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GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) Undergraduate Program 2026

GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) Undergraduate Program 2026

GKS undergraduate scholarship program 2026 is a very popular scholarship provided by the South Korean government. This scholarship gives foreign students the opportunity to pursue a bachelor's degree in Korea, and it covers most of your expenses. The main purpose of this scholarship is for student from different countries to come and study in Korea, so that friendship and good relations can be built between Korea and their country.

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Duration of Study

Usually, you have to learn Korean for one year first, then study for your degree for 4 to 6 years. If you do a minor degree (associate degree), then study for 2 to 3 years after learning the language for one year.

Scholarship Type

This scholarship is completely free, meaning the Korean government covers most of your study and living expenses.

Major Benefits of GKS Scholarship

If you get this scholarship, you will get all of the following:

  • Airfare: Round-trip ticket from your country to Korea.
  • Monthly Pocket Money: You will get 900,000 Korean won (approximately 190,000 i rupees) every month.
  • Full University Fees: You will not have to pay university fees.
  • Korean Language Training: The cost of learning Korean for one year will be completely free.
  • Start-up Support Money: You will get 200,000 Korean won (approximately 42,000 i rupees) once you arrive in Korea.
  • Health Insurance: You will also have medical insurance for your treatment.
  • Research Grant: If your field is research-based, you may also get additional money during your studies.
  • Thesis (Large Report) Printing Money: You will also get money to print the research you write at the end of your degree.
  • Degree Completion Award: When you complete your degree, you will receive 100,000 Korean Won (approximately 21,000 i Rupees).
  • Good Korean Speaking Award: If you learn Korean very well, you can also receive additional money every month.

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Who Can Apply for the Scholarship? (Eligibility)

Before applying, check if you meet these requirements:

  • Citizenship: You and your parents must not be Korean citizens. You must be a citizen of a country that Korea has selected for the scholarship. (i students can apply).
  • Age: You must be under 25 years old (i.e., if applying for the 2026 scholarship, you must be born after March 1, 2000).
  • Education: You have completed high school or expect to graduate from high school by December 31, 2024. If you have not passed yet, you must submit the original certificate of passing by the deadline.
  • Grades (GPA):
    • Your grades must be at least 80% out of 100. OR
    • You must be in the top 20% of your class. OR
    • Your cumulative GPA must be at least 2.64 out of 4.0.
  • Health: You must be physically and mentally fit to study in Korea.
  • First GKS Scholarship: If you have previously received a GKS scholarship, you cannot apply again.

Two Ways to Apply for GKS Scholarship

You can apply for a GKS scholarship in two ways:

Through the Korean Embassy in Your Country (Embassy Track)

  • You submit your application to the Korean embassy in.
  • This method is more competitive, but you can choose from three different universities in Korea.
  • The embassy first reviews your applications, conducts interviews, and then sends the names of the selected students to the scholarship awarding agency in Korea (NIIED).

Important: The application deadline varies for each country, so you should check the website of the Korean Embassy.

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Direct Application to a Korean University (University Track)

  • You apply directly to a Korean university that is part of the GKS program.
  • You can only apply to one university in this method.
  • The university reviews your applications and sends the names of the best candidates to NIIED.
  • Each university has its own deadline, but it was usually by March.

Required Documents (Generally Required)

The following documents must be submitted with the application:

  • GKS Scholarship Application Form
  • Your Personal Statement (why you want to study in Korea)
  • Study Plan (what you will study in Korea and why)
  • Recommendation Letter (from your previous school teachers)
  • A Special GKS Contract
  • Identification Documents for you and your parents (such as passport, birth certificate, family registration).
  • Original High School Graduation Certificate (or certificate of hope if you have not yet graduated).
  • A Transcript of All Your High School Grades
  • If you have taken a Korean language (TOPIK) or English language (IELTS, TOEFL) test, a score report (this is not required but can be beneficial).
  • If you have received any awards or other certificates, you can also attach them.
  • A Copy of Your Passport.

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Important Note About Documents

  • All documents must be in English or Korean. If not, attach a certified translation.
  • Some documents may require an "Apostille" or a stamp from the Korean Embassy. You will need to verify this with the official scholarship guidelines or your embassy.

How to Apply for GKS Scholarship (Generally)

  1. Read the Requirements: First, read the entire GKS guidelines carefully and check your eligibility.
  2. Choose a Method: Decide whether you will apply through the embassy or through the university.
  3. Download the Form: Download the new GKS forms and guidelines from the Study in Korea website or the website of the Korean Embassy.
  4. Prepare the Documents: Prepare all the necessary documents thoroughly, especially the attestation requirements.
  5. Write Your Statement and Plan: Write a good personal statement and study plan explaining why you want to go to Korea, what your intentions are, and why you chose Korea.
  6. Submit the Application:
    • Through the Embassy: Submit your complete application to the embassy before their deadline.
    • Through the University: Submit your application directly to the chosen university before their deadline.

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Interview and Selection Process

  • Shortlisting: Shortlisted students are interviewed. Finally, NIIED makes the final selection.
  • Announcement of Results: Results are usually released in January of the scholarship year. (i.e., the 2026 results will be released in January 2026).