The largest scholarship for 2026 has been announced . Applications are now open for the 2026 Korean Government Graduate Scholarship (GKS-G) . The Korea Global Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students, administered by the Korean government. In 2026, the Korean government will invite 2,000 international students to participate in the 2026 Korea Global Scholarship program for Master's and PhD programs. GRE/IELTS/TOEFL scores are not required . Studies will begin in September 2026. There is no application fee for the Korea Global Scholarship. The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, accommodation, airfare, visas, books, and all other scholarship-related expenses. Further details about the GKS application process are provided below.
Details about the Korean Government Graduate Scholarship 2026 (Study in South Korea)
- Host country: South Korea
- Universities : All South Korean universities
- Academic level: Master's, PhD
- Number of scholarships: 2000
- Deadline: varies from country to country
What is the Korea Global Scholarship?
In short, GKS stands for Korea Global Scholarship Program, officially known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program.
GKS Scholarship Pathways
The Korea Global Scholarship (GKS) offers two application pathways:
- Safari Track : You will submit your applications to the Korean embassy in your country. You will then choose from the Korean universities designated by the embassy. Competition is usually fiercer due to the large number of applicants.
- University Track : In this track, you will apply directly to the Korean University and select the GKS scholarship in the online application form.
Scholarship duration
- Master's Degree: 3 years (one year to study Korean language, and two years to obtain the degree)
- PhD degree: 4 years (one year to study the Korean language, and 3 years to obtain the degree)
- Research program: 6 months.
Financial advantages
The GKS scholarship covers the following:
- Full tuition fees
- monthly allowance
- Instead of resettlement
- Medical insurance
- Research support
- Round-trip flight tickets
- Language courses
- Korean Language Proficiency Excellence Award
- Printing costs (thesis)
- Project completion grant
Eligibility criteria
- The GKS Global Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies in Korea is available to all nationalities.
- Not all applicants and their parents should hold Korean citizenship.
- Applicants must have obtained a bachelor's degree or be expected to complete a bachelor's degree program by the start of the scholarship period.
Required documents
- Application form
- Personal statement
- Study plan
- Research proposal
- Recommendation letter
- Invitation letter
- Request for exemption from the Korean language program
- GKS Applicant Agreement
- Personal Medical Assessment
- Consent to the collection and use of personal information
- Proof of nationality and kinship document
- Bachelor's degree certificate (or diploma)
- Bachelor's Degree Statement
- Master's degree certificate (or diploma)
- Master's Degree Disclosure
- PhD (or Diploma) graduation certificate
- PhD Degree Disclosure
- Work certificate
- Proof of Korean residence permit abroad / Proof of Korean adoption document
- Work certificate
- Proof of Korean residence permit abroad / Proof of Korean adoption document
- Proof of renouncing Korean citizenship
- Proving the lineage of a Korean War veteran
- Work certificate or experience certificate
- TOPIK/TOPIK IBT (Original) or English Proficiency Test Results Report
- Awards and other certificates
- Applicant's passport
How to apply for the Korean Government Graduate Scholarship (GKS-G) for 2026?
The application process for the Korean Government Scholarship Program varies by country. Please check the official website for specific details and application requirements in your country. The official link is below.