Master's Scholarship•South Korea

Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees (GKS-G)

Funding

Fully Funded

Program dates

TBA

The Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees (GKS-G) is the Korean government’s flagship scholarship for international students, run by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). For the 2026 intake it invites roughly 2,000 students worldwide to pursue a master’s, doctoral, or research program at a designated Korean university. Applicants apply through one of two tracks — the Embassy Track (via the Korean embassy in their country of citizenship) or the University Track (directly to a designated GKS university). The award is fully funded and includes one year of Korean language training before the degree program begins.

Benefits & funding

  • Round-trip economy-class airfare (on initial entry and on final departure after completion).
  • Monthly allowance of 1,000,000 KRW.
  • One-time settlement allowance of 200,000 KRW on arrival.
  • Full tuition (covered by NIIED together with the host university).
  • One year of Korean language training, with fees covered, before the degree program.
  • Korean Proficiency Grant of 100,000 KRW per month for scholars who reach TOPIK level 5 or 6.
  • Research allowance of 210,000 KRW per semester (humanities and social sciences) or 240,000 KRW per semester (natural sciences and engineering).
  • Dissertation/thesis printing costs reimbursed at 500,000–800,000 KRW depending on actual cost.
  • Medical insurance of 20,000 KRW per month.
  • A degree-completion grant paid on finishing the program.

Eligibility

  • The applicant and both parents must hold non-Korean citizenship (Korean citizens and dual nationals are not eligible). There is no country whitelist beyond this rule — the program is open to eligible countries worldwide through per-country quotas.
  • Under 40 years of age (born on or after 1 September 1986 for the 2026 intake).
  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree to apply for a master’s program, or a Master’s degree to apply for a doctoral program; candidates expected to graduate before the program start may apply.
  • A cumulative grade point average of at least 80% (roughly the top 20%) in the most recent degree; former GKS scholars reapplying need 90% or higher.
  • No Korean proficiency is required at the time of application — one year of Korean training is provided, and some University/Global Network tracks are taught in English.

Application process

  1. 1
    Choose a track: the Embassy Track (apply through the Korean embassy in your country of citizenship) or the University Track (apply directly to a designated GKS university).
  2. 2
    Create an account on the Study in Korea online application system and complete the application, selecting up to three universities/programs.
  3. 3
    Submit the required documents — degree certificates and transcripts, a study plan, a personal statement, and recommendation letters — by the track’s deadline.
  4. 4
    Pass document screening and an interview; NIIED announces the final results.

Program timeline

  1. Embassy Track applications open (most-recent cycle)

    Feb 12, 2026

  2. Embassy Track application deadline (18:00 KST)

    Feb 25, 2026

  3. Document screening results and interview shortlist announced

    Mar 6, 2026

  4. Embassy Track successful candidates announced (1st-round result)

    Mar 16, 2026

  5. 3rd-round results — universities notify Embassy Track applicants of placement

    Jun 5, 2026 (approx.)

  6. Final choice of university confirmed to NIIED (18:00 KST) — final selection

    Jun 12, 2026

  7. Program begins with Korean language training

    2026-09 (approx.)