The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 (GKS 2026) is among the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for international students, offering a life-changing chance to study in South Korea without financial stress. Funded by the Korean Government, this highly competitive program aims to select around 2,000 talented students worldwide for advanced academic training at leading Korean universities. Through this initiative, South Korea continues to attract global talent while promoting academic cooperation and international understanding.
Designed for students pursuing Master’s, PhD, and research programs, the Korean Government Scholarship 2026 provides comprehensive financial support, ensuring scholars can fully focus on their studies. The program not only supports higher education but also promotes global leadership development, cross-cultural exchange, and academic excellence. With participation from top-ranked institutions, GKS 2026 creates a strong foundation for innovation, research, and professional growth.
What makes the Global Korea Scholarship 2026 fully funded especially appealing is its accessibility. The scholarship covers full tuition, monthly living allowance, accommodation support, airfare, medical insurance,and research funding, with no application fee required. In many cases, standardized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE are not mandatory, opening doors for students from diverse academic backgrounds. Starting in September 2026, selected scholars will begin their academic journey in South Korea, gaining world-class education and long-term career opportunities in one of Asia’s most advanced countries.
Where do you want us to send you new opportunities
Global Korea Scholarship 2026 Details
- Number of Scholarships: 2,000
- Course Level: Master’s, PhD & Research Programs
- Host Universities: All participating South Korean universities
- Host Country: South Korea
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded (tuition, living allowance, airfare, and more)
- Application Deadline: Varies by country and application track
Also check, Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s
Study Duration and Program Structure of GKS 2026
The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 offers varied program durations depending on the level of study. All programs include a mandatory Korean language training period at the beginning, designed to help international students adjust both academically and culturally in South Korea.
Research Program – 6 Months to 1 Year
- Ideal for professors, researchers, and scholars
- Duration depends on the specific research project
Master’s Degree Program – 3 Years Total
- 1 year of Korean language training
- 2 years of Master’s coursework and research
Doctoral (PhD) Degree Program – 4 Years Total
- 1 year of Korean language training
- 3 years of PhD coursework and research
This structure ensures that all international students gain the necessary language skills and cultural understanding before starting their main studies or research.
Also read, Manaaki New Zealand Government Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded
Financial Support and Benefits of GKS 2026
The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded program designed to cover nearly all academic and living expenses, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies and research in South Korea.
- Coverage of full tuition fees throughout the program
- Round-trip airfare to and from South Korea
- Monthly stipend to support living expenses
- One-time resettlement allowance upon arrival
- Comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of the scholarship
- Research funding and support for academic projects
- Free Korean language training before regular studies begin
- Awards for outstanding Korean language performance
- Coverage of dissertation printing costs
- Completion grant upon successful graduation
Eligibility Requirements for GKS 2026
The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 is open to talented international students who wish to pursue higher education in South Korea. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Open to students from all countries
- Applicants must not hold Korean nationality
- Neither parent of the applicant can be a Korean citizen
- Must have completed a bachelor’s degree before the scholarship starts
- Final-year students are eligible if they will graduate before enrollment
Also check, Turkiye Burslari Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded 5,000 Scholarships in Turkey
Required Documents for GKS 2026 Application
To apply for the Global Korea Scholarship 2026, candidates must submit complete and accurate documents. These materials allow the selection committee to evaluate academic performance, research potential, and overall eligibility.
- Completed GKS Application Form
- Personal Statement clearly outlining goals and motivations
- Study Plan detailing academic objectives
- Research Proposal (if applicable)
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (at least one)
- Letter of Invitation from a Korean professor (if required)
- Korean Language Program Exemption Application (if applicable)
- Signed GKS Applicant Agreement
- Personal Medical Assessment Form
- Consent for collection and use of personal information
- Proof of citizenship and family relationship documents
- Academic certificates and official transcripts for:
- Bachelor’s degree (mandatory)Master’s degree (if applicable)
- Doctoral degree (if applicable)
- Certificate of employment or work experience (if applicable)
- Proof of Overseas Korean or Korean adoptee status (if applicable)
- Proof of Korean citizenship renunciation (if applicable)
- Proof of Korean War veteran descendant status (if applicable)
- TOPIK or English proficiency test scores (if required)
- Copies of awards or achievement certificates (optional)
- Valid passport copy
- Open to students from all countries
- Applicants must not hold Korean nationality
- Neither parent of the applicant can be a Korean citizen
- Must have completed a bachelor’s degree before the scholarship starts
- Final-year students are eligible if they will graduate before enrollment
Also read, Maastricht University Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded Study Opportunities in the Netherlands
How to Apply for GKS 2026
The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 can be applied for through two tracks:
1. Embassy Track
- Apply via the Korean Embassy in your country.
- You can choose up to 3 universities recommended by the embassy.
- Submit original or officially attested documents.
- Highly competitive; passing the first round does not guarantee final selection.
2. University Track
- Apply directly to a participating Korean university.
- Select “GKS Scholarship” in the online application.
- You can apply to only 1 university.
- Competition is usually lower than the Embassy Track.
