National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Ministry of Education, South Korea · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Asia
FundingFully Funded
LevelBachelors/Masters/PhD
DeadlineFebruary
Application feeFree
About this scholarship
Covers tuition, one year of Korean language training, round-trip airfare and a monthly living stipend for the full degree period. 1 year Korean language + Bachelors (4-6 yr) / Masters (2 yr) / PhD (3 yr)
ProviderNational Institute for International Education (NIIED), Ministry of Education, South Korea
CountrySouth Korea (Asia)
Host university / institutionAround 80-90 designated Korean universities nationwide
Degree levelsBachelors/Masters/PhD
Fields of studyAll fields
Funding typeFully Funded
Application feeFree
DeadlineGraduate track applies ~February-March; undergraduate ~September-October. Embassy-track deadlines are set by each embassy.
IntakeMarch / September
Applications openVaries
CompetitionVery High
Programme duration1 year Korean language + Bachelors (4-6 yr) / Masters (2 yr) / PhD (3 yr)
BachelorsMastersPhDAll fields
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) eligibility criteria
Applicant and both parents must hold non-Korean citizenship
Age under 25 (undergraduate) or under 40 (graduate)
Cumulative GPA at or above 80% (100 scale) or top 20% of class
High school diploma (undergraduate) or Bachelor's/Master's (graduate)
Good physical and mental health
Not a previous GKS awardee at the same level
Benefits and coverage
Tuition covered (NIIED subsidy up to 5,000,000 KRW/semester; excess paid by university)
One year of Korean language training
Round-trip economy-class airfare
Monthly living allowance
Settlement/resettlement allowance on arrival
Korean Proficiency (TOPIK Level 5-6) grant
Medical insurance
Degree completion grant and thesis printing support
Required documents
Application form
Personal statement and study/research plan
Letter(s) of recommendation
Academic transcripts and graduation/degree certificates
Proof of citizenship for applicant and both parents
Passport copy
TOPIK or English proficiency certificate (if held)
How to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Review the eligibility criteria above and confirm you meet every requirement.
Prepare all required documents early — transcripts, CV, recommendation letters and motivation letter.
Graduate track applies ~February-March; undergraduate ~September-October. Embassy-track deadlines are set by each embassy. Submit a complete application before the February deadline.
Always confirm the latest details on the official website before applying.
Amount / coverageCovers tuition, one year of Korean language training, round-trip airfare and a monthly li…
LevelsBachelors/Masters/PhD
Frequently asked questions
Applicant and both parents must hold non-Korean citizenship Age under 25 (undergraduate) or under 40 (graduate) Cumulative GPA at or above 80% (100 scale) or top 20% of class High school diploma (undergraduate) or Bachelor's/Master's (graduate) Good physical and mental health Not a previous GKS awardee at the same level
Tuition covered (NIIED subsidy up to 5,000,000 KRW/semester; excess paid by university) One year of Korean language training Round-trip economy-class airfare Monthly living allowance Settlement/resettlement allowance on arrival Korean Proficiency (TOPIK Level 5-6) grant Medical insurance Degree completion grant and thesis printing support
Application form Personal statement and study/research plan Letter(s) of recommendation Academic transcripts and graduation/degree certificates Proof of citizenship for applicant and both parents Passport copy TOPIK or English proficiency certificate (if held)
Graduate track applies ~February-March; undergraduate ~September-October. Embassy-track deadlines are set by each embassy.
No — applications for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) are free.