The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) which is also called the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is now open for graduate students in 2026. This is a full funded scholarship that lets international students study in South Korea for a Master PhD or Research program.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, flights, health insurance, and language training. It is one of the best chances for students from developing countries to study in Korea and build their future.
Before applying you must read the GKS Scholarship Eligibility and check the requirements for your country and your chosen university.
Global Korea Scholarship Quick Summary
| Study in | South Korea |
| Available for | International students |
| Scholarship type | Fully funded |
| Programs | Master’s, PhD, Research |
| Managed by | NIIED (National Institute for International Education) |
GKS Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
Nationality Requirements
Applicants must be citizens of countries chosen by NIIED. The scholarship is open to 105 ODA-recipient countries.
Examples of Eligible Countries
- Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
- Africa: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
- Europe: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine.
- America & Caribbean: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Venezuela.
Note: Only students from these countries can apply. If your country is not listed, you are not eligible.
Level of Education
- Students who are in their final year of study can also apply.
- They must graduate by July 31, 2024.
- Required documents:
- Certificate of expected graduation
- Final academic transcript
- Official graduation certificate
If you fail to submit these documents on time, your acceptance will be cancelled.
Academic Grades
Applicants must meet at least one of the following academic requirements:
- 80% or above on a 100-point scale
- Top 20% of the class
- Minimum CGPA equivalents:
| Scale | Minimum CGPA |
| 4.0 | 2.64 |
| 4.3 | 2.80 |
| 4.5 | 2.91 |
| 5.0 | 3.23 |
Age Limit
- General applicants: Must be under 40 years old born after 1 September 1984.
- Professors from ODA recipient countries: Must be under 45 years old born after 1 September 1979.
Health Condition
- Applicants must be in good body and mind health.
- They should be able to live in Korea for many years without serious health problems.
Important Information
Multiple or Duplicate Submissions
- Embassy Track:
- Applicants can apply to only one program (General, Overseas Korean, International Reconstruction Talent).
- If you pass the first round of the Embassy Track, you cannot reapply through the University Track.
- University Track:
- Applicants can apply to only one program (General, R-GKS, International Reconstruction Talent, Global Network, R&D, Research).
- You can apply to only one department per university.
- Duplicate submissions will not be accepted. If discovered later, the scholarship will be cancelled even after selection.
Additional Requirements
- Each university may have its own extra eligibility rules.
- Some departments may require higher TOPIK levels.
- All GKS scholars must achieve at least TOPIK Level 3 to continue their degree.
- Certain programs may require TOPIK Level 4.
Always check the university’s official notice before applying.
Resources
Final Advice
The GKS Graduate Scholarship 2026 is one of the most competitive scholarships in the world. To raise your chances
- Start preparing your papers early.
- Check your GPA and eligibility again.
- Confirm your Embassy or University Track rules.
- Write a clear study plan and personal statement.
- Make sure your papers are complete and formatted right.
This scholarship is not only about studying in Korea but also about building world connections and becoming a future leader.