Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 – Fully Funded for Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD

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The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) — previously known as the Korean Government Scholarship (KGSP) — is one of the most prestigious fully funded awards offered by the Government of South Korea. It allows international students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees at top Korean universities with complete financial support.

This GKS scholarship aims to promote global education exchange, strengthen international cooperation. Moreover this Korean scholarship for Pakistani students provide with access to high-quality Korean education.

Scholarship Overview

• Host Country: South Korea
  
  
• Funding Body: Korean Government (NIIED)
  
  
• Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
  
  
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
  
  
• Fields Available: Engineering, Science, Arts, Humanities, Business, IT, Social Sciences, Medicine (limited), Agriculture, Education & more.

Scholarship Benefits

The Global Korea Scholarship covers all expenses, making it one of the most attractive scholarships worldwide.

1. Financial Support

• Full tuition fee (100% covered)
  
  
• Monthly stipend:
  
  
  • Bachelor’s: 900,000 KRW
    
    
  • Master’s/PhD: 1,000,000 – 1,100,000 KRW
    
    
• Settlement allowance: 200,000 KRW
  
  
• Airfare (round-trip)
  
  
• Korean language training fee fully covered.
  
  
• Research support funding (Master’s and PhD)
  
  
• Printing/Thesis allowance
  
  
• Medical insurance
  
  

2. Korean Language Training

• All selected students complete 1 year of Korean language study.y
  
  
• Achieving TOPIK level 3 or 4 is required to enter the degree program.

3. University Choice

• Applicants can choose from over 130 top Korean universities, including:
  
  
  • KAIST
    
    
  • Yonsei University
    
    
  • Seoul National University
    
    
  • Korea University
    
    
  • POSTECH
    
    
  • Hanyang University
    
    
  • SKKU
    
    
  • Sogang University
    
    
  • And more
    
    

Eligibility Requirements

1. Nationality

• Applicants must be citizens of countries invited by the Korean government.
  
  
• Parents must not be Korean citizens.

2. Age Requirements

• Undergraduate: Under 25 years
  
  
• Graduate (Master’s/PhD): Under 40 years

3. Academic Requirements

• Bachelor’s applicants: High school graduation
  
  
• Master’s applicants: Bachelor’s degree
  
  
• PhD applicants: Master’s degree
  
  
• Must have at least an 80% GPA in previous studies.

4. Health Requirements

• Must be in good physical and mental health.

English/Korean Language Requirement (No IELTS Required)

IELTS is NOT required for GKS

You can apply with:

• MOI Certificate (Medium of Instruction showing your previous degree was taught in English)
  
  
• TOEFL/IELTS scores (optional)
  
  
• Korean proficiency (TOPIK) is a plus but not mandatory.

Language scores increase selection chances, but are not compulsory.

Application Tracks

GKS offers two ways to apply:

1. Embassy Track

• Apply through the Korean Embassy in your country
  
  
• Can choose three universities
  
  
• The Embassy sends nominations to NIIED.

2. University Track

• Apply directly to the Korean university offering a GKS seat.
  
  
• Can choose only one university
  
  
• The university recommends candidates to the NIIED.

Applicants must select only one track.

Required Documents

• Application form
  
  
• Personal statement
  
  
• Study plan
  
  
• Two recommendation letters
  
  
• Academic certificates & transcripts
  
  
• Passport copy
  
  
• Medical assessment form
  
  
• MOI or English proficiency (if available)
  
  
• Portfolio (for art/design majors)

(All documents must be submitted in English or Korean.)

How to Apply

Step 1: Choose Embassy Track or University Track

Check which track suits your goals.

Step 2: Prepare All Required Documents

Prepare transcripts, certificates, recommendation letters, study plan, etc.

Step 3: Submit Application

• Embassy track: Submit to the Korean Embassy
  
  
• University track: Submit to the selected Korean university

Step 4: Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview.

Step 5: NIIED Final Selection

NIIED reviews final candidates and confirms the scholarship.

Step 6: Korean Language Training

All students complete one year of Korean language study before starting the degree.

Application Deadline (2026 Intake)

The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 timeline is expected as follows:

• Announcement: January 2026
  
  
• Application Begins: February 2026
  
  

Final Deadline:March–April 2026 (varies by country/embassy)

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