Korean Global Korea Scholarships 2026 (GKS-U) – Fully Funded

To all the talented international students, wish to pursue their undergraduate degree program in Korea, with all their finances covered. One of the most awaited Korean Global Korea Scholarships for the academic session 2026 is now open for applications. GKS (Global Korea Scholarship), previously known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is a prestigious scholarship program hosted by the Government of Korea and administered through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) offers an opportunity to excellent international students holding a citizenship of GKS partner countries to pursue a full-time Undergraudate degree program and associate degree followed by 1-year intensive Korean language course in one of the leading higher education institutions of Korea.

The GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) is designed to attract bright international students to study in Korea, promote international exchange in the education sector, and foster mutual friendship between Korea and participating countries. For the academic session 2026, GKS-U has allocated a total of 280 seats, which are granted in 2 application routes. (1) Embassy Track, 150 total seats, (2) University Track, 130 seats. The GKS-U scholarship offers comprehensive support that covers all the costs related to the undergraduate degree program in South Korea, which includes Air travel costs, Tuition Fees Coverage, a Monthly allowance, thesis allowance, medical coverage, and much more.

The scholarships are available in a wide range of degree programs covering all the major areas such as Engineering & Technology, Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Arts, Economics, etc. To know more about the GKS Undergraduate scholarship, read the details given below.

GKS Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 Overview

• Host Country: South Korea
• Program: GKS-U (Undergraduate)
• Coverage: Fully Funded
• Study Level: Associate, Undergraduate degree
• Total Awards: 280

Also, Check: NTU Singapore Global Connect Fellowship 2026

GKS-U Scholarship Coverage

The scholarship is funded by the Government of Korea, which covers:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Round-trip Economy Class air tickets to/from Korea
• A comprehensive Health Coverage
• 1 Year intensive Korean Language course training
• A competitive monthly stipend of Approx KRW 900,000
• Additional Allowances such as settlement support, thesis grant, TOPIK exam fee, and degree completion incentive
• Culture and professional development programs

Degree Programs & Duration

The scholarship offers the following degree programs:

• Undergraduate degree: 4-year study program + 1 Year Language course
• Associate Degree: 2-3 Years Study Program + 1 Year Language Course

GKS-U Eligibility Criteria

Applicants fulfilling the following criteria are invited to submit their applications:

• Applicants not holding a Korean citizenship of Korea are invited to apply
• Individuals holding a dual nationality with Korea cannot apply
• Applicants must typically be between 18-25 years old
• For a bachelor’s degree, candidates must have completed a high school degree
• An associate’s degree also requires high school graduation
• GKUS-U is highly competitive; applicants with excellent
• Academic standing (Percentile 80% or higher) is required to apply
• Must be in good physical/mental health to attend the program
• No criminal record status
• Not received any other Korean Government scholarship

Application Tracks:

1. Embassy Track: Individuals have to apply through the Korean Embassy in their country
2. University Tack: Individuals need to directly apply to participating institutes

Participating Institution in Embassy Track:

Participating Institutions in University Track:

Scholarship Quota 

The following is the Quota assigned for the Embassy and University track

Embassy Track Quota

University Track Quota

Required Documents:

1. A complete application form
2. Personal Statement
3. Study Plan
4. Two Letters of Recommendation
5. GKUS-U Applicant’s Agreement Form
6. Medical Assessment form
7. Degree Certificate or Proof of expected graduation
8. Notarized High school transcript
9. Citizenship proof via Passport or national ID
10. Awards
11. Language Certificate (Optional)

Also, Check:

• Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarship 2026-28
• University of Milan DSU Scholarship 2026-27 in Italy

How to Apply for the GKS-U scholarship 2026?

Applicants meeting the required criteria must apply through one of the two available application tracks. Let’s discuss them in detail:

Embassy Track

Applicants need to apply via the Korean Embassy located in their desired country:

• Step 1: Make sure you meet all the criteria
• Step 2: Prepare all the required documentation
• Step 3: Submit all the required documents along with the application to your Embassy
• Step 4: The embassy will review all the applications and nominate the shortlisted applicants
• Step 5: The NIIED will make the final decision

University Track

Applicants need to apply directly via a participating Korean institute:

• Step 1: Choose your desired university and the major you wish to apply for
  • Note: Applicants can apply for one major and one university under this track
• Step 2: Check the GKS application instructions on the institute’s admission page
• Step 3: Prepare all required documents and submit them to the institute
• Step 4: Institutes will evaluate applications and forward them to NIIED
• Step 5: Final selection needs to be made by NIIED

GKS-U Application Timeline

To know more details and to apply via the official link given below:

GKS-U APPLICATION DETAILS

OFFICIAL LINK

Global Korea Scholarship Application Form