Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) 2026

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) 2026 is a prestigious fully funded scholarship in South Korea for international students seeking to pursue undergraduate degrees. Managed by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), this Korean Government Scholarship Program promotes global educational exchange and strengthens cultural ties between Korea and participating countries.

This program allows students to study in Korea for international students with full financial support covering tuition, living costs, airfare, and more.

Scholarship Overview

• Degree Levels:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: 1 year of Korean language program scholarship + 4–6 years of study (total 5–7 years)

  • Associate Degree: 1 year of Korean language training + 2–3 years of study (total 3–4 years)

  • Students with TOPIK Level 5 or 6 may be exempt from the Korean language program.

• Available Subjects: All fields of study.

• Eligible Nationalities: Must hold citizenship of a participating country (parents must not hold Korean citizenship). The University-Industry Cooperation (UIC) Track is open to students from all countries.

Scholarship Benefits

The GKS-U 2026 provides comprehensive support for all selected students:

• Tuition Coverage: Up to KRW 5 million per semester

• Korean Language Program Fees: Fully covered

• Airfare: Round-trip economy class

• Living Allowance: Monthly stipend to cover expenses

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage

• Settlement and Completion Grants

• Additional Support: For students achieving TOPIK proficiency

This makes GKS-U 2026 a fully funded undergraduate scholarship in Korea.

Why Apply for GKS-U 2026?

The GKS-U scholarship is one of the most sought-after undergraduate scholarships for international students in South Korea. Benefits include:

• Full financial support for tuition, living, and travel

• One-year Korean language program scholarship

• Admission to top Korean universities for international students

• Opportunities for cultural exchange and networking

• Preparation for global careers in various fields

Students are selected annually through the Embassy Track and University Track, representing diverse nationalities and academic backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Age: Under 25 years (born after March 1, 2001)

• Education: High school graduate or expected to graduate by December 31, 2025

• Grades: Minimum GPA of 80% or within the top 20% of the class (or equivalent CGPA: 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, 3.23/5.0)

• Health: Physically and mentally fit to study in Korea

• Restrictions: Students who have previously studied in Korean universities or received GKS-U scholarships for undergraduate degrees are not eligible

Application Tracks and Quotas

1. Embassy Track

• Quota: 150 students from 71 countries

• Includes General, Overseas Koreans, and R-GKS categories

• Applicants may select up to 3 universities, including at least one Type B university

2. University Track

• Associate Degree: 30 students across 9 universities

3. University-Industry Cooperation (UIC) Track

• Quota: 100 students from 13 universities

• Focused on science and engineering programs

Application Procedure

Key Dates

• Application Opens: September 15, 2025

• Embassy Track Deadline: September 30, 2025

• University Track Deadline: October 31, 2025

• Final Results: January 9, 2026

• Program Start: Korean language training begins in 2026, followed by undergraduate enrollment

Steps to Apply

1. Apply online via the Study in Korea official website

2. Submit required documents:

   • Application form

   • Personal statement and study plan

   • Recommendation letters

   • Medical assessment

   • Authenticated academic transcripts and graduation certificate

   • Proof of citizenship and passport

3. Applications are forwarded by embassies or universities to NIIED

4. Check the official site for results

Selection involves document screening, interviews, and evaluations at embassy/university levels, with final decisions made by NIIED.

Conclusion

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for international students seeking fully funded undergraduate scholarships in South Korea. By covering tuition, living expenses, airfare, health insurance, and providing a Korean language program scholarship, GKS-U 2026 offers academic excellence, cultural immersion, and global career preparation.

For students aiming to study in Korea for international students, this scholarship is a gateway to success at some of the top Korean universities for international students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can students from any country apply?
Yes, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The UIC track is open to students worldwide.

2. Is prior knowledge of Korean required?
No. A one-year Korean language program scholarship is included. Students with TOPIK Level 5 or 6 may be exempt.

3. Are all subjects eligible?
Yes, the scholarship supports all undergraduate programs.

4. What is the age limit?
Applicants must be under 25 years old as of March 1, 2025.

5. What expenses are covered by the scholarship?
Tuition, Korean language fees, airfare, living allowance, health insurance, and settlement/completion grants.

6. Can previous GKS-U students apply?
No, prior GKS-U undergraduate recipients or students who studied in Korean universities are ineligible.

7. How do I apply?
Apply online via the Study in Korea website and submit required documents through your embassy or university.

8. When does the program start?
Korean language training begins in 2026, followed by degree enrollment.

9. How are students selected?
Through document screening, interviews, embassy/university evaluations, and final approval by NIIED.

10. Where can I find official information?
Visit the Study in Korea official website.