National Institute for International Education (NIIED), South Korea · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Asia
FundingFully Funded
LevelMasters/PhD
DeadlineMarch
Application feeFree
About this scholarship
Full tuition, monthly stipend (KRW 1,000,000/month), round-trip airfare, settlement allowance, Korean language training, and health insurance for Masters/PhD in South Korea. Masters 2 years + 1 year Korean language; PhD 3 years + 1 year Korean language
ProviderNational Institute for International Education (NIIED), South Korea
CountrySouth Korea (Asia)
Host university / institutionTop Korean universities (Seoul National University, KAIST, Yonsei, Korea University, POSTECH, etc.)
Degree levelsMasters/PhD
Fields of studyAll fields
Funding typeFully Funded
Application feeFree
DeadlineEmbassy track: typically February-March. University track: varies by university (usually February-April).
IntakeSeptember
Applications openFebruary
CompetitionVery High
Programme durationMasters 2 years + 1 year Korean language; PhD 3 years + 1 year Korean language
MastersPhDAll fields
Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS) eligibility criteria
Citizenship of a GKS partner country (173 countries including Pakistan)
Under 40 years of age
Bachelor's degree for Masters; Master's for PhD
GPA above 80% (or 2.64/4.0)
Not a Korean citizen
Healthy enough to pursue studies
Previously not enrolled at a Korean university
Benefits and coverage
Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend KRW 1,000,000 (approx. USD $750)
Round-trip economy airfare
Settlement allowance KRW 200,000
Korean language training (1 year)
Health insurance (Korean National Health Insurance)
Research support fees
Completion grant
Required documents
GKS application form (NIIED)
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Two recommendation letters
Statement of purpose
Research proposal (PhD)
Korean/English proficiency test scores
Copy of passport
Health certificate
GKS university acceptance letter (if applying via university track)
How to apply for the Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS)
Review the eligibility criteria above and confirm you meet every requirement.
Prepare all required documents early — transcripts, CV, recommendation letters and motivation letter.
Embassy track: typically February-March. University track: varies by university (usually February-April). Submit a complete application before the March deadline.
Always confirm the latest details on the official website before applying.
Citizenship of a GKS partner country (173 countries including Pakistan) Under 40 years of age Bachelor's degree for Masters; Master's for PhD GPA above 80% (or 2.64/4.0) Not a Korean citizen Healthy enough to pursue studies Previously not enrolled at a Korean university
Full tuition fees Monthly stipend KRW 1,000,000 (approx. USD $750) Round-trip economy airfare Settlement allowance KRW 200,000 Korean language training (1 year) Health insurance (Korean National Health Insurance) Research support fees Completion grant
GKS application form (NIIED) Academic transcripts and degree certificates Two recommendation letters Statement of purpose Research proposal (PhD) Korean/English proficiency test scores Copy of passport Health certificate GKS university acceptance letter (if applying via university track)
Embassy track: typically February-March. University track: varies by university (usually February-April).
No — applications for the Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS) are free.