Korean Language Courses
Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in South Korea
study2abroad brings you an incredible opportunity to study in South Korea. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 for Undergraduate Studies. Also known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), this prestigious and highly competitive scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Education of South Korea to international students from around the world. The aim of the GKS program is to promote international exchange in education, strengthen diplomatic relations, and provide talented students with access to world-class higher education in Korea.
It includes one year of Korean language training followed by 3–4 years of academic study in various fields such as engineering, social sciences, business, and arts at top Korean universities. GKS 2026 covers full tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, medical insurance, relocation allowance, and more all without requiring IELTS. A total of 280 scholarships will be awarded through Embassy and University tracks. This program is ideal for bright, motivated students who wish to gain a world-class education and international exposure in one of Asia’s most technologically advanced countries. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to study in South Korea for free and broaden your academic and cultural horizons.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: South Korea
- Degree Levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree Program
- Associate Degree Program
- Language Program: 1 year of Korean language training before starting the degree
- Scholarship Duration:
- Up to 5 years for a Bachelor’s (1 year Korean + 4 years degree)
- Up to 3 or 4 years for an Associate Degree (1 year Korean + 2–3 years program)
- Total Scholarships Available: 280
- 150 via Embassy Track
- 130 via University Track
Eligibility Criteria for GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2026
- Applicants must be citizens of NIIED-designated countries.
- Korean citizens or dual citizenship holders (including Korean) are not eligible.
- Applicants must be under 25 years old at the date of entrance.
- Must be in good physical and mental health.
- Applicants must have graduated (or expect to graduate) from:
- High school or associate degree program for Bachelor’s degree applicants
- High school only for Associate degree applicants
- Applicants with a bachelor’s degree are not eligible.
- Those who have already completed an associate degree can apply only for the bachelor’s program.
- Must have a minimum CGPA of 80% (or equivalent to 2.64/4.00 GPA).
- Must submit proof of English language proficiency (e.g., language certificate or equivalent).
- Applicants must not have any criminal record.
Benefits of the Global Korea Undergraduate Scholarship (GKS) 2026
- Full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of the undergraduate or associate degree program
- Settlement allowance provided upon arrival in South Korea
- Monthly living stipend ranging from KRW 1,000,000 to 1,500,000, depending on the degree level
- Round-trip economy class airfare covered by the Korean government
- Research allowance provided if applicable
- One year of free intensive Korean language training
- TOPIK exam fee covered if required for the degree
- Award for students who achieve excellent Korean language proficiency
- Printing costs for dissertation or thesis covered where applicable
- Health and medical insurance for the duration of the scholarship
- Completion grant awarded after successful graduation
- An opportunity to study in Korea completely free and gain global academic exposure
Required Documents for GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2026
All applicants must submit the following documents to be considered for the GKS 2026 Undergraduate Program:
- 2026 GKS-U application forms (as provided in the official guidelines)
- Proof of citizenship and family relationship (such as birth certificate or family registry)
- Study plan outlining academic goals and future plans
- Academic transcripts from all levels of education completed
- High school graduation certificate or certificate of expected graduation
- Personal statement describing background, motivation, and aspirations
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher or academic advisor
- GKS applicant agreement form (signed)
- Personal medical assessment form (completed and signed)
Additional documents required for specific applicants:
- Proof of Overseas Korean status (for applicable candidates)
- Proof of renunciation of Korean citizenship (if previously held)
- Proof of Korean War veteran descendant status (if applicable)
Optional documents (recommended if available):
- English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS) or TOPIK score report
- Copies of certificates, awards, or extracurricular achievements
- Copy of valid passport
How to Apply for the Global Korea Undergraduate Scholarship 2026
- There are two application tracks for GKS 2026: Embassy Track and University Track.
Embassy Track:
- Apply through the Korean Embassy in your home country.
- The embassy reviews applications and shortlists eligible candidates.
- Selected candidates are asked to apply to designated Korean universities.
- The embassy nominates candidates to NIIED (National Institute for International Education).
- NIIED makes the final selection and confirms the scholarship recipients.
University Track:
- Apply directly to a participating Korean university.
- The university reviews your application and selects nominees.
- The university sends your nomination to NIIED for final approval.
- Final selection is made by NIIED, regardless of track.
Additional Tips:
- Check the 2026 GKS-U Application Guidelines for complete details.
- Application deadlines vary by embassy and university — check early.
- Prepare all required documents and follow specific submission instructions.
- Visit the official Study in Korea website for updated forms and university information.
Global Korea Undergraduate Scholarship (GKS) 2026 – Application Deadline
- There is no fixed or universal deadline for the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2026.
- Deadlines vary depending on the application track, country, university, and Korean embassy.
Embassy Track:
- Applicants must apply through the South Korean Embassy in their home country.
- Each embassy sets its own deadline, so applicants should check the official website or contact the embassy directly.
University Track:
- Applicants must apply directly to a participating Korean university.
- Each university sets its own deadline, so students should contact the university’s international office for specific dates.
Important Note:
- The deadline for both tracks usually falls between September and October 2025.
- Applicants are strongly advised to start early and confirm the exact deadline from official sources.