Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) 2027 in South Korea (Fully Funded)
Quick Overview
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 is a fully funded scholarship offered by the Korean Government to international students who want to pursue undergraduate studies in South Korea. Administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), the program provides opportunities to study at participating Korean universities while experiencing the country’s education system, culture, and language. The GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 supports Bachelor’s and Associate degree programs, with selected students receiving comprehensive financial support including tuition fees, airfare, monthly allowances, Korean language training, and medical insurance.
Students can apply for the Global Korea Scholarship 2027 through either the Embassy Track or the University Track. With fully funded support and access to leading Korean universities, GKS is an excellent opportunity for international students seeking higher education in South Korea. This prestigious scholarship aims to enhance international education exchange and deepen mutual friendship between Korea and participating countries. For 2027, a total of 286 scholars will be selected across all tracks, including 156 scholars through the Embassy Track and 130 scholars through the University Track.
Key Details
| Scholarship | Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) 2027 |
| Host Country | South Korea |
| Funded By | Korean Government |
| Administered By | National Institute for International Education (NIIED) |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s & Associate Degree |
| Scholarship Quota | 286 Scholarships (156 Embassy Track + 130 University Track) |
| Application Tracks | Embassy Track & University Track |
| Eligibility | International Students (from 74 designated countries) |
| Application Deadline | Embassy Track: September 30, 2026; University Track: September–November 2026 |
| Apply Via | Study in Korea website (Embassy Track) or directly to universities (University Track) |
About the Scholarship and Program
The Global Korea Scholarship gives international students opportunities to pursue academic degrees at higher education institutions in Korea. The program aims to promote international educational exchange and strengthen mutual friendship between Korea and participating countries.
In 2010, the Korean Government integrated its scholarship programs under the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) brand. The National Institute for International Education (NIIED), under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea, administers the program.
The GKS-U 2027 offers two degree programs: Associate Degree (1 year of Korean language program + 2~3 years of degree program) and Bachelor’s Degree (1 year of Korean language program + 4~6 years of degree program). The scholarship provides comprehensive support including full tuition fees, round-trip airfare, monthly living allowance, one-year Korean language training, medical insurance, settlement and degree completion grants, and TOPIK and Korean language proficiency support.
The program is offered through two application tracks. The Embassy Track offers 156 scholarships across 74 countries, with applicants applying through the Korean Embassy in their country. The University Track offers 130 scholarships, with applicants applying directly to participating universities. The University Track includes the UIC (University Industry Cooperation) Program with 100 scholars from 13 institutions focused on natural science and engineering, and the Associate Degree Program with 30 scholars from 9 institutions.
Key Benefits
Financial Support
- Full tuition fee support (NIIED: up to 5 million KRW per semester; University covers the excess and admission fee).
- Round-trip airfare (economy class flight ticket, actual expense).
- Monthly living allowance: 13,560,000 KRW per year for Korean language program; 14,400,000 KRW per year for degree program (all-inclusive subsidy of living expenses, accommodation, health insurance, Korean proficiency grants, TOPIK application fee, settlement allowance, and degree completion grants).
- One-year Korean language training (5.2 million KRW per year).
- Medical insurance.
Additional Support
- Settlement and degree completion grants.
- TOPIK and Korean language proficiency support.
- Korean Proficiency Grants automatically given to scholars exempted from the Korean language program with TOPIK level 5 or 6.
GKS 2027 Application Tracks
Embassy Track
- 156 scholarships available across 74 countries.
- Applicants apply through the Korean Embassy in their country.
- General Program: 88 scholars from 74 countries.
- R-GKS Program: 61 scholars from 52 countries (regional universities, Type B only).
- Overseas Koreans & Adoptees: 7 scholars from 7 countries.
- Candidates can select up to three universities for General, at least one must be from Type B universities.
- R-GKS applicants can choose up to two Type B universities.
University Track
- 130 scholarships available.
- UIC (University Industry Cooperation) Program: 100 scholars from 13 institutions (open to all countries worldwide).
- Associate Degree Program: 30 scholars from 74 countries.
- Applicants apply directly to a participating university.
- Candidates can apply to one university and one department only.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Must hold citizenship of NIIED designated countries invited to participate in the GKS program (UIC Program is open to all countries worldwide).
- Applicants’ parents (or legal guardians) must hold citizenship from another country other than Korea.
- Applicants with dual citizenship (Korean and another) are NOT eligible.
- Applicants and parents who previously held Korean citizenship must submit documentation proving renunciation of Korean citizenship.
Age
- Must be under 25 years of age (born on or after March 1, 2002).
Level of Education
- Bachelor’s degree program: Open to applicants who have graduated or expect to graduate from high school or an associate degree program.
- Associate degree program: Open to applicants who have graduated or expect to graduate from high school.
- Degree restrictions: Applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree cannot apply. Applicants with an associate degree can apply only for a bachelor’s degree program.
Grades
- CGPA of the entire curriculum from the previous degree program must meet one of: 80% or above on a 100-point scale; ranked within top 20% of the class; or CGPA equal to or above 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0.
Health
- Must be in good health, both mentally and physically, to study in Korea for the full duration.
Restrictions
- Persons who graduated from a Korean high school or associate degree program are NOT eligible.
- Previous recipients of Korean government scholarships for degree programs are NOT eligible.
- Former GKS scholars whose scholarship was canceled are NOT eligible.
- Duplicate applicants will be disqualified.
Required Documents
Documents to Complete
- GKS Application Form (Form 1).
- Personal Statement (Form 2).
- Study Plan (Form 3).
- Recommendation Letter (Form 4) – one letter from a credible individual such as school principal or teacher.
- GKS Applicant Agreement (Form 5).
- Personal Medical Assessment (Form 6).
- Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information (Form 7).
Required Certificates (must be apostilled or consular confirmed)
- Proof of Citizenship (applicant and parents) and Proof of Family Relationship.
- High School Graduation Certificate (or certificate of expected graduation).
- Academic Transcript of High School Curriculum.
- Graduation Certificate and Academic Transcript of Associate Degree Program (if applicable).
- Proof of Overseas Korean or Korean Adoptee Status (if applicable).
- Proof of Korean Citizenship Renunciation (if applicable).
- Proof of Korean War Veteran’s Descendant (if applicable).
Other Documents
- Score Report of Valid TOPIK or English Proficiency Test (TOEFL, IELTS) – if available.
- Copy of awards and other certificates (up to 5 documents).
- Applicant’s Passport Copy.
Application Deadline
Embassy Track: September 15, 2026 (Tue.) 11:00 – September 30, 2026 (Wed.) 18:00 (Korea Standard Time).
University Track: September–November 2026, according to each university’s own schedule. Applicants must check the university’s own announcement for the application period, submission method, and required documents.
How to Apply for Global Korea Scholarship 2027?
- Visit the official Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr) and review the GKS 2027 guidelines.
- Choose either the Embassy Track or University Track.
- Select eligible universities and degree programs from the official “University Information” file.
- Complete the GKS application forms (Forms 1–7).
- Prepare and submit all required documents, including apostilled/consular confirmed certificates.
- Apply through the Korean Embassy (Embassy Track) or directly to the selected university (University Track).
- Complete any required interview or selection process.
- Wait for the final selection results from NIIED (expected by January 7, 2027).
Application Tips
- Check your eligibility first – Ensure you meet the nationality, age, education, and grade requirements before applying.
- Choose the right track – Embassy Track is for applicants who want to apply through the Korean Embassy; University Track is for those applying directly to universities.
- Select universities carefully – For Embassy Track, choose up to three universities, with at least one from Type B. For University Track, apply to only one university and one department.
- Prepare documents early – Required certificates must be apostilled or consular confirmed, which can take time.
- Submit TOPIK or English scores if available – Language proficiency scores are converted to points and can strengthen your application.
- Highlight science and engineering preference – Applicants to science and engineering departments receive additional points.
- Apply before the deadline – Embassy Track applications close on September 30, 2026; University Track deadlines vary.
Why This Scholarship Matters (My Analysis)
The Global Korea Scholarship represents one of the most comprehensive and prestigious scholarship programs offered by any government worldwide. For international students, particularly those from developing countries, GKS provides a life-changing opportunity to pursue higher education in a technologically advanced nation with a rich cultural heritage. The fully funded nature of the scholarship — covering tuition, airfare, living expenses, language training, and insurance — removes financial barriers that often prevent talented students from accessing quality education abroad.
The 2027 program offers 286 scholarships, including 74 countries through the Embassy Track and all countries worldwide through the UIC Program. This global reach reflects Korea’s commitment to international education exchange and its desire to build lasting friendships with nations around the world. The inclusion of the R-GKS program, focused on regional universities, and the UIC program, focused on industry-university cooperation, demonstrates the program’s alignment with Korea’s regional development and workforce needs.
For Pakistani students, GKS offers a particularly valuable opportunity. Pakistan has been allocated 3 scholarships through the Embassy Track (2 General + 1 R-GKS), making this a competitive but achievable pathway to study in Korea. The scholarship’s emphasis on science and engineering, along with the additional points for TOPIK proficiency, provides clear guidance for applicants on how to strengthen their candidacy. The one-year Korean language program ensures that scholars are well-prepared for academic study in Korea, while the monthly allowance and settlement grants provide financial security throughout the program.
Apply Now
Application Portal:
- Embassy Track Deadline: September 30, 2026
- University Track Deadline: September–November 2026 (varies by university)
- Final Announcement: Expected by January 7, 2027
- Contact: Global Korea Scholarship Team, NIIED — gksniied@korea.kr
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the GKS-U 2027? A fully funded undergraduate scholarship offered by the Korean Government for international students to pursue Bachelor’s or Associate degree programs in South Korea.
- Who can apply? International students who are citizens of NIIED-designated countries, under 25 years of age, with a high school or associate degree, and meeting academic grade requirements.
- What are the application tracks? Embassy Track (apply through Korean Embassy) and University Track (apply directly to universities).
- What is the deadline? Embassy Track: September 30, 2026. University Track: September–November 2026 (varies by university).
- What benefits are offered? Full tuition, round-trip airfare, monthly allowance, one-year Korean language training, medical insurance, settlement and degree completion grants.
- Is TOPIK required? No, but it is recommended. TOPIK level 3 or above earns additional points.
- Can I apply to multiple universities? Embassy Track: up to three universities (at least one Type B). University Track: only one university and one department.
- How do I apply? Through the Study in Korea website (Embassy Track) or directly to universities (University Track).
- When is the final announcement? Expected by January 7, 2027.
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