The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 also known as the Korean Government Scholarship is one of the most awaited programs for international students every year. On February 2026 the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) in South Korea is expected to open applications for the next round of the scholarship. Students from all around the world apply for this opportunity to study in South Korea with full financial support.
Details About GKS Scholarship 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Global Korea Scholarship 2026 |
| Announced By | NIIED South Korea |
| Application Start | February 2026 |
| Deadline | March to April 2026 (varies by country) |
| Eligible Levels | Undergraduate Master’s Doctoral Research |
| Benefits | Tuition Monthly allowance Airfare Health insurance Settlement support Korean language training |
| Results | June 2026 |
| Program Start | September 2026 |
What is the GKS Scholarship
The GKS Scholarship is a fully funded program offered by the South Korean government. It is designed to attract talented international students for undergraduate and graduate studies. The scholarship provides financial support for tuition fees living expenses airfare and even Korean language training.
Read More: RMIT Scholarships 2026 – Study in Australia with Financial Support
Dates for GKS 2026
- Applications open in February 2026
- Deadlines usually fall between March and April 2026 depending on the country and the embassy handling the process
- Final results are expected in June 2026
- Selected students will begin their programs in September 2026
Who Can Apply
The scholarship welcomes applicants from almost every country. Eligible candidates include
- Undergraduate students who want to start a bachelor’s degree in Korea
- Graduate students interested in master’s or doctoral studies
- Researchers and professionals applying for exchange or short-term research programs
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for GKS 2026 applicants usually need to meet the following requirements
- Must be a citizen of a country invited by South Korea
- Should not hold Korean citizenship
- Must have a strong academic record from their previous school or university
- Undergraduate applicants must be under 25 years of age by the application date
- Graduate applicants must be under 40 years of age
- Must be in good physical and mental health
Scholarship Benefits
One of the main reasons students apply for GKS is because it is a fully funded opportunity. The benefits include
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly allowance for living expenses
- Airfare tickets for arrival and return after completion of the program
- Health insurance coverage
- Settlement support to help students adjust after arriving in Korea
- One year Korean language training before starting the degree program
How to Apply
There are two main ways to apply for the GKS Scholarship
- Embassy Track
Applicants submit their documents to the Korean embassy in their home country. After the first selection the embassy forwards recommended candidates to NIIED. - University Track
Applicants apply directly to selected Korean universities that are part of the GKS program. The universities then recommend students to NIIED.
Also See: KAIST Scholarship 2026 Fully Funded Study in South Korea
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare several documents before applying. These usually include
- Completed application form
- Statement of purpose or personal essay
- Two or more letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of nationality such as passport or national ID
- Medical assessment form
- Additional documents may be required depending on the embassy or university
Selection Process
The selection process for GKS 2026 takes place in several rounds
- First round handled by the embassy or university
- Second round conducted by NIIED where applications are reviewed again
- Final round where selected candidates receive confirmation from NIIED and universities
Tips for a Strong Application
- Write a clear and personal essay that shows your motivation to study in Korea
- Get recommendation letters from teachers or professors who know your academic work well
- Make sure all documents are properly attested and translated into English or Korean
- Apply early to avoid last minute mistakes
Why Choose South Korea for Study
South Korea has become a popular study destination for international students because of its high quality education modern lifestyle and strong global recognition of degrees. With GKS support students can experience Korean culture while earning a degree from some of the best universities in Asia.
Conclusion
The GKS Scholarship 2026 is a golden chance for international students who want to study in South Korea with full financial support. Applications open in February 2026 and deadlines vary by country so students should prepare documents early. With its wide coverage and strong support this scholarship continues to be one of the most competitive programs worldwide.
