GKS Scholarship 2027 Undergraduate Benefits: Full Guide

The GKS Scholarship 2027 also called the Global Korea Scholarship 2027. It gives international students an opportunity to complete higher education in South Korea with substantial financial support from the Korean government.

The scholarship is different from a basic tuition waiver. Depending on the program and the scholar’s situation GKS support can include university tuition, Korean language training, airfare and a regular allowance for expenses during the scholarship period.

For the 2027 undergraduate program, the official guidelines state that the scholarship can cover 5 to 7 years for bachelor’s degree students and 3 to 4 years for associate degree students including the Korean language training period where applicable.

This guide explains the main GKS Scholarship 2027 Undergraduate benefits. The amount of allowance provided, how accommodation and insurance are treated, airfare rules, Korean language benefits and other conditions that applicants should understand before accepting the scholarship.

GKS-U 2027 Benefits at a Glance

The 2027 Global Korea Scholarship includes several types of financial and academic support.

The major benefits include:

• University tuition support
• Korean language training
• Economy class airfare
• Allowance during Korean language training
• Allowance during the degree program
• Accommodation and daily living support through the allowance
• Health insurance support through the allowance
• TOPIK examination fee support
• Korean proficiency grant
• Settlement support
• Degree completion grant

How Much Money Does GKS Scholarship 2027 Provide

One of the most important things applicants want to know is the amount they will receive during their studies.

For 2027, the guidelines provide different annual allowance amounts for the Korean language period and the degree period.

The guidelines give the figures as annual amounts. The monthly figures above are calculated by dividing each annual amount by 12.

The allowance is intended to help scholars manage their expenses while studying in Korea.

However, applicants should pay attention to an important point. Several items that older GKS information may describe as separate benefits are included within the all inclusive subsidy under the 2027 guidelines.

1. University Tuition Support

Tuition is one of the largest expenses for international students and GKS provides significant support toward this cost. For degree programs NIIED provides tuition support of up to KRW 5 million.

If the tuition charged by the university is higher than KRW 5 million, the amount above the NIIED limit is covered by the university according to the GKS arrangement. The university also covers the admission fee.

Example

Imagine that your university charges KRW 4.5 million in tuition. The amount falls within the KRW 5 million NIIED limit. Now consider a university charging KRW 6.5 million. In that case NIIED’s support can cover up to KRW 5 million while the university is responsible for the remaining amount and the admission fee under the scholarship rules.

This is a major advantage because students do not normally have to use their regular living allowance to pay the main university tuition.

2. Korean Language Training

For undergraduate GKS scholars who need Korean language training the scholarship normally begins with a one year Korean language program.

The stated training fee for the 2027 program is KRW 5200000 per year.

This amount is provided for the language training itself and is separate from the scholar’s allowance for living expenses.

The language year gives international students time to become more comfortable with Korean before entering their degree program.

For students who have never studied in Korea before, this can be especially useful because they can improve their language skills while becoming familiar with life in the country.

3. Monthly Allowance During the Scholarship

GKS provides an allowance throughout the relevant scholarship period.

The amount depends on whether the scholar is still in Korean language training or has started the degree program.

• During Korean Language Training the annual amount is KRW 13560000. That works out to approximately KRW 1130000 per month.
• During the Degree Program the annual amount is KRW 14400000. That equals approximately KRW 1200000 per month.

These figures are useful when planning a student budget but the actual amount should always be understood according to the official 2027 guidelines and any future changes announced by NIIED.

4. What Does the GKS Monthly Allowance Include

This is one of the most important points in the 2027 GKS benefits structure.

The allowance is described as an all inclusive subsidy.

It includes support related to:

• Living expenses
• Accommodation
• Health insurance
• Korean proficiency grants
• TOPIK application fees
• Settlement allowance
• Degree completion grant

Therefore, applicants should not simply add every item above to the KRW 1.13 million or KRW 1.2 million monthly equivalent and assume they will receive all of them as separate payments.

Instead, these items form part of the overall allowance structure.

This is important because many websites still contain older GKS benefit figures that may not reflect the 2027 arrangement.

5. Living Expenses in South Korea

The GKS allowance is designed to help scholars manage their regular expenses while they are studying.

Depending on the student’s lifestyle, this money may be used for things such as:

• Food
• Housing
• Transportation
• Mobile phone expenses
• Personal necessities
• Other everyday costs

The amount a student needs can vary considerably from one city to another.

A student living in a relatively affordable university area may be able to manage the allowance differently from someone studying in a more expensive metropolitan area.

For this reason, applicants should consider the local cost of living before selecting their preferred universities.

6. Airfare to South Korea

International airfare is another major component of the GKS scholarship. For eligible scholars, GKS provides an economy class flight ticket based on actual expenses. This support helps selected students travel to Korea to begin their scholarship.

However airfare is subject to specific conditions.

Who is not eligible for GKS entry airfare?

The 2027 guidelines state that newly selected scholars who are already living in Korea when the final selection results are announced do not receive entry airfare.

There are also other exclusions.

GKS does not cover:

• Domestic travel expenses inside the scholar’s home country
• International travel insurance for the journey
• Entry airfare when the scholar travels to Korea from a country other than their country of citizenship

Example

A Pakistani applicant who is living in Pakistan and is selected for GKS can be covered under the normal entry airfare rules. But a Pakistani citizen who is already living in Korea when the final GKS results are announced would not receive entry airfare under the standard provision.

7. Health Insurance

International students also need health coverage while living in South Korea.

• Under the 2027 GKS structure health insurance support is included within the all inclusive subsidy.

This means applicants should not expect a completely separate insurance payment in addition to the stated monthly allowance. Because GKS scholars can remain in Korea for several years this support is an important part of the overall scholarship package.

Students should still follow the insurance and registration procedures provided by their university and the relevant Korean authorities.

8. Accommodation and Housing Costs

A common question from applicants is whether GKS provides a completely free dormitory.

The answer is more complicated than simply saying yes.

• Under the 2027 structure accommodation expenses are included within the all inclusive allowance.

Universities may provide dormitory accommodation but availability, prices and arrangements can vary between institutions.

Before selecting a university, applicants should check:

• Whether a dormitory is available
• How much does the dormitory costs
• Whether meals are included
• Local transportation costs
• Average food expenses
• General cost of living in the city

This is particularly important when comparing universities in metropolitan areas with universities located outside major cities. A larger city may offer more facilities and transportation options but it can also require a higher monthly budget.

9. TOPIK Examination Fee

GKS scholars have the opportunity to develop their Korean language skills during their studies.

• Part of the all inclusive subsidy is associated with the TOPIK application fee.

TOPIK means Test of Proficiency in Korean. It is the recognized Korean language proficiency test used to measure a person’s Korean ability.

A strong TOPIK result can be useful for GKS scholars because students who reach TOPIK Level 5 or Level 6 may qualify for exemption from the Korean language training period under the applicable rules.

10. Korean Proficiency Grant

Students who already have advanced Korean language ability can receive an additional benefit under the GKS rules.

The 2027 guidelines state that scholars who are initially exempted from Korean language training because they already hold TOPIK Level 5 or 6 will automatically receive the Korean Proficiency Grant.

This is one reason why applicants with strong Korean language skills should carefully check the language related requirements before submitting their application. Having an eligible TOPIK score may change how their scholarship period is structured.

11. Settlement Allowance

Starting life in another country can involve many initial costs.

A newly arrived student may need money for things such as:

• Basic household items
• Bedding
• Transportation cards
• SIM or mobile services
• Personal necessities
• Other initial expenses

The GKS scholarship includes a settlement allowance within its all inclusive subsidy.

Applicants should remember that this does not necessarily mean they will receive a separate large payment on top of the stated monthly allowance. The 2027 guidelines place this support within the overall allowance structure.

12. Degree Completion Grant

GKS also includes a degree completion grant as part of the all inclusive subsidy.

The grant is connected with successfully completing the scholarship program.

For an undergraduate scholar this can take place after several years because the scholarship period may extend to between five and seven years for a bachelor’s program depending on the degree length and Korean language training.

13. One Year Korean Language Program

For many undergraduate scholars, GKS is more than financial assistance for university tuition.

The program can also provide a full year of Korean language education before the degree begins.

The normal structure can look like this:

• Bachelor’s Degree:
  1 year Korean language training + 4 to 6 years bachelor’s degree
• Associate Degree:
  1 year Korean language training + 2 to 3 years associate degree

This gives students additional time to prepare for academic and daily life in Korea.

The language year is particularly helpful for students who need to improve their Korean before starting university-level studies.

14. Can TOPIK 5 or 6 Remove the Language Year

Yes, eligible applicants with TOPIK Level 5 or Level 6 can be exempted from the Korean language training program under the relevant GKS rules.

Instead of spending the first year in language training, they can move directly into their degree program. This can reduce the overall scholarship period by one year. There is also an opportunity for scholars who improve their Korean after arriving in Korea.

If a GKS scholar reaches TOPIK Level 5 or 6 within the first six months of Korean language training they can be exempted from the remaining six months and move into the degree program in the following semester.

For the 2027 program, this means the scholar may begin the degree program in September 2027, subject to the official rules and academic arrangements.

15. How Long Does GKS Scholarship 2027 Last

The scholarship is designed to support students for the duration of their academic program rather than only for a single academic year.

• For bachelor’s students, the total scholarship period can be 5 to 7 years.
• This generally consists of 1 year of Korean language training + 4 to 6 years bachelor’s degree.
• For associate degree students, the total period can be 3 to 4 years.
• This generally consists of 1 year Korean language training + 2 to 3 years associate degree.

The actual duration depends on the selected degree program and the applicable GKS rules.

GKS Scholarship 2027 Benefits Table

Note: Scholarship amounts and conditions can be changed by the responsible authorities. Applicants should always use the latest official GKS guidelines when making financial calculations.

How Much Is the Total GKS Allowance Over 5 Years?

Let’s use a simple example to understand the possible total allowance.

Suppose a student completes 1 year Korean language training + 4 years bachelor’s degree.

• During the language year, the scholar receives KRW 13560000.
• During four years of degree study KRW 14400000 × 4 = KRW 57600000.
• Adding both periods, Total = KRW 71160000.

Therefore under these stated annual figures the student could receive approximately KRW 71.16 million in allowance support over five years. This calculation is only an example based on the published annual allowance figures.

It does not represent the complete financial value of the scholarship. Tuition support, Korean language training fees and qualifying airfare are additional components of the overall GKS package.

The final value can therefore vary depending on the length of the degree, university tuition, airfare and other applicable circumstances.

Is GKS Scholarship 2027 Really Fully Funded?

The Global Korea Scholarship 2027 is commonly described as a fully funded scholarship because it provides support toward the major costs associated with studying in South Korea.

These include:

• Tuition
• Korean language education
• Living allowance
• Qualifying airfare

However, applicants should understand what fully funded means in the context of GKS.

It does not mean that every personal expense is paid separately without limits.

For example, accommodation and daily expenses need to be managed through the allowance structure.

Students should therefore prepare a realistic budget before travelling to Korea.

Do GKS Students Pay University Tuition?

• The GKS funding arrangement provides substantial tuition support.
• NIIED can provide up to KRW 5 million toward tuition while the university covers tuition exceeding that amount under the GKS arrangement.
• The university also covers the admission fee.
• This removes one of the largest expenses that international students normally face when studying abroad.

Does GKS Pay for Student Accommodation?

• Accommodation is not best understood as a completely separate free housing benefit.
• Under the 2027 guidelines, accommodation expenses form part of the all inclusive subsidy.
• Students may use their allowance to meet housing expenses including applicable dormitory costs.
• Because housing prices differ between cities and universities applicants should check the dormitory information of each university before making their final choices.

Does GKS Provide a Flight Ticket?

Yes. Eligible scholars receive an economy class flight ticket based on actual expenses subject to the conditions in the official guidelines.

However, entry airfare is not available in every situation. For example, newly selected scholars who are already residing in Korea when the final results are announced are not eligible for entry airfare.

There are also restrictions for scholars travelling to Korea from a country other than their country of citizenship.

What If a Student Leaves the GKS Program Early?

Applicants should understand the withdrawal rules before accepting a GKS offer.

According to the 2027 guidelines, if a scholar withdraws from the scholarship within the first three months after enrolling at the university they are required to return the full scholarship amount received after being selected as a GKS scholar.

This is an important condition.

Students should therefore apply for GKS only when they are genuinely prepared to study in Korea and follow the scholarship requirements.

Why Are GKS Scholarship 2027 Benefits Important?

The strength of GKS comes from the combination of its different forms of support.

A student does not receive only a tuition reduction. The scholarship can support the student during language preparation and university study while also providing an allowance for living costs and qualifying international travel.

The Korean language component is another important advantage.

Students who need language preparation can spend a year developing their Korean before beginning their academic degree. Those who already have an eligible high TOPIK level may be able to skip this stage.

The scholarship can therefore provide both financial support and academic preparation for international students.

Final Summary

The GKS Scholarship 2027 provides international undergraduate students with a substantial package of financial and academic support for studying in South Korea.

The main benefits include tuition support Korean language training airfare and an annual allowance.

For the 2027 program the allowance is listed as:

• KRW 13.56 million per year during Korean language training
• KRW 14.4 million per year during the degree program

These figures are approximately KRW 1.13 million and KRW 1.2 million per month, respectively when divided by 12.

The scholarship also includes accommodation, health insurance, TOPIK fees settlement support, Korean proficiency grants and degree completion grants within the all inclusive subsidy structure.

This point is especially important for applicants because information from previous GKS years may present these items as separate payments.

For bachelor’s students, the scholarship can normally cover 5 to 7 years while associate degree students can receive support for 3 to 4 years including Korean language training where applicable.

For complete guides on GKS Scholarship 2027, including eligibility, application process, required documents, universities, deadlines, Personal Statement, Study Plan, and the latest GKS 2027 updates, visit: www.gksscholarships.com

The official 2027 GKS Undergraduate announcement was released by NIIED on 9 September 2026. Applicants should therefore rely on the current 2027 guidelines rather than automatically following information published for older scholarship cycles.

Before applying, make sure you read the official 2027 GKS U Application Guidelines carefully. The 2027 program can have different quotas, dates, financial provisions, university choices and evaluation requirements compared with previous years.