Global Korea Scholarship GKS-U 2027 in South Korea (Fully Funded)

Applications are open for the GKS Scholarship 2027, a prestigious fully funded opportunity for international students who want to complete an undergraduate degree in South Korea. The scholarship is financed by the Korean Government and administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).

Officially known as the Global Korea Scholarship for Undergraduate Degrees, the program supports eligible students pursuing bachelor’s and associate degree programs at participating Korean universities. Successful applicants receive tuition support, airfare, living allowances, Korean-language training, and several other benefits.

The Korean Government plans to select 286 international students through the Embassy Track and University Track for the 2027 intake. Applicants should carefully review the official guidelines because eligible countries, available universities, application methods, and deadlines differ between the two tracks.

Students searching for other opportunities in Asia can also explore the GIST Scholarship 2027 in South Korea and the Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2027 in Japan.

GKS Scholarship 2027 Information

What Does the GKS Scholarship 2027 Cover?

The GKS Scholarship 2027 provides comprehensive financial assistance throughout the language-training and degree periods. According to the official guidelines, selected scholars may receive the following support:

• Economy-class airfare, subject to the conditions in the guidelines
• Full admission-fee coverage
• Tuition support of up to KRW 5 million, with the participating university covering an eligible amount above this limit
• Korean-language training fees
• Settlement allowance after arrival in South Korea
• Annual living allowance during the Korean-language program
• Annual living allowance during the degree program
• Medical insurance support
• Korean-language proficiency grant for eligible scholars
• Degree-completion grant
• Access to academic and cultural experiences in South Korea

The stated financial benefits and payment conditions may be adjusted by NIIED. Applicants should check the official 2027 guidelines before making financial or travel arrangements.

International students may also consider the Monash University Scholarships 2027 and the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027–28 for additional fully funded opportunities.

Available Application Tracks

Applicants must choose the correct application route. They cannot normally submit applications through both tracks at the same time.

Embassy Track

Under the Embassy Track, candidates apply through the official Study in Korea online application system and follow the instructions issued for their country. The first selection is associated with the Korean embassy responsible for that country.

The Embassy Track offers 156 bachelor’s degree scholarships. Applicants may select up to three eligible universities, but at least one choice must be a designated Type B university.

The official online application period is scheduled from 15 September 2026 at 11:00 a.m. until 30 September 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Korea Standard Time. Applicants should also read announcements from the Korean embassy serving their country because additional local instructions may apply.

University Track

Under the University Track, students apply to one participating university offering an eligible program. This route includes:

• 100 scholarships for bachelor’s programs under the University Industry Cooperation category
• 30 scholarships for associate degree programs

University Track deadlines generally fall between September and November 2026, but every participating institution establishes its own submission deadline. Candidates must check the relevant university announcement before applying.

Eligibility Criteria for GKS Scholarship 2027

Applicants for the GKS Scholarship 2027 must satisfy all requirements stated in the official guidelines. General eligibility conditions include the following:

• The applicant and both parents must hold citizenship from countries other than South Korea.
• Applicants must be citizens of countries included in the relevant GKS track and quota.
• Bachelor’s applicants must have graduated or be expected to graduate from high school.
• Associate degree applicants must meet the educational requirements stated for their chosen program.
• Expected graduates must submit their final graduation certificate and transcript by the deadline specified by NIIED.
• Applicants must normally be under 25 years old based on the date stated in the official guidelines.
• Candidates must have achieved at least 80% on a 100-point scale, rank within the top 20% of their class, or meet an accepted equivalent GPA.
• Applicants must be physically and mentally healthy enough to study in South Korea for the full scholarship period.
• Candidates must meet the admission conditions of their chosen university and academic department.

Former or current recipients of certain Korean Government degree scholarships may not be eligible. Restrictions can also apply to applicants who previously graduated from a Korean institution. Candidates affected by these circumstances must read the complete official eligibility rules.

Academic Performance Requirements

Students must satisfy at least one recognized academic-performance standard. Depending on the grading system, eligibility may be demonstrated through:

• A cumulative score of 80% or higher
• Placement within the top 20% of the applicant’s class
• An accepted cumulative GPA equivalent listed in the official guidelines

If a transcript does not use an accepted grading scale, the applicant may need to provide an official conversion document issued or verified by the school. Applicants should not calculate or certify their own grades unless the guidelines specifically allow it.

Required Documents

The exact document list may vary according to the application track, embassy, university, and applicant’s circumstances. Common documents for the GKS Scholarship 2027 include:

• Completed GKS application form
• Personal statement
• Study plan
• Recommender’s information and recommendation letter
• GKS Applicant Agreement
• Personal Medical Assessment
• Applicant and parents’ proof of citizenship
• Family-relationship documentation
• High-school graduation certificate or expected-graduation certificate
• Official academic transcripts
• Proof of age or identity
• TOPIK certificate, if available
• TOEFL or IELTS certificate, if available
• Awards and other optional supporting documents
• Overseas Korean documentation, when applicable

Documents may require an apostille or consular confirmation. Materials issued in a language other than Korean or English may also require a certified translation. Applicants should follow the document rules exactly because incomplete, incorrectly authenticated, or late documents can lead to disqualification.

Is IELTS Required for GKS 2027?

IELTS is not listed as a universal requirement for every applicant. However, a valid IELTS or TOEFL result can strengthen an application and may be required by a particular university or academic department.

TOPIK is also not compulsory for every new applicant, but Korean-language ability may improve a candidate’s evaluation. Selected scholars generally complete one year of Korean-language training unless they qualify for an exemption under the official rules.

GKS Scholarship 2027 Deadline

The deadline depends on the selected application track:

• Embassy Track: 30 September 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Korea Standard Time
• University Track: Different for each participating university, normally between September and November 2026

Candidates should not wait until the final day. Gathering citizenship records, authenticated academic documents, translations, and recommendation materials can take considerable time.

Final results are expected to be announced by NIIED in January 2027, according to the official selection schedule. Any changes will be published through Study in Korea.

How to Apply for GKS Scholarship 2027

Follow these steps to submit an application:

1. Open the official 2027 GKS-U announcement on the Study in Korea website.
2. Download and carefully read the English application guidelines.
3. Check whether your nationality is included in the Embassy Track or University Track quota.
4. Review the official University Information files.
5. Choose only universities and departments available under your application track.
6. Confirm that you satisfy the nationality, age, education, health, and academic-performance requirements.
7. Prepare the application form, personal statement, study plan, recommendation, academic records, and citizenship documents.
8. Arrange apostilles, consular authentication, and certified translations where required.
9. Submit the application through the method specified for the Embassy Track or University Track.
10. Regularly check your email and the responsible embassy or university website for interview and selection updates.

Applicants should never pay an unofficial person who promises guaranteed selection. Admission and scholarship decisions are made only through the authorized GKS selection process.

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Important Application Advice

The GKS Scholarship 2027 is highly competitive, so applicants should present a clear connection between their academic history, chosen field, selected university, and future plans.

A strong personal statement should explain the applicant’s achievements, challenges, motivation, and readiness to study abroad. The study plan should describe realistic academic and language-learning goals. Candidates should avoid submitting generic or AI-generated claims that do not reflect their genuine experiences.

Before submitting, verify every name, date, university choice, signature, and document. Small administrative errors may weaken an otherwise strong application.

Final Thoughts

The GKS Scholarship 2027 is an outstanding opportunity for international students seeking a fully funded bachelor’s or associate degree in South Korea. With 286 planned awards, comprehensive financial assistance, and access to participating Korean universities, the program can provide a valuable pathway to international education.

Applicants should begin preparing immediately, select the correct application track, and rely on the official 2027 guidelines for final decisions. Deadlines and local requirements may differ, so always confirm the latest instructions with the relevant Korean embassy or participating university before submitting an application.