Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Graduate Degrees

National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Korea

♡ Save

Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

You and both of your parents must not hold Korean citizenship. Under 40 years old, with a bachelor's degree (for master's) or a master's degree (for doctoral study) and at least 80% average grades in your last programme. The embassy track and the university track have different rules; check your country's embassy notice.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Administered by NIIED under the South Korean Ministry of Education, GKS is South Korea's flagship international scholarship designed to promote international exchange in education and deepen mutual friendship between Korea and participating countries. It covers full degree studies preceded by a mandatory 1-year Korean language immersion program at a designated language institution.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. You and both of your parents must not hold Korean citizenship. Under 40 years old, with a bachelor's degree (for master's) or a master's degree (for doctoral study) and at least 80% average grades in your last programme. The embassy track and the university track have different rules; check your country's embassy notice.
2. Note the deadline. Feb – Mar (annual; the call is announced in February, applications run Feb – Mar through the Korean embassy in your country or directly to the universities, results in June) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Official Transcripts & Degree Certificates: Apostilled or consular-authenticated high school/university transcripts showing minimum GPA thresholds (2.64/4.0 or top 20%).; GKS Application Forms: Completed application form, personal statement, and study plan (detailing post-study career goals).; Letters of Recommendation: 2 signed recommendation letters from professors or high school teachers.; Medical Assessment & Passport: GKS Medical Examination form signed by a physician, and a valid passport copy..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Document Screening (40%), Embassy/University Interviews (35%), Language/Academic Aptitude Assessment (25%).

Profile of past winners

Multilingual graduates with strong GPAs who demonstrate clear alignment with South Korea's technological or cultural industries in their study plans.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Graduate Degrees?

You and both of your parents must not hold Korean citizenship. Under 40 years old, with a bachelor's degree (for master's) or a master's degree (for doctoral study) and at least 80% average grades in your last programme. The embassy track and the university track have different rules; check your country's embassy notice.

What does Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Graduate Degrees cover?

Airfare, Korean language training fees, tuition and a monthly allowance, for a master's (2 years) or doctorate (3 years), after a year of Korean language training

When is the deadline for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Graduate Degrees?

Feb – Mar (annual; the call is announced in February, applications run Feb – Mar through the Korean embassy in your country or directly to the universities, results in June) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Graduate Degrees?

Host countries: South Korea.

What documents do I need for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Graduate Degrees?

Official Transcripts & Degree Certificates: Apostilled or consular-authenticated high school/university transcripts showing minimum GPA thresholds (2.64/4.0 or top 20%).; GKS Application Forms: Completed application form, personal statement, and study plan (detailing post-study career goals).; Letters of Recommendation: 2 signed recommendation letters from professors or high school teachers.; Medical Assessment & Passport: GKS Medical Examination form signed by a physician, and a valid passport copy..

How are applicants selected for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Graduate Degrees?

Document Screening (40%), Embassy/University Interviews (35%), Language/Academic Aptitude Assessment (25%).

How much work is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Graduate Degrees application?

High: Statement of Purpose + Global Network Study Plan + 2 Recommendation Letters