If you dream of completing your studies in South Korea at one of its top universities, with full funding that covers tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare, then the Korean Government Scholarship for Graduate Studies 2026 – Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-G) is one of the most important opportunities you should prioritize this year.
This prestigious government scholarship targets international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree, a doctoral degree, or short-term research programs in various fields across almost all Korean universities, with a large number of seats reaching around 2,000 scholarships annually.
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Details about the Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) for Graduate Studies 2026
Host Country: South Korea
Universities: Most accredited Korean universities included in the GKS program
Study Level: Master’s, Doctoral, and Short-term Research Programs
Number of Scholarships: Around 2,000 (combined for undergraduate and graduate programs, with a dedicated quota for graduate studies)
Funding Entity: Ministry of Education of South Korea through the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Program
Application Deadline: Varies by country, embassy, and university depending on the application track
The scholarship provides the opportunity to study in South Korea with a full tuition waiver, in addition to a monthly financial stipend and other benefits that help students fully focus on their studies and research.
For regular updates on scholarships and academic opportunities, follow our official platforms:
What Is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?
GKS stands for Global Korea Scholarship, officially known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program.
The program aims to:
Attract talented students from all over the world
Support graduate studies (Master’s/PhD) in South Korea
Strengthen academic and cultural exchange between Korea and other countries
Build international graduates who have long-term academic and professional ties with South Korea
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Application Tracks for the GKS Graduate Scholarship
The Korean Government Scholarship for Graduate Studies is offered through two main tracks, each with its own application and selection process:
1. Embassy Track
In this track:
You apply first through the Korean embassy in your country or the responsible diplomatic mission
The embassy receives the applications, reviews them, and then nominates a limited number of candidates to Korean authorities
After nomination, your documents are sent to NIIED and the Korean universities for further evaluation
This track is usually more competitive due to the large number of embassy applicants
2. University Track
In this track:
You apply directly to a participating Korean university
You select GKS Graduate Scholarship as your program type
The university nominates top candidates to NIIED
This track is suitable for students who already have a preferred university/major in mind
Both tracks lead to the same scholarship benefits, but the selection process and deadlines vary.
Duration of the GKS Graduate Scholarship
The duration depends on the type of program:
Master’s Degree:
Total duration: 3 years
1 year Korean language training
2 years academic coursework for the master’s degree
Doctoral Degree:
Total duration: 4 years
1 year Korean language training
3 years academic study and research
Research Program:
Duration: Around 6 months (may vary depending on specialization)
Students must pass a required level of the Korean language exam (TOPIK) during their program, particularly after the language training year.
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Financial Benefits of the Korean Government Scholarship (GKS-G) 2026
The GKS is known as one of the most comprehensive fully funded scholarships, covering a wide range of expenses, including:
Full tuition fee exemption throughout the entire program
Monthly living allowance (varies by degree level and NIIED updates)
Relocation Allowance upon first arrival in Korea
Round-trip airfare from the student’s home country to Korea
Medical insurance covering part of health and treatment costs
Research support for master’s and doctoral students every semester
Free Korean language training for one year at an accredited institute
Korean Language Excellence Grant for achieving high TOPIK scores
Thesis printing cost support
Completion Grant upon successful graduation and departure
These benefits make GKS one of the most generous and complete funding programs in Asia.
Eligibility Criteria for the Korean Government Scholarship for Graduate Studies 2026
It is essential to review eligibility criteria carefully before preparing your application. Key general requirements include:
1. Nationality
Open to applicants from all countries participating in the GKS program
Applicants must not hold Korean citizenship, nor should either parent hold Korean nationality
2. Academic Qualifications
For Master’s: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or be expected to graduate before the scholarship begins
For PhD: Applicants must hold a master’s degree or be in their final semester
For Research Programs: Applicants generally need a master’s or doctoral degree depending on the specific research program
3. Health Condition
Applicants must be in good physical and mental health
A medical assessment is usually required, with additional tests after preliminary acceptance
4. Age (Typical Requirement)
In previous cycles, applicants for graduate programs were required to be under a certain age (e.g., 40 years old)
This may slightly change each year, so applicants must refer to the official 2026 guidelines
5. Academic and Career Consistency
Applicants are expected to pursue fields aligned with the program’s objectives and maintain a clear academic/professional plan
Required Documents for GKS-G 2026
The document checklist is relatively long and must be prepared carefully and according to official templates. Common documents include:
Official Application Form
Personal Statement
Study Plan
Research Proposal (especially for PhD and research program applicants)
One or more Recommendation Letters from professors or academic institutions
Bachelor’s degree certificate (or temporary graduation certificate)
Bachelor’s transcript
For PhD applicants: Master’s degree certificate + transcript
Passport copy
How to Apply for the Korean Government Scholarship (GKS-G) 2026?
The application procedure varies by country and by track (Embassy vs University). However, the general process is as follows:
1. Read the Official Application Guidelines
Each year, NIIED publishes a detailed guideline explaining all criteria, templates, and participating universities.
2. Choose Your Preferred Track
Embassy Track: Allows applying to multiple universities
University Track: Suitable for applicants with specific university/major preferences
3. Contact the Korean Embassy or Check Its Website
Each embassy announces its own deadlines and submission requirements.
4. Select Universities and Majors
Using the list of GKS participating universities, choose the majors aligned with your background and future goals.
5. Prepare the Documents
Ensure all documents are complete, translated if required, and properly authenticated (seals, notarization, etc.)
6. Submit the Application
Embassy Track: Submit the file to the embassy before the deadline
University Track: Submit through the university portal or by mail depending on instructions
7. Follow Up on Screening Results and Interviews
You may be invited for interviews through the embassy or online.
Final selections are made by NIIED and Korean universities.
Conclusion
The Korean Government Scholarship for Graduate Studies 2026 (GKS-G) is one of the strongest fully funded scholarships in Asia and the world, thanks to its comprehensive financial support, large number of participating universities, wide range of majors, and inclusion of Korean language training as part of the academic journey.
If you are seriously planning to pursue a master’s or PhD in South Korea, start now by:
Reading the official GKS 2026 guidelines
Preparing your academic documents and language certificates early
Choosing the major and universities that best fit your academic and career plans
The more organized and complete your application file is, the higher your chances of securing this prestigious opportunity and beginning a new academic chapter in South Korea.
Apply now for the Global Korea Scholarship 2026
For regular updates on scholarships and academic opportunities, follow our official platforms:
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