversion authenticated by your school.

Using standard notarization instead of Apostille / Consular Confirmation

Standard notary seals are NOT accepted. Official certificates must carry an Apostille or Consular Confirmation from the Korean Embassy.

Spelling your name differently than in your passport

Your name across all forms, certificates, and test scores must match your passport spelling exactly to prevent visa and evaluation errors.

The Ultimate Scholarship Journey

The Big Picture: Why It's Worth It

Securing the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is more than just winning tuition coverage—it is an all-inclusive investment in your future. You gain world-class education at leading Korean universities, full financial freedom with generous monthly allowances, native fluency in Korean, and direct access to South Korea’s thriving tech, engineering, and global business industries.

With careful preparation of your documents, authentic essay writing, and strategic university choices, you can join the elite community of GKS scholars.

Official Appendix: CGPA Conversion Table2027 GKS-U Guideline Reference

Official NIIED conversion table for 4.0, 4.3, 4.5, and 5.0 GPA scales to the 100-point percentile scale.

Appendix A. CGPA Conversion Table (Official 100-Point Scale)

Minimum 80 points required

4.0 Scale	4.3 Scale	4.5 Scale	5.0 Scale	100 Points Scale
3.97 ~ 4.0	4.26 ~ 4.3	4.46 ~ 4.5	4.95 ~ 5.00	100
3.92 ~ 3.96	4.22 ~ 4.25	4.41 ~ 4.45	4.90 ~ 4.94	99
3.88 ~ 3.91	4.17 ~ 4.21	4.36 ~ 4.40	4.84 ~ 4.89	98
3.84 ~ 3.87	4.12 ~ 4.16	4.31 ~ 4.35	4.79 ~ 4.83	97
3.80 ~ 3.83	4.08 ~ 4.11	4.26 ~ 4.30	4.73 ~ 4.78	96
3.75 ~ 3.79	4.03 ~ 4.07	4.21 ~ 4.25	4.68 ~ 4.72	95
3.71 ~ 3.74	3.98 ~ 4.02	4.16 ~ 4.20	4.62 ~ 4.67	94
3.67 ~ 3.70	3.93 ~ 3.97	4.11 ~ 4.15	4.57 ~ 4.61	93
3.62 ~ 3.66	3.89 ~ 3.92	4.06 ~ 4.10	4.51 ~ 4.56	92
3.58 ~ 3.61	3.84 ~ 3.88	4.01 ~ 4.05	4.45 ~ 4.50	91
3.49 ~ 3.57	3.75 ~ 3.83	3.91 ~ 4.00	4.34 ~ 4.44	90
3.41 ~ 3.48	3.65 ~ 3.74	3.81 ~ 3.90	4.23 ~ 4.33	89
3.32 ~ 3.40	3.56 ~ 3.64	3.71 ~ 3.80	4.12 ~ 4.22	88
3.24 ~ 3.31	3.46 ~ 3.55	3.61 ~ 3.70	4.01 ~ 4.11	87
3.15 ~ 3.23	3.37 ~ 3.45	3.51 ~ 3.60	3.90 ~ 4.00	86
3.07 ~ 3.14	3.27 ~ 3.36	3.41 ~ 3.50	3.79 ~ 3.89	85
2.98 ~ 3.06	3.18 ~ 3.26	3.31 ~ 3.40	3.68 ~ 3.78	84
2.90 ~ 2.97	3.09 ~ 3.17	3.21 ~ 3.30	3.57 ~ 3.67	83
2.81 ~ 2.89	2.99 ~ 3.08	3.11 ~ 3.20	3.45 ~ 3.56	82
2.72 ~ 2.80	2.90 ~ 2.98	3.01 ~ 3.10	3.34 ~ 3.44	81
2.64 ~ 2.71	2.80 ~ 2.89	2.91 ~ 3.00	3.23 ~ 3.33	80 (Minimum Requirement)

Strict Disqualifications & Program Restrictions

•Korean High School Graduates: Any applicant who graduated (or is expected to graduate) from a high school in Korea (including international schools located in Korea) or from a Korean associate degree program is NOT eligible to apply.
•Previous Degree Recipients: Any individual who has previously received a scholarship for a degree program from the Korean government or other Korean government agencies is NOT eligible.
•Recent Disqualifications: Former GKS scholars who withdrew from the program or were disqualified within the past 3 years are strictly excluded.
•Prohibited Academic Formats: Evening classes (night school), short-term courses, and online or distant-learning degrees are ineligible under GKS.
•Zero Major Transfer Policy: After final selection and placement in Korea, changing or transferring to a different field of study is STRICTLY NOT PERMITTED.

Duplicate Application Rules & Selection Safeguards

•Embassy Track First Round Rule: Embassy Track applicants who pass the first round of selection (including backup candidates) CANNOT apply through the University Track.
•Single Track Selection: Embassy Track applicants must apply to only ONE category: General, R-GKS, or Overseas Koreans & Adoptees.
•University Track Single Choice: University Track candidates must apply to only ONE university and a SINGLE department. Applying to multiple universities or multiple majors leads to automatic disqualification.
•Careful University Shortlisting: Embassy Track applicants should avoid overly concentrating applications solely in hyper-competitive Seoul institutions; failure at the university round cannot be appealed.

What Does It Take to Qualify Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

Meeting the requirements for a scholarship in South Korea might feel like ticking off a long checklist, but breaking it down makes it entirely manageable. While every scholarship has its own unique rules, most institutions and funding bodies look for a combination of the following criteria:

Strong Academic Record
Your past GPA is a primary baseline, especially for merit-based awards. High academic performance shows committees you're ready for rigorous study.
Language Proficiency
You'll need valid test scores (e.g. IELTS, TOPIK Certificate) to prove you can comfortably complete your degree.
An Official Admission Offer
For most university scholarships, you must first secure an offer letter (or be actively applying) for a course at an institution in South Korea.
Eligible Field of Study
Some funding opportunities are strictly tied to specific majors, industries, or high-demand research sectors in South Korea.
Nationality or Residency Requirements
Certain government-funded grants specifically target international students from designated regions or partner nations.
Demonstrated Financial Need
If you are applying for need-based grants or partial aid, you will need to provide documentation outlining your financial background.
A Compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP)
A well-written motivation letter or scholarship essay explains your goals, achievements, and why you are the ideal candidate for studying in South Korea.

Ready to find out where you stand? Don't leave your funding to chance—get a free, no-obligation profile evaluation from our expert counselors to confirm which South Korea scholarships match your exact profile!

12-Month Global Korea Scholarship Roadmap

Follow this timeline to maximize your chances of securing a scholarship in South Korea.

Phase	Timeline	Action Item
Research	12–14 Months Prior	Choose between Embassy Track or University Track for GKS applications.
Preparation	10–12 Months Prior	Prepare apostilled academic certificates, IELTS/TOEFL, or TOPIK scores.
Admission	7–9 Months Prior	Submit GKS dossier to local Korean embassy or target university.
Submission	4–6 Months Prior	Pass embassy or university interview rounds.
Acceptance	2–3 Months Prior	Receive NIIED invitation, obtain D-2 Visa, and travel to Korea.

Step-by-Step Guide to Winning Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

Securing financial aid doesn't have to feel like a guessing game. Follow this straightforward, actionable roadmap to navigate the process smoothly:

Understand the GKS Tracks

Choose Embassy Track (apply to 3 universities) or University Track (apply to 1 university) strategically.

Apostille All Documents

South Korean admissions strictly require apostilled or consular-authenticated degree certificates and transcripts.

Highlight Academic Excellence & Motivation

Selection committees evaluate your personal essay, study plan, and future career vision.

Learn Korean for Bonus Points (TOPIK)

Holding a TOPIK score (Level 3+) grants extra points and increases monthly GKS stipends.

Explore STEM Research Labs (KAIST, UNIST, POSTECH)

Top science universities provide automatic full scholarships for international STEM students.

Prepare Medical Self-Assessment

GKS and Korean student visas require an official health check declaration.

Maintain 85%+ Academic Record

Past academic performance must meet or exceed 80–85% grade thresholds.

Crucial Visa & Financial Note

GKS scholars receive direct NIIED certification to obtain the D-2 student visa smoothly at Korean embassies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about funding your studies in South Korea.

No, English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL) and Korean proficiency tests (TOPIK) are optional under central NIIED rules. However, having a valid score gives you a massive advantage. TOPIK Level 3 adds 3% to your score, Level 4 adds 4%, and Level 5+ adds 5%. Additionally, some individual universities may have their own mandatory language requirements.

You cannot apply to both at the same time. However, if you apply via the Embassy Track and fail the first round, you may apply to the University Track afterward—provided the university’s application deadline is still open.

Applicants must be under 25 years old. For the 2027 intake, this means you must have been born after March 1, 2002.

Embassy Track (General): Up to three universities (must include at least one Type B university). Embassy Track (R-GKS): Up to two universities (both must be Type B). University Track: Only ONE university and ONE department.

To encourage regional development, NIIED divides universities into Type A (mostly in Seoul/metropolitan areas) and Type B (regional universities). Embassy track applicants must choose at least one Type B university to ensure a balanced admission strategy and prevent candidates from being rejected by three highly competitive metropolitan schools.

Yes. If you expect to graduate by December 31, 2026, you can apply using an "expected graduation certificate." If you pass the first selection round, you must submit your final graduation certificate and official transcripts by the end of December 2026.

No. Individuals cannot apply directly to NIIED. Embassy Track applications must go through the Study in Korea portal and your local Korean Embassy. University Track applications must be mailed directly to the Korean university of your choice.

Yes. Almost all GKS scholars must undergo one year of mandatory Korean language training prior to starting their degree. You must achieve at least TOPIK Level 3 by the end of this year to proceed to your degree program. Only scholars who already possess a TOPIK Level 5 or 6 before arriving are exempt from the language year.

No. The GKS scholarship provides airfare, allowances, and visa support solely for the selected scholar. It does not cover expenses or provide visa sponsorship for family members.

Following the final announcement in January 2027, scholars will receive their invitation letters, apply for their student visas (D-4 for language trainees), and prepare to travel to South Korea in late February to begin their language program in March.

It is necessary to submit an official document (e.g., applicant’s birth certificate or family register) that proves you and your parents' relationship. If the document does not include citizenship information, then you should submit additional documents (e.g., passport copy or government-issued document that indicates citizenship information) for proof of citizenship.

If you cannot provide a parent’s proof of citizenship due to divorce, death, or absence, submit official supplementary documents explaining the reason (such as a divorce certificate or death certificate).

Yes, as long as neither you nor your parents hold Korean citizenship, and you hold citizenship of an invited GKS partner country. Note that the UIC (University Industry Cooperation) program is open to all non-Korean citizens worldwide.

Quota allocations are decided based on mutual agreements between Korea and partner countries. Even if your country is not invited for the undergraduate program, it may be listed for the graduate program. (Note: The UIC program is open to all countries worldwide except Korea).

Yes, exchange students are eligible. However, those who graduated from a high school or associate degree program located in Korea (including international schools) are NOT eligible.

No, Bachelor’s degree holders are not eligible for the GKS Undergraduate program. If you wish to pursue higher studies (Master’s or Doctoral), please apply for the GKS Graduate program next year.

No. Only applicants who have already graduated or are expected to graduate by December 31, 2026, are eligible to apply.

If your grades do not use a standard scale (4.0, 4.3, 4.5, 5.0 or 100-point scale), you must submit an official document issued by your school describing your grading system along with an officially converted grade certified by your school.

Yes, you are eligible if you are ranked within the top 20% of your class even if your score percentile is below 80%. Submit an official rank certificate from your school.

No. Required certificates MUST carry an Apostille or Consular Confirmation from the Korean Embassy. Standard notarization alone is not accepted.

University Track applicants can apply to only ONE university and ONE department. Embassy Track applicants can select up to THREE universities (with at least one Type B regional university).

Yes. Every GKS scholar must achieve at least TOPIK Level 3 during the 1-year language program to proceed to their degree program. Some universities or departments may require Level 4 or higher.

No. Changing universities or transferring to another institution is strictly NOT PERMITTED under any circumstances.