A Complete Guide for International Students
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as KGSP, is a fully funded scholarship provided by the Korean government for international students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs in South Korea. It aims to strengthen international ties and promote cultural exchange.
Fields Covered
- Engineering & Technology (e.g., AI, Data Science, Mechanical Engineering)
- Social Sciences & Humanities (e.g., Economics, Political Science, Korean Studies)
- Business & Management (e.g., Finance, Marketing, International Business)
- Health & Medicine (e.g., Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Public Health)
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-Korean citizenship.
- Undergraduate age limit: under 25; Graduate age limit: under 40.
- Strong academic performance (CGPA of 2.64/4.0 or higher).
- Korean or English proficiency.
Requirements for the Scholarship
- Application Form via embassy or university track.
- Personal Statement & Study Plan.
- Academic Transcripts & Degree Certificates.
- Letters of Recommendation.
- Medical Examination Report.
- Korean or English Proficiency Test (if applicable).
Scholarship Benefits & Stipend
- Full Tuition Fees Covered.
- Monthly Stipend: Undergraduate (900,000 KRW), Master’s (1,000,000 KRW), PhD (1,500,000 KRW).
- Settlement Allowance (200,000 KRW).
- Round-trip Airfare.
- Korean Language Training (1 year, if required).
- Thesis Printing Costs (for graduate students).
How to Apply
- Embassy Track: Apply through the South Korean embassy.
- University Track: Apply directly to participating Korean universities.
- Document Review & Interview Process.
- Final Selection & Approval by NIIED (National Institute for International Education).
Application Deadline
Varies by country and track (Embassy: September-November, University: February-March).