Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 for Graduate Students

Overview

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is South Korea’s flagship international scholarship, funded by the Ministry of Education and administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). For the 2027 intake, more than 2,000 graduate-level scholars from over 155 countries will be selected.

Two application tracks are available:

• Embassy track: applications submitted to Korean embassies abroad; deadline approximately 30 September 2026 (set by each embassy, typically September to October)
• University track: applications submitted directly to Korean universities; deadline February to March 2027

Applicants may use only one track. Embassy-track candidates may name up to three preferred universities; university-track candidates need a conditional admission letter first.

Benefits

• Full tuition fees at the host Korean university
• Monthly living stipend of KRW 1,000,000 (approximately USD 740 at 2026 rates)
• Round-trip international airfare
• One-year Korean language training at a NIIED-designated language institute, fully funded
• Settling-in allowance, dissertation printing fee, and medical insurance
• Korean Proficiency Incentive: bonus of KRW 100,000 per month for scholars who pass TOPIK Level 5 or 6

Eligibility

• Citizen and resident of a GKS-eligible country (not a Korean national)
• Under 40 years of age as of 1 March 2027
• Bachelor’s degree for Masters applicants; Masters degree for PhD applicants
• GPA of at least 80% (or the equivalent on your institution’s grading scale) in the most recently completed degree
• In good health (medical certificate required at the time of application)
• Not a former GKS or KGSP scholarship holder

How to Apply

Embassy Track

1. Download the GKS application form from the Study in Korea portal at studyinkorea.go.kr or from your local Korean Embassy website.
2. Compile the required package: degree transcripts, two recommendation letters from professors or supervisors, personal statement, study plan (max 3 pages), GPA certificate, medical certificate, birth certificate, and passport copy.
3. Submit the complete physical package to your home country’s Korean Embassy by approximately 30 September 2026. Confirm the exact date directly with the embassy, as dates vary by country.
4. Embassies conduct shortlisting and forward successful applications to NIIED by November 2026. Final results are announced in February 2027.

University Track

Contact your preferred Korean university’s international office from October 2026 to enquire about the university-track application window, which typically opens in January 2027.