Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): Application Tracks, Eligibility and Benefits

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education, is South Korea's premier fully funded scholarship program designed to foster global talent and international academic cooperation.

Embassy Track vs. University Track

Applicants must choose between two distinct application pathways each recruitment cycle:

Embassy Track: Applications are submitted directly to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the applicant’s home country. Candidates may select up to three designated Korean universities. The selection consists of three rounds: Embassy interview, NIIED qualification screening, and university admission confirmation.
University Track: Applications are submitted directly to a single partner Korean university. Candidates undergo two selection rounds: university review followed by NIIED central committee confirmation. This pathway frequently offers specialized regional and STEM university quotas.

Comprehensive Financial Benefits

GKS provides complete financial coverage throughout the duration of the degree program:

Airfare: Fully covered round-trip economy class flights at initial entry and final departure upon completion.
Settlement Allowance: A one-time payment of 200,000 KRW upon arrival in Korea.
Monthly Living Stipend: Regular monthly allowances (900,000 KRW for undergraduate; 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 KRW for graduate and research scholars).
Tuition Coverage: 100% tuition and enrollment fees covered directly by NIIED and the host university.
Health Insurance: Mandatory National Health Insurance (NHIS) coverage funded for the entire scholarship period.
Korean Proficiency Grant: An additional monthly allowance of 100,000 KRW for scholars who attain TOPIK Level 5 or 6.

Core Eligibility & Requirements

Applicants and their parents must be citizens of partner countries and must not hold Korean nationality. Academic eligibility requires a cumulative GPA above 80% on a 100-point scale or equivalent ranking. Recipients without valid TOPIK Level 5 or higher must complete one preliminary year of mandatory Korean language training at an assigned language institution prior to starting degree courses.