About this opportunity
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027, administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), enables outstanding students from more than 153 countries to study at South Korea’s top universities, such as Seoul National University, KAIST, Yonsei University and Korea University. The program covers all tuition fees, provides a KRW 900,000 monthly living allowance, round‑trip airfare, a KRW 200,000 settling‑in grant, health insurance, one year of intensive Korean language training and research support. South Korea offers a high‑tech, culturally vibrant environment with a relatively low cost of living compared with many Western capitals; the stipend comfortably covers accommodation, food, transport and personal expenses. Successful scholars receive a D‑2 student visa, granting the right to reside and study for the full duration of the program. Applicants can streamline their application materials using Oppora’s CV Builder Studio, AI Cover Letter Generator, and Recommendation Letter Studio to produce polished documents that meet the scholarship’s standards.
Benefits
- Full tuition coverage for the entire degree program (undergraduate, master’s, PhD or research).
- Monthly stipend of KRW 900,000 (approximately USD 700) to cover living costs.
- Round‑trip economy class airfare between the scholar’s home country and South Korea.
- Settling‑in grant of KRW 200,000 to help with initial accommodation and setup.
- Comprehensive health insurance for the scholarship period.
- One‑year Korean language program before academic coursework begins, facilitating daily life and academic integration.
- Research support for project‑related expenses, conference travel and dissertation printing.
Eligibility
- Citizens of any of the 153+ eligible countries (dual citizens holding Korean nationality are ineligible).
- Age limit: under 40 for general applicants (under 45 for academic professors) as of 1 September 2025.
- Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required for master’s track; Master’s degree required for doctoral track; research track applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree and have an invitation from a designated Korean university.
- No mandatory IELTS/TOEFL requirement, though some universities may request proof of English or Korean proficiency.
Required Documents
- Completed official GKS application form.
- Personal statement outlining academic motivation and career goals.
- Detailed study plan describing proposed coursework or research.
- Two academic letters of recommendation.
- Medical assessment report confirming good health.
- Official academic transcripts and graduation certificates.
- Proof of citizenship for the applicant and both parents.
How to Apply
- Click the Apply button below to access the official GKS application portal.
- Complete the online form, upload all required documents, and verify that your country‑specific deadline has not passed.
- Review your application carefully and submit before the closing date indicated by your home‑country Korean embassy or the partner university.
Ready to start your application?
Submit your materials before the official deadline.
Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.
Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in South Korea to National Institute's strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.
