What Is the GKS Scholarship?
- GoKorea Study Staff
- May 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 30
💡 Introduction
Dreaming of studying in Korea but worried about tuition and living costs? The GKS Scholarship (Global Korea Scholarship) is a prestigious, fully funded program that supports international students who want to pursue higher education in Korea. Here's everything you need to know to prepare for GKS 2025.
🎓 What Is the GKS?
The Global Korea Scholarship is run by the Korean government through NIIED. It selects outstanding students from around the world and offers them a chance to study in Korea for free—while building international friendships and promoting cultural exchange.
Key Benefits:
Full tuition coverage
Round-trip airfare
Monthly stipend (KRW 900,000+)
One-time settlement fee
Research support
1-year intensive Korean language training
Each year, over 2,000 students from 150+ countries are selected.
📅 Application Timeline (2025)
Program | Application Period | Program Start |
Undergraduate | September–October 2024 | March 2025 |
Graduate | February–April 2025 | September 2025 |
📌 Deadlines vary by country and university.
📄 Download the latest GKS PDF Guide
🛤️ Embassy Track vs. University Track
Track | Embassy Track | University Track |
Apply To | Korean Embassy in your country | Directly to university in Korea |
University Choice | Up to 3 (ranked) | Only 1 |
Competition | Higher (nationwide) | Lower (some regions) |
Selection By | Embassy + NIIED | University + NIIED |
👉 Need help choosing your track?Take our GKS Strategy Quiz
✅ Who Can Apply?
To qualify for GKS, applicants must meet basic eligibility criteria:
Requirement | Undergraduate | Graduate (MA/PhD) |
Age | Under 25 | Under 40 |
Degree | High school diploma | Bachelor’s or Master’s |
GPA | 2.64/4.0 or Top 20% | Same |
Citizenship | GKS-eligible country | GKS-eligible country |
Korean Nationality | Not allowed (even dual) | Same |
Health | Good physical & mental | Same |
✏️ How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Decide your track: Embassy or University
Check university eligibility and quotas
Prepare your documents (transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, etc.)
Submit your application before the deadline
Wait for results → interview → final selection
📘 Need expert help?See our GKS Consulting Service
⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting missing or improperly named files
Applying to non-eligible majors or schools
Using vague or off-topic personal statements
Ignoring embassy vs. university track rules
Missing the deadline for your country
💬 FAQs
Q: Do I need TOPIK or Korean skills to apply?
No, GKS provides 1 year of Korean language training before your program begins.
Q: Can I apply to medical or law programs?
No. GKS does not cover medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or law.
Q: Is it 100% free?
Almost all major expenses are covered, but small personal or visa-related fees may apply.
🟩 Conclusion + Call to Action
The GKS Scholarship is one of the most life-changing study abroad programs available. It offers the chance to get a world-class education in Korea without worrying about financial costs. But competition is tough—so the right strategy makes all the difference.
👉 Not sure where to start?
Take our free GKS Eligibility Assessment now and get a personalized recommendation within 2 minutes.
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