GKS Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide of Korean Government Scholarships for International Students

If you have ever dreamed of studying in South Korea, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) could be a great opportunity. South Korea has become a top destination due to its advanced education system, global exposure, and vibrant culture. The good news is that Indian students can apply for the GKS 2026, as India is an eligible country. This is a fully funded scholarship covering full tuition, airfare, medical insurance, settlement allowance, and a monthly stipend of around KRW 900,000-1,000,000 (₹55,800 - ₹62,000 ) per month, along with a Korean language training year, making it highly attractive. The total estimated monetary value of a full 2 to 3-year Master's program under GKS exceeds ₹40 Lakhs (INR). 

What is GKS Scholarship? 

The GKS scholarship used to be called the KGSP scholarship. It is a program funded by the Korean government. The goal is to bring in students from other countries and share cultures.

Many students still call it the KGSP scholarship. Officially, it is now called the GKS scholarship. It is one of the Korean scholarships that you can get if you are not from Korea.

Benefits of GKS Scholarship 

The Global Korea Scholarship is a program that is completely paid for by the government, and it helps students study at top universities in South Korea while they get to experience different cultures and meet people from other countries.

This scholarship pays for everything, including a plane ticket to and from South Korea, some money to help you get settled when you first arrive, and a monthly allowance as well.

• You get ₹61,700 (1,000,000 KRW) every month. 
• The scholarship also pays for your insurance, which is ₹1,234 per month. 
• You get to learn the Korean language for a year before you start your degree program.
• Some students also get grants to help them with the Korean language, which is ₹6,170 per month. 
• You can also get help of ₹8,640 to ₹14,800 for research, depending on what you are studying. 
• When you are finishing up your degree, you can also get some money to help you print your thesis, which can be up to ₹49,360. 
• You might even get a one-time grant of ₹6,170 when you graduate, depending on the rules of the program.

Types of Korea University Scholarship under GKS 

The Korea University scholarship under GKS is available at the academic levels.

• The Undergraduate Program is an option for students who have finished school and want to get a bachelor's degree in South Korea.
• A graduate program is another option. 
• This includes

• Masters degree
• degree
• Research programs.

The Korea University scholarship under GKS and these programs are part of the scholarship system that the government pays for. 

GKS Scholarship 2027 Deadline

Understanding the deadline is a very important part of the GKS process. If you miss the deadline, then you will not be able to apply for the scholarship.

Expected GKS 2027 Deadlines (Tentative)

Undergraduate Program

• Embassy Track: Around September–October 2026
• University Track: Around October 2026 (varies by university)

Graduate Program

• Embassy Track: Around February 2027 (2nd week approx.)
• University Track: Between February to April 2027 (depends on the university

Important Timeline Tips

• There is no single global deadline for GKS.
• Each Korean embassy sets its own deadline for the Embassy Track.
• Each university sets its own deadline for the University Track.
• Application windows are usually short (2-6 weeks), so preparation must be done in advance.

GKS Scholarship Fee Structure

One of the best things about the GKS scholarship is that it is a fully funded scholarship, which means you do not have to pay major costs for studying in South Korea. 

Application Fee

• There is no application fee for the GKS scholarship itself
• You can apply through the embassy or the university without paying for the scholarship form
• Some universities may charge a small application fee separately (only in the university track)

Expenses Covered by GKS

The GKS scholarship covers almost all major expenses, including:

• Full Tuition Fee The university tuition is completely paid by the Korean government
• Monthly Stipend Students receive around KRW 900,000 to 1,000,000 depending on the program
• Airfare Economy class ticket to and from South Korea is covered
• Settlement Allowance A one-time amount is given when you arrive in Korea
• Medical Insurance Health insurance is provided during your stay
• Korean Language Training One year of language training is included before your degree program

Additional Costs (If Any)

Even though the GKS scholarship is fully funded, you may need to handle:

• Document preparation costs
• Passport and visa fees
• Courier charges for the application
• Personal expenses beyond the stipend

The GKS scholarship fee structure makes it one of the best Korean scholarships because it reduces financial burden and allows students to focus completely on their studies.

GKS Process: Step-by-Step Guide 

Understanding the GKS process is really important if you want to get selected.

The GKS process is what you need to focus on.

Step 1: Decide Your Application Route

The first step in the GKS process is choosing how you want to apply.

You have two official application tracks:

Embassy Track

• You apply through the Korean Embassy in your country
• You can select up to 3 universities
• Embassy shortlists candidates and forwards them to Korea

University Track

• You apply directly to a Korean university
• You can select only 1 university
• The university directly recommends candidates to NIIED

Step 2: Check Eligibility Before Applying

Before starting your application, you must confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements. If you do not qualify, your application will not move forward in the GKS process.

Basic eligibility includes:

• You must be a non-Korean citizen
• You should have a strong academic performance (usually top 20% or 80%+)
• You must fall within the age limit (varies for undergraduate/graduate)
• You must be physically and mentally fit

Step 3: Prepare All Required Documents

This is one of the most important and time-consuming parts of the GKS process. Proper documentation can make or break your application.

Commonly required documents:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Study Plan (very important for selection)
• Recommendation letters from teachers/professors
• Passport or proof of nationality
• Medical examination certificate
• 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

Step 4: Submit Application (Embassy or University)

Once your documents are ready, you must submit your application based on your selected track.

If you chose Embassy Track:

• Submit your complete application to the Korean Embassy
• Follow embassy instructions carefully (mail or in-person submission)

If you chose University Track:

• Send your application directly to the Korean university
• Submission is usually by post (sometimes email, depending on university rules)

Step 5: First Round Screening (Document Review)

After submission, your application enters the first evaluation stage of the GKS process.

What happens here:

• Officials check your documents
• Academic background is reviewed
• Eligibility is verified
• Strong candidates are shortlisted

Step 6: Interview (If Required)

Some candidates may be called for an interview, depending on the embassy or university.

Interview focus areas:

• Your motivation to study in Korea
• Your study plan and academic goals
• Knowledge about your chosen field
• Basic communication skills

Step 7: Final Selection by NIIED (Korean Government)

This is the final and most important stage of the GKS process.

What happens:

• The embassy/university sends selected names to NIIED
• NIIED reviews all candidates
• Final approval is given
• Universities confirm admission

Step 8: University Admission & Visa Process

After final selection:

• You receive admission confirmation from a Korean university
• You apply for a student visa
• You prepare for travel and orientation
• Korean language training may begin

Eligibility Criteria for GKS Scholarship 

• To apply for this scholarship, you must meet certain conditions:
• You must be an international student.
• You need to have an academic record. This usually means your grades are above eighty percent.
• You have to meet the age requirement. This varies depending on the program you are applying for.
• GPA also plays a very big role in GKS Scholarship as the applicant’s GPA should be between 4.0 and 5.0
• Minimum CGPA: 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0.
• Grades - At least 80% or top 20% of class 
• Age: Must be under 25 years old (born after March 1, 2001).

Restrictions : 

• Graduates or anticipated graduates from Korean high schools, associate degree programs, or online Korean programs are ineligible.

• Individuals who have previously obtained a Korean government scholarship for a degree are also ineligible.

• Submitting duplicate applications to various tracks or universities is prohibited.

Documents Required 

Here are the important documents needed for the KGSP scholarship / GKS scholarship:

• Completed application form
• Academic certificates
• Personal statement
• Study plan
• Recommendation letters
• Proof of citizenship

Top Universities Offering the Korea University Scholarship

Under the GKS program, students can apply to some of the best institutions in South Korea:

• Seoul National University
• Korea University
• Yonsei University
• KAIST
• POSTECH

Each Korean university scholarship provides access to high-quality education and research opportunities.

Tips to Crack the GKS Scholarship 

Getting chosen for the GKS scholarship is really tough. It is not something that can never happen. Here are some things you can do to help yourself:

• Write a statement that is good and true to who you are.
• Tell them about the good things you did in school and the things you did outside of school.
• Let them know that you really like Korean culture.
• Get ready for the interviews so you do a good job.
• Send in your application early. Make sure everything is correct.

The GKS scholarship is a competition with people from all around the world, so a good application can make a big difference for the GKS scholarship.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While applying for the GKS process, avoid these mistakes:

• Submitting incomplete documents
• Ignoring eligibility criteria
• Weak statement of purpose
• Missing deadlines

Even small errors can lead to rejection in a highly competitive Korean scholarship

Conclusion 

The GKS scholarship is a great chance for students who want to study in another country. You can call it the KGSP scholarship, the GK scholarship, or just a South Korea scholarship. The good things it gives you and the chance to meet people from other countries are really special. If you really want to study in South Korea, it is a good idea to learn about the GKS process and get ready for it in a smart way. 

FAQs

1. What is the difference between GKS and KGSP scholarship?

GKS is the new name of the KGSP scholarship. Both refer to the same Korean Government Scholarship program.

2. Is GKS a fully funded South Korea scholarship?

Yes, the GKS scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and more.

3. Who can apply for the GKS scholarship?

International students with good academic records and meeting eligibility criteria can apply.

4. What is the GKS process duration?

The GKS process usually takes a few months, including application, screening, and final selection.

5. Can I apply to multiple universities under GKS?

Yes, depending on the track, you can apply to multiple universities under the Korea University Scholarship.

6. Is the Korean language mandatory for GKS?

Not initially, but selected students usually undergo Korean language training as part of the scholarship.