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How to Apply for GKS Korean Government Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

Application Process of GKS Undergraduate Scholarship Program 2026

The GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is a great opportunity if you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree (graduation) in Korea. It is a completely free scholarship from the Korean government. Applications for the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship usually open in September every year. So, to study in 2026, you should be ready around September 2025.

Major Benefits of the Scholarship

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

  • Flight Ticket: Round-trip ticket from Pakistan to Korea.
  • Monthly Pocket Money: Approximately 900,000 Korean Won (which is around 190,000 Pakistani Rupees) will be provided to you every month.
  • Full University Fees: You will not have to pay any tuition fees at the university.
  • Korean Language Classes: You will have the opportunity to learn Korean for free for one year.
  • First-time Arrival Assistance: You will receive 200,000 Korean won once you arrive in Korea.
  • Medical Expenses: You will also have medical insurance to cover medical treatment.
  • Reward for Better Korean: If you become very good at Korean, you may also receive some extra money every month.
  • Degree Completion Money: You also receive some money after completing your studies.

Also Check: GKS Undergraduate Program 2026 Applications

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)

These are the essential things you must have:

  • Nationality: You and your parents must be Pakistani citizens, not Korean.
  • Age: You must be under 25 years old (for the 2026 scholarship, those born after March 1, 2001, but the exact date must be checked in the official guidelines).
  • Education: You have passed high school (equivalent to Intermediate/HSSC), or you are expected to pass by the scholarship start date (approximately March 1).
  • Marks: You have good grades in high school, usually 80% or above out of 100, or you are in the top 20% of your class.
  • Health: You are in good health, both physically and mentally, to be able to study in Korea.
  • First GKS Scholarship: If you have previously completed high school or a bachelor’s degree at GKS in Korea, you cannot apply again.

Two Ways to Apply for GKS Undergraduate Scholarship

There are two ways to apply for the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship:

Through the Korean Embassy in Pakistan (Embassy Track)

  • You submit your application to the Korean Embassy in Islamabad.
  • This is the most common and most students go through this route.
  • The embassy reviews your applications, conducts interviews, and may sometimes conduct a short test.
  • If you are selected, the embassy sends your name to Korea.
  • You can choose up to 3 different universities in Korea in this method.

Application Time: This method usually opens in September (for 2026, it is likely to open in September 2025).

Also Check: Fully Funded Scholarships for USA and UK 2025-2026

Directly to a Korean University (University Track)

  • You apply directly to a Korean university that offers GKS scholarships.
  • The university selects the student on its own and sends their names to the scholarship granting agency in Korea (NIIED).
  • You can only apply to 1 university in this method.

Application Time: This method usually opens in September-October, but each university has its own deadline (for 2026, it is likely to open in September-October 2025).

Required Documents for GKS Application

(The exact list will be available when the official information for 2026 is released).

  • GKS Scholarship Application Form (You will find it on the Study in Korea website).
  • Your Personal Statement: In this, you write about yourself, your dreams and intentions to study in Korea.
  • Study Plan: In this, you explain what you will study in Korea, why you will study it and how it will benefit you.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Usually 2 letters from your high school principal or teachers.
  • Photocopy of Your and Your Parents' Passports or ID Cards.
  • Your High School Transcripts and Degrees/Certificates.
  • Health Form: A form that you fill out yourself. If you are selected, you will have to undergo regular check-ups with a doctor.
  • Copy of Your Passport.
  • If you have taken a Korean language test (TOPIK), then its scores (if any, please include them, it will be beneficial).
  • If you have taken an English language test (IELTS, TOEFL), then its scores (if any, please include them, it will be beneficial, especially if you are studying in English).
  • If you have won any awards or participated in any activities, then its certificates.

Very Important Thing About Documents:

  • All documents must be in English or Korean. If not, then attach their certified translation.
  • Many documents need to be certified with an "Apostille" (a special official seal) or by the Korean embassy. This work is very important and takes time. So as soon as the official information for 2026 comes out, first check this detail.

Also Check: How to do MBBS and Become a MBBS Doctor in South Korea

How to Apply for GKS Undergraduate Scholarship (Easy Steps)

  1. Wait for Official Information: The most important thing to do is to wait for the official guidelines for the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship for 2026 from NIIED around September 2025. This information will be available on the “Study in Korea” website and the website of the Korean Embassy.
  2. Read the Requirements: When the guidelines are available, read each requirement very carefully and see if you can apply.
  3. Choose the Method: Decide whether you will apply through the embassy or through the university. Most Pakistani students apply through the embassy.
  4. Download the Form: Download the new GKS application form for 2026 and the templates for the remaining required documents.
  5. Prepare the Documents: Prepare all the required documents very carefully. Start the Apostille or authentication work in advance as it can take a lot of time.
  6. Write Your Personal Statement and Study Plan: These are the sections that show your personality and study intentions. Write them in the best possible way.
  7. Submit the Application: Send your complete application package to the relevant embassy or university before the deadline (mostly by post).

Selection Steps for GKS Undergraduate Scholarship

  • First Step: The embassy or university will review your applications and select a few student.
  • Second Step: Those who apply through the embassy will be interviewed and maybe even have a short written test. The universities use their own method.
  • Final Decision: In Korea, NIIED makes the final decision.
  • Declaration of Results: The names of the student who are selected are usually announced in December or January.