The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA is accepting applications for the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 for graduate degree programs.
The program gives international students the chance to pursue graduate level degrees at higher education institutions in Korea. It aims to support international education exchange and strengthen friendship between Korea and participating countries.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 Graduate |
| Organizer | Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA |
| Number of grantees from USA | 21 candidates including 4 for Overseas Korean |
| Available universities | 65 universities designated by NIIED |
| Degree programs | Doctoral Master’s Research Program |
| Age limit | Under 40 years, born after 1 September 1984 |
| Degree requirement | Bachelor’s or Master’s held or expected by 29 February 2027 |
| Application method | Submit to Korean Education Center or Consulate by region |
Available Degree Programs
Applicants can apply for:
- Doctoral Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Research Program
Detailed process information is available through the official GKS channels linked by the Embassy.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet these requirements:
- Applicants and their parents must not hold Korean citizenship
- Applicants must be under 40 years of age born after 1 September 1984
- Applicants must hold or expect to hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree by 29 February 2027
- Applicants must maintain a CGPA equivalent to or higher than any one of the following
2.64 on a 4.0 scale
2.80 on a 4.3 scale
2.91 on a 4.5 scale
3.23 on a 5.0 scale
or a score percentile of 80 percent or above - Applicants must be in good health both mentally and physically to study in Korea for the full duration of the program
Required Documents
Prepare the following:
- Applicant Form Form 1
- Personal Statement Form 2
- Study Plan Form 3
- Research Proposal Form 4 only for Research Program applicants
- One letter of Recommendation Form 5
- Letter of Invitation Form 6 issued by the research program university
- GKS Applicant Agreement Form 7
- Personal Medical Assessment Form 8
- Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information Form 9
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Diploma or Certificate of Degree or graduation certificate
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree Transcript
- Applicant’s Proof of Citizenship
- Parents’ Proof of Citizenship
Refer to the attached application guidelines for any additional documents required for specific applicants.
All certificates can be submitted without an Apostille at the initial stage. Successful candidates must obtain and present Apostilled Certificates after the interview results are declared by the Embassy on 18 March.
Applicants must submit 1 set of original application documents and 3 sets of photocopies identical to the original set.
Where to Submit in the USA
Applicants in the USA should submit the required documents to the Korean Education Center or Korean Consulate General according to their state of residence or enrolled college or university.
Contact points include:
- Korean Education Center in Washington DC for VA MD WV Washington DC
202.939.5681 education.office@mofa.go.kr
2320 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington DC 20008 - Korean Education Center in New York for NY NJ CT PA DE
646.674.6051 / 6047 / 6022 nykoredu@mofa.go.kr - Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles for South CA NV AZ NM
213.385.9300 ext 202 213.736.6527 hychoi21@mofa.go.kr
3243 Wilshire Blvd #204 Los Angeles CA 90010 - Korean Education Center in Chicago for IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MN, NE, ND, SD, OH, WI
847.777.8832 / 8831 kec.chicago@gmail.com - Korean Education Center in Houston for TX, OK AR LA MS
713.961.4104 hkecsec@gmail.com - Korean Education Center in San Francisco for North CA, UT, CO WY
415.590.4058 / 4057 sfkcgedu@mofa.go.kr - Korean Education Center in Atlanta for GA, FL, AL, NC, SC, TN
770.686.3949 educenteratl2017@gmail.com - Consulate General of the Republic of Korea Boston for MA, NH, RI, ME VT
617.641.2830 kcgboston@mofa.go.kr - Consulate General of the Republic of Korea Seattle for WA, OR, AK, ID MT
206.441.1011~4 seattleedu@mofa.go.kr - Consulate General of the Republic of Korea Honolulu for HI
808.595.6109 consulatehi@mofa.go.kr
Application Timeline
One regional example given is the application deadline for DC, VA, MD and WV until 29 February 2027.
Check the official notice on the Embassy of Korea in the USA website for the exact deadline that applies to your region and the full timeline of the application procedure.
How to Apply
- Confirm you meet the nationality age degree and grade requirements.
- Download and complete all required forms.
- Gather academic certificates, transcripts and citizenship proofs.
- Prepare 1 original set and 3 identical photocopy sets.
- Submit the documents to the correct Korean Education Center or Consulate based on your location.
- Follow any additional instructions in the official application guidelines.
Successful candidates after the interview stage will need to provide Apostilled certificates.