We are pleased to announce that the applications for the GKS Scholarship 2026 i.e Global Korea Scholarship 2026 are open now and here is your chance to pursue your studies in South Korea for free.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the guidelines thoroughly before preparing their applications.
Starting this year, every applicant must create an online account on the Study in Korea website and submit their application online.
Please note: Some Embassy Tracks may not accept online submissions. Applicants should check directly with the respective embassy or consulate to confirm their submission process.
What is GKS Scholarship 2026
The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 (GKS Scholarship 2026) is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in the world, giving international students the chance to pursue higher education in South Korea. Sponsored by the Korean government and managed by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), this scholarship supports talented individuals to study at leading Korean universities while fostering mutual understanding between Korea and participating countries.
Period of Global Korea Scholarship 2026
Bachelor’s Degree Program (5~7 years)
– 1 year of Korean language training + 4~6 years of degree program
Associate Degree Program (3-4 years)
– 1 year of Korean language training + 2~3 years of degree program
- Applicants who submitted TOPIK level 5 or 6 will be exempt from a Korean language program
Benefits of the GKS Scholarship 2026
The GKS Scholarship 2026 is among the most prestigious scholarships to study in Korea for free because it is fully funded, covering nearly every aspect of a student’s academic journey. Here are the benefits in detail:
- Airfare – Round-trip economy class flight ticket provided.
- Tuition Fees – Up to 5 million KRW per semester (excess covered by universities if tuition is higher).
- Korean Language Training – 1 year of intensive Korean language program at a designated institution
- Monthly Allowance – Stipend of around KRW 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 depending on program type.
Korean language program: 12,840,000 KRW per year
Degree program: 13,680,000 KRW per year
- Settlement Allowance – One-time allowance provided upon arrival.
- Medical Insurance – Health insurance for the duration of the scholarship.
- Research Support – Extra financial aid for thesis printing, academic materials, and field research.
- Completion Grant – Awarded at the end of the program to support transition after graduation.
- Korean Proficiency Grant – Scholars with advanced Korean language skills (TOPIK 5 or 6) may receive additional support.
These benefits ensure that recipients can focus fully on their studies without worrying about financial stress.
Detailed information on GKS Scholarship 2026 Benefits can be found below:
GKS Scholarship 2026 Undergraduate Quota
In 2026, a total of 280 students from around the world will be invited to participate in the GKS Scholarship 2026 Undergraduate for both Associate and Bachelor’s degree programs.
Of these, 150 students will be selected through the Embassy Track, while 130 students will be chosen through the University Track.
GKS 2026 Embassy Track Quota
This year, 150 students from various countries will be selected through the Embassy Track, with each country having its own quota.
- General: 82 scholars
- Overseas Koreans: 7 scholars
- R-GKS: 61 scholars from 56 countries
- Total = 150
GKS 2026 University Track Quota
- Associate Degree: 30 scholars from 71 countries
- University Industry Cooperation (UIC) Program: 100 scholars
*UIC Program is open to all countries around the world
Available Universities and Fields of Study
Applicants may only apply to the universities and departments listed in the “University Information” file, which is attached below this article and at the GKS Notice on the Study in Korea website
Below you can find the list of all the universities and the available fields of study for GKS Scholarship 2026 for both the Embassy Track and University Track.
GKS 2026 Embassy Track (Fields of Study)
- For the General and Overseas Korean program of the Embassy Track, applicants choose up to THREE different universities in any order of preference and MUST apply to at least one of the universities from Type B.
- For the R-GKS program of the Embassy Track, applicants can choose up to TWO different universities from Type B universities.
GKS 2026 University Track (Fields of Study)
- The UIC Program under University Track provides customized curriculum and field experience through industry-university cooperation focused on the fields of natural science and engineering.
Application Method for GKS Scholarship 2026
Step 1: Create account and apply through the Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr)
Step 2: After registering membership on the website, proceed with the application process by filling out the required sections and uploading the necessary documents.
Step 3) If a university requires additional documents (e.g., portfolio), applicants must submit those materials directly to the university
- Applicants must check additional restrictions or eligibility set by each degree university
- Please check if there is any additional eligibility set by each university/department
Eligibility for GKS Scholarship 2026 (Undergraduate)
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of NIIED-designated countries. Parents must also not hold Korean citizenship. Dual citizens with Korean nationality are not eligible. UIC program is open to all nationalities.
- Education:
- Bachelor’s program: High school graduates (or expected to graduate by Dec 31, 2025).
- Associate program: High school graduates (or expected to graduate by Dec 31, 2025).
- Applicants with a bachelor’s degree cannot apply.
- Expected graduates must submit proof of graduation by Dec 31, 2025.
- Grades:
- At least 80% or top 20% of class, OR
- Minimum CGPA: 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0.
- Age: Must be under 25 years old (born after March 1, 2001).
- Health: Must be in good physical and mental health.
- Restrictions:
- Graduates (or expected graduates) of Korean high schools, associate degree programs, or online Korean programs are not eligible.
- Applicants who previously received a Korean government scholarship for a degree are not eligible.
- Duplicate applications to multiple tracks/universities are not allowed.
Required Documents for GKS Scholarship 2026
Documents to complete:
- GKS Applicant Agreement
- Application form
- Personal Statement
- Study Plan
- Personal Medical Assessment
- Recommendation documents*
Required certificates:
- Graduation (or expected to graduate) certificate
- Academic transcript
- Proof of citizenship
- Proof of Overseas Korean document, etc.
Recommendation documents:
- Recommender’s information (download the FORM 4. from the system)
- Recommendation letter
How to submit documents for Global Korea Scholarship 2026
Round 1) Submission of required documents submitted through the Study in Korea System
- The first round of selection institutions will determine whether or not to accept submitted documents.
Round 2) All applicant documents sent to NIIED for the second round of selection must meet the submission requirements for the second round of selection
For details, visit the application guidelines file attached at the end of this post.
Embassy Track vs University Track
1- Embassy Track
Embassy track applicants must check the requirements when filling in desired universities.
2- University Track
University track applicants should fill in ONE university in their application
Visit Embassy vs University Track article on the detailed explanation of the difference between both these tracks and which one to choose.
GKS Scholarship 2026 Official Notice Link
Selection Timeline for Global Korea Scholarship 2026
Evaluation Process for GKS Scholarship 2026
1. Main Evaluation Areas
- Qualification Review: The committee checks documents to confirm eligibility (citizenship, education level, academic performance, etc.).
- Competency Review: Applicants are evaluated through their documents and an oral interview to measure potential and suitability.
2. Extra Points
- TOPIK Level 3 or higher: +10% bonus points
- Descendants of Korean War veterans (foreign military): +5% bonus points
- Applicants to science & engineering fields: +5% bonus points
3. Language Proficiency Scores
Official test results in Korean (TOPIK) or English (TOEFL iBT, IELTS) can add points (must be issued within 2 years of NIIED’s announcement):
| Score Weight | TOPIK | TOEFL iBT | IELTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | Level 5–6 | – | – |
| 90% | Level 4 | 114+ | 8.0+ |
| 80% | Level 3 | 95+ | 7.0+ |
| 70% | Level 2 | 72+ | 6.0+ |
| 60% | Level 1 | 42+ | 5.0+ |
- If no language score is submitted, the personal statement and study plan will be reviewed instead.
- If multiple score reports are submitted, only the highest score will be considered.
Evaluation Preferences
During the selection process, preference may be given to:
- Overseas Koreans
- Applicants from low-income families or underprivileged backgrounds
- Applicants applying to science and engineering departments
- Associate degree applicants who have won a national-level technical skills competition
- Applicants with high scores in English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS)
- Applicants whose chosen major is connected to regional RISE plans or specialized industries
- Applicants recommended by metropolitan or provincial government heads (mayors or governors)
GKS Scholarship GPA Conversion Table
For the official GKS notice, please check Study in Korea’s Official Website: https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/en/main.do
You can download the important documents by clicking the following links:
We sincerely wish you the very best of luck in your application for the GKS Scholarship 2026.
