The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 is an opportunity for international students who want to pursue an undergraduate degree in South Korea with major financial support from the Korean government.
The program, administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), is designed to attract talented international students to Korean universities while promoting educational and cultural exchange.
For prospective students who have completed, or are about to complete, high school, GKS can provide a pathway to study in South Korea without having to cover the full cost of tuition, airfare and other approved expenses themselves.
Important: The official 2027 undergraduate application guidelines and final schedule should be checked when NIIED publishes them. The information below is based on the current official GKS undergraduate framework and should be used as a preparation guide rather than a substitute for the 2027 guidelines.
Global Korea Scholarship 2027 at a Glance
| Scholarship | Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) |
| Study destination | South Korea |
| Study level | Undergraduate / Associate Degree |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Sponsor | Korean Government / NIIED |
| Eligible applicants | International students meeting GKS nationality requirements |
| Application route | Korean Embassy or designated Korean university |
| 2027 deadline | To be announced |
| Official information | Study in Korea |
What Is the Global Korea Scholarship?
The Global Korea Scholarship, commonly called GKS, is a Korean government scholarship program for international students.
The scholarship gives talented students from eligible countries the opportunity to study at Korean higher-education institutions while developing international connections and strengthening educational cooperation between Korea and other countries.
For undergraduate study, the program can include Korean language training followed by the degree program.
What Does the GKS 2027 Scholarship Cover?
One of the biggest advantages of GKS is the level of financial support available to successful scholars.
Depending on the applicable scholarship guidelines, support can include:
1. Round-Trip Airfare
Selected scholars can receive round-trip economy-class airfare connected with their scholarship program.
2. Tuition Support
The scholarship provides financial support toward tuition fees at the designated Korean university.
3. Korean Language Training
Applicable undergraduate scholars can undertake Korean language training before beginning their degree program.
4. Monthly and Academic Allowances
GKS provides allowances intended to help scholars meet approved living and academic expenses.
5. Settlement Support
Successful scholars may receive support associated with their arrival and settlement in South Korea.
6. Medical Insurance
Scholarship recipients receive medical insurance support according to the conditions of the GKS program.
7. Other Approved Support
Depending on the applicable guidelines, scholars may receive additional support related to academic activities and completion of their studies.
Important: Scholarship benefits can be revised from one intake to another. Always use the official 2027 guidelines as the final authority.
Who Can Apply for GKS 2027?
The GKS undergraduate program is intended for international students who satisfy the program’s nationality, age, education and academic requirements.
Nationality
The applicant and both parents must hold non-Korean citizenship under the standard international applicant requirements.
Applicants should carefully review the 2027 guidelines for rules concerning dual nationality and other nationality circumstances.
Age Requirement
Under the current GKS undergraduate framework, applicants must generally be under 25 years old as of the applicable reference date.
Because the precise reference date can change between scholarship cycles, applicants should confirm the birth-date requirement in the official 2027 announcement.
Educational Qualification
For undergraduate study, applicants generally need to have completed the appropriate previous level of education.
This may include:
- Associate Degree: High school graduate or equivalent
- Bachelor’s Degree: High school graduate or associate degree graduate
Applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree should carefully check the 2027 rules before applying.
Academic Performance
Academic performance is an important part of the GKS selection process.
The current official GKS undergraduate framework requires applicants to have a cumulative academic performance of at least 80% in their most recent educational program.
Applicants should also check the official application guidelines for accepted GPA conversion methods and additional academic requirements.
Can Students From Africa Apply?
Yes. Applicants from African countries can be considered for GKS if their country is included among the countries eligible for the relevant scholarship cycle and they meet the other requirements.
However, eligibility is not simply based on being from Africa.
Applicants should check the 2027 country quota and eligible-country information published by NIIED or the relevant Korean embassy.
How Is the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship Applied For?
There are generally two main routes for GKS undergraduate applicants:
- Embassy Track: Applicants apply through the Korean embassy or relevant diplomatic mission in their country. The embassy reviews applications and recommends candidates according to the GKS selection process.
- University Track: Applicants submit their application directly to a Korean university designated for the GKS program. The university reviews applications and recommends candidates for further consideration.
Applicants should carefully check the 2027 guidelines because the available application routes and requirements can vary.
GKS 2027 Application Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check:
- Your nationality
- Your parents’ nationalities
- Your age
- Your educational qualification
- Your academic performance
- Your intended degree
- Whether your country is eligible
Step 2: Read the Official 2027 Guidelines
When NIIED publishes the 2027 GKS-U guidelines, read them carefully.
Pay particular attention to:
- Eligible countries
- Age requirements
- Academic requirements
- Required documents
- Application tracks
- University choices
- Available fields
- Submission deadlines
- Document authentication requirements
- Selection procedures
Step 3: Choose Your Application Track
Determine whether you will apply through the:
Embassy Track or University Track.
Do not assume that every applicant can use both routes.
Step 4: Research Korean Universities
Research universities and programs that match your academic interests.
Consider:
- Degree programs
- Language of instruction
- Admission requirements
- University location
- Academic reputation
- Available departments
- University-specific requirements
Choose a university based on your academic goals rather than simply its popularity.
Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
Begin preparing your documents early.
Depending on the final 2027 guidelines, these may include:
- GKS application form
- Personal statement
- Study plan
- High school graduation certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of nationality
- Parents’ nationality documents
- Birth or family relationship documentation
- Recommendation documents, where required
- Language certificates, if applicable
- Awards and supporting documents
- Other forms required by the scholarship
The final 2027 document list should always be taken from the official guidelines.
Step 6: Prepare Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement should explain who you are beyond your academic grades.
Discuss:
- Your academic background
- Your interests
- Your achievements
- Why you want to study in South Korea
- Why you selected your field
- Your career goals
- How your education could benefit your community or country
Avoid simply repeating information already shown on your transcript.
Step 7: Write a Strong Study Plan
Your study plan should demonstrate that you have carefully considered your academic future.
Explain:
- What you want to study.
- Why you chose the field.
- What skills you want to develop.
- Why South Korea is suitable for your goals.
- How you intend to use your education after graduation.
Step 8: Submit Before the Deadline
GKS deadlines can differ depending on the application route and country.
Applicants should therefore follow the deadline published by their Korean embassy or designated university rather than relying on a deadline posted on an unofficial website.
When Will GKS 2027 Applications Open?
The 2027 GKS undergraduate application schedule should be confirmed through the official NIIED/Study in Korea announcement.
Applicants should monitor the official scholarship notices for the release of the 2027 application guidelines.
Do not treat dates circulating on social media or unofficial scholarship websites as confirmed until they can be verified through an official source.
What Should You Do Before Applications Open?
You can begin preparing even before the official application opens.
Gather Your Academic Documents
Request your:
- Academic transcripts
- Graduation certificate
- School records
- Identification documents
- Family or birth documents where applicable
Research Universities
Create a shortlist of Korean universities and programs that match your academic interests.
Improve Your Academic Profile
If you are still completing secondary school, continue working toward strong academic results.
Build Your Experience
Leadership, volunteering, community activities, competitions, projects and other meaningful achievements can help demonstrate your broader potential.
Prepare Your Essays
Do not wait until the application portal opens before starting your personal statement and study plan.
Does GKS Require IELTS or TOEFL?
Applicants should check the official 2027 guidelines and individual university requirements regarding English or Korean language proficiency.
IELTS or TOEFL should not automatically be assumed to be mandatory for every GKS undergraduate applicant.
Likewise, applicants do not necessarily need to already be fluent in Korean before applying.
Always follow the requirements stated in the official GKS guidelines and the relevant university information.
Is the Global Korea Scholarship Really Fully Funded?
GKS is commonly described as a fully funded scholarship because it provides substantial financial support toward major study-related and living expenses.
However, fully funded does not necessarily mean that every personal expense will be covered.
Applicants should still plan for expenses that may fall outside the scholarship’s approved benefits.
Important Warning About GKS Applications
The GKS program is highly competitive.
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
Applicants may be evaluated based on academic performance, application documents, personal statements, study plans and other criteria established for the relevant year.
Be cautious of anyone promising a guaranteed GKS scholarship in exchange for money.
The safest approach is to obtain information directly from official Korean government sources, the relevant Korean embassy or participating university.
Official GKS 2027 Information
The main official source for GKS information is the Study in Korea website, operated by the Korean government.
Official Study in Korea GKS Information:
https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/plan/scholarship.do
Applicants should regularly check the official GKS notices for the release of the 2027 GKS-U application guidelines, eligible countries, deadlines, universities and application forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GKS 2027 open now?
Applicants should confirm the latest status through the official NIIED/Study in Korea announcement. The 2027 undergraduate guidelines should be treated as the final authority once published.
Can international students apply for GKS?
Yes. GKS is designed for eligible international students who meet the nationality, education, age and academic requirements.
Can I apply if I already have a bachelor’s degree?
The undergraduate GKS program is intended for applicants pursuing undergraduate-level education. Applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree should carefully review the 2027 eligibility rules.
Does GKS pay tuition?
Yes. Tuition support is one of the major benefits of the GKS program, subject to the conditions and limits specified by the applicable scholarship guidelines.
Does GKS pay for flights?
The current GKS framework includes round-trip economy airfare for eligible scholars.
Do I need to speak Korean?
Not necessarily. Applicable GKS undergraduate scholars can receive Korean language training, meaning applicants do not necessarily need to already be fluent in Korean before applying.
How competitive is GKS?
GKS is highly competitive because it offers substantial financial support and attracts applicants from many countries.
Final Advice for GKS 2027 Applicants
If studying in South Korea is one of your goals, start preparing before the application window opens.
Your priority should be to:
- Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Maintain strong academic results.
- Research suitable Korean universities.
- Prepare your academic documents.
- Work on your personal statement.
- Develop a clear study plan.
- Research your intended field.
- Monitor official GKS announcements.
- Follow the instructions issued by your Korean embassy or selected university.
Most importantly, remember that the 2027 GKS-U guidelines are the final authority. Requirements, deadlines, available universities, quotas and scholarship benefits can change from one year to another.
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Disclaimer: OpportunityShape shares scholarship and international opportunity information for educational and informational purposes.
We are not the scholarship provider, Korean government, NIIED, embassy or participating university.
Scholarship requirements, deadlines, eligible countries, available programs and funding arrangements can change without notice. Applicants should always verify the latest information through the official scholarship provider or relevant government/university website before submitting an application or making financial commitments.
OpportunityShape does not guarantee admission, scholarship selection or visa approval.
Always use the official GKS instructions when applying.
