Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS) 2026 in South Korea — Fully Funded Master’s & PhD With Monthly Allowance, Flights & Free Tuition

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Summary:

The Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS) is a fully funded opportunity for international students to study for a Master’s, PhD, or research program in South Korea. It covers round-trip airfare, full tuition, a monthly stipend (₩900,000), settlement allowance, medical insurance, Korean language training, and research support. Applicants must apply through either the Korean Embassy (choose 3 universities) or a designated university like Kookmin University (choose 1). Candidates must be under 40, hold the required degree, and have strong academic results (minimum 80% or equivalent GPA). Final selection is made by NIIED.

Scholarship Name

Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS)

Host / Institution

South Korean Universities (via Korean Embassies or designated universities such as Kookmin University)

Level of Study

• Master’s

• PhD

• Research Program

Value / Benefits

• Round-trip economy airfare

• Monthly stipend: ₩900,000

• Settlement allowance: ₩200,000

• Full tuition (paid by NIIED)

• 1 year Korean language training (fully funded)

• Research allowance per semester

• Medical insurance (monthly support)

• Dissertation printing support (₩500,000–₩800,000)

• Extra ₩100,000/month for TOPIK Level 5 or 6 holders

Duration

• Master’s: 1 year of language + 2 years of degree

• PhD: 1 year language + 3 years degree

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant and parents must be non-Korean citizens

• Under 40 years old

• Must hold a Bachelor’s (for Master’s) or Master’s (for PhD) by the deadline

• Minimum 80% or equivalent GPA

• Good physical and mental health

• Must not have previously studied in Korea

• Korean or English proficiency = advantage

• Preference for natural science & technology fields

Required Documents (Core)

• Application form

• Personal statement & study plan

• Two recommendation letters

• Academic transcripts & certificates

• Proof of citizenship (applicant & parents)

• Medical assessment

• Language certificates (optional but beneficial)

Application Tracks

Embassy Track:

• Apply through a Korean embassy

• Choose 3 universities

University Track:

• Apply to one designated university (e.g., Kookmin University)

Applying to both tracks = disqualification.

Key Timeline (University Track)

• Application: Late Feb – Late March

• 1st selection (university): Early April

• 2nd selection (NIIED): Mid-April

• Final results: Mid-June

• Arrival in Korea: Late August

Selection Process

1. First screening by the embassy or the university

2. Final selection by NIIED based on:

   • Academic performance

   • Study plan

   • Recommendations

   • Language ability

   • Awards/publications

Preferred Applicants

• Strong academic achievers

• STEM applicants

• University lecturers in developing countries

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS)

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