The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 is a fully funded scholarship programme offered by the Government of the Republic of Korea to international students who want to pursue higher education in South Korea. The programme is designed to provide international students with opportunities to study at Korean higher education institutions while developing international academic networks and strengthening educational cooperation.
The scholarship is administered through Korea's National Institute for International Education (NIIED), and applications are generally submitted through either the Korean Embassy in the applicant's country or a designated Korean university, depending on the selected application track.
GKS is available for different degree levels, including undergraduate and graduate programmes. The exact eligibility requirements, university lists, quotas and application dates depend on the relevant annual GKS guidelines.
The Global Korea Scholarship is the Korean government's flagship scholarship programme for international students. It supports selected students who wish to pursue degree programmes at participating Korean universities.
The programme is intended to strengthen educational cooperation between South Korea and other countries while allowing international students to study in Korea. The official Study in Korea portal describes GKS as a government-invited scholarship programme designed to attract talented international students and develop global talent.
Depending on the programme and degree level, scholars may complete Korean language training before beginning their degree studies. Students then continue their undergraduate or graduate education at a designated Korean university.
GKS is generally described as a fully funded scholarship, with the Korean government providing financial support for major study-related expenses.
The scholarship package can include:
Full or substantial tuition support
Korean language training support where applicable
Monthly living allowance
Round-trip airfare
Medical insurance
Settlement allowance
Completion grant
Research support for eligible graduate students
Thesis printing support for eligible graduate scholars
Korean proficiency-related allowances where applicable
The exact benefits and amounts can vary according to the GKS degree programme and the annual guidelines. Applicants should therefore check the official 2027 guidelines before relying on a specific allowance amount.
The Global Korea Scholarship is intended for international students whose citizenship is different from that of the Republic of Korea. Applicants must satisfy the nationality, age, education and academic requirements stated in the applicable 2027 programme guidelines.
The scholarship covers different education levels, so requirements differ between undergraduate and graduate applicants. Students applying for graduate programmes generally need the relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree, depending on whether they are applying for a Master's or doctoral programme.
Applicants should also meet the required academic performance standards. GKS application materials can include academic transcripts, certificates of graduation, and other evidence of previous education.
Because the eligibility rules can change from one annual intake to another, applicants should use the official 2027 application guidelines as the final reference.
The Global Korea Scholarship is offered across several study levels.
International students can apply for undergraduate opportunities under the relevant GKS undergraduate programme. Applicants normally need to have completed the required level of secondary education and satisfy the programme's age and academic requirements.
Students who have completed a Bachelor's degree can apply for eligible GKS Master's programmes. Applicants select participating universities and programmes according to the relevant annual guidelines.
Applicants who have completed the required Master's degree may apply for GKS doctoral opportunities. Doctoral applicants are normally required to submit additional academic and research-related documentation.
The Korean government also offers other GKS categories, including research-related opportunities, depending on the annual programme structure.
GKS provides opportunities across a broad range of academic disciplines. Depending on the participating university and annual programme, students can find programmes in areas such as:
Engineering
Computer Science and Information Technology
Natural Sciences
Business and Economics
Social Sciences
Humanities
Arts
Medicine and health-related fields
Environmental studies
Biotechnology
Korean studies
Other academic disciplines offered by participating universities
Applicants should always check the designated university list and individual programme requirements before selecting a field of study.
One of the most important features of GKS is the availability of different application routes.
Under the Embassy Track, applicants apply through the Korean Embassy in their country of citizenship. Under the University Track, applicants apply directly to one of the designated Korean universities. The official GKS notice confirms that applicants must select the appropriate application route rather than applying through both tracks simultaneously.
The number of universities that applicants can select and the selection procedure depend on the specific GKS programme and annual guidelines.
Applicants from Pakistan should check the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Pakistan for country-specific instructions when the 2027 application announcement is released.
The exact document list depends on the GKS category and application track, but applicants should generally prepare documents such as:
GKS application form
Personal statement
Study plan
Research proposal, where applicable
Graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate
Official academic transcripts
Recommendation letter
Passport or proof of nationality
Family relationship or nationality documents where required
Language proficiency certificate, if available or required
Medical assessment or health-related forms where required
Additional documents requested by the embassy or university
Official GKS application guidance provides instructions concerning academic performance and foreign-language proficiency, while the Study in Korea portal lists common admission documents such as graduation certificates and official transcripts.
Applicants should first determine whether they are applying through the Embassy Track or University Track.
The general application process is:
Review the official GKS 2027 guidelines.
Check the eligibility requirements for your study level.
Select the appropriate application track.
Review the participating universities and eligible programmes.
Prepare the required academic and personal documents.
Complete the GKS application form.
Submit the application through the designated embassy or university.
Complete the subsequent selection stages if shortlisted.
Follow the instructions for university admission and final scholarship selection.
The application procedure is competitive, and applicants should carefully follow the document-formatting, authentication and submission instructions in the official annual guidelines.
The GKS 2027 deadline is not one universal date for all applicants. Application schedules vary according to the degree programme, application track, country and participating university.
The Korean government's Study in Korea portal publishes separate GKS notices and annual application guidelines. Graduate scholarship guidance is generally announced ahead of the relevant September admission cycle, while undergraduate and other programme schedules follow their respective annual announcements.
Therefore, applicants should check the latest official announcement from Study in Korea and the relevant Korean Embassy or university rather than relying on a single deadline published on third-party scholarship websites.
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Global Korea Scholarship 2027 |
| Host Country | South Korea |
| Provider | Government of the Republic of Korea |
| Administered By | NIIED |
| Study Levels | Undergraduate, Master's, PhD, and other eligible programmes |
| Funding | Fully funded/major financial support |
| Application Tracks | Embassy Track and University Track |
| Eligible Applicants | International students |
| Study Location | Participating Korean universities |
| Application Deadline | Varies by programme and track |
| Official Portal | Study in Korea |
The Global Korea Scholarship provides international students with an opportunity to pursue higher education in South Korea with significant financial support. In addition to academic study, scholars can experience Korean culture, build international connections and develop relationships with students and researchers from different countries.
The programme is also supported through the Korean government's official Study in Korea system, which provides information about universities, scholarships, admission procedures, visas and student life in Korea.
For students interested in technology, engineering, business, sciences, humanities and other disciplines, the participating university system provides a broad range of academic options.
The Global Korea Scholarship 2027 in South Korea is a major government-funded opportunity for international students seeking undergraduate or graduate education in Korea. Depending on the programme, financial support can include tuition, airfare, living expenses, insurance and other study-related benefits.
Applicants should not wait until the application period to begin preparing. Academic transcripts, graduation documents, recommendation letters, personal statements and other supporting materials can take time to arrange and authenticate.
Students should carefully review the official GKS 2027 guidelines once released and follow the instructions of the relevant Korean Embassy or designated university. Since application deadlines vary by track and programme, checking the official announcement is essential before submission. Apply Now