Global Korea Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarship in South Korea

Key facts:

• Organisation: National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Government of the Republic of Korea
• Category: Scholarship
• Country / region: South Korea
• Deadline:
• Open to nationalities (optional): Citizens of NIIED-designated countries. The University Track's UIC programme is open to applicants of all nationalities, according to the supplied announcement.
• Funding: Economy-class airfare, tuition support of up to KRW 5 million from NIIED, Korean language training support of KRW 5.2 million per year, annual allowance of KRW 13.56 million during language training and KRW 14.4 million during the degree programme, settlement allowance, medical insurance, completion grant and possible additional support for TOPIK level 5 or 6.
• Study level: Undergraduate Bachelor's and Associate degrees.
• Field of study: Various fields offered by participating universities. The University Track includes the UIC programme.
• Duration: Depends on the selected programme. The announcement does not specify the exact duration.
• Host institution: Participating universities in South Korea.
• Language requirement: Not specified as a general entry requirement in the announcement. TOEFL, IELTS and TOPIK certificates may be submitted as optional documents. Applicants should check the requirements of their chosen university and programme.

About the programme

• The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a Korean Government scholarship programme that gives international students an opportunity to study at higher education institutions in South Korea.
• It is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).
• The programme aims to promote international educational exchange and strengthen friendship between South Korea and participating countries.
• For 2027, undergraduate applicants can apply through two routes: the Embassy Track and the University Track.
• The scholarship supports Bachelor's and Associate degree programmes.

Who can apply

• Applicants must be citizens of countries designated by NIIED. Their parents must also not hold Korean citizenship.
• Applicants with Korean citizenship, including dual citizens with Korean nationality, are not eligible.
• The UIC programme under the University Track is open to applicants of all nationalities, according to the announcement.
• Bachelor's applicants must have completed high school or be expected to graduate by 31 December 2026.
• Associate degree applicants must also have completed high school or be expected to graduate by 31 December 2026.
• Applicants who already hold a Bachelor's degree cannot apply.
• Applicants who expect to graduate must submit proof of graduation by 31 December 2026.
• Applicants must have achieved at least 80% of their overall academic performance or rank within the top 20% of their class.

• Alternatively, applicants must meet one of the following minimum cumulative GPAs:

  • 2.64 on a 4.0 scale.
  • 2.80 on a 4.3 scale.
  • 2.91 on a 4.5 scale.
  • 3.23 on a 5.0 scale.
• Applicants must be under 25 years old and born after 1 March 2002.
• Applicants must be in good physical and mental health.
• Graduates or expected graduates of Korean high schools, associate degree programmes or online Korean programmes are not eligible.
• Applicants who have previously received a Korean Government scholarship for a degree programme are not eligible.
• Applicants cannot submit duplicate applications through multiple tracks or universities.

What you get

• Airfare: Economy-class flight ticket based on actual expenses.
• Tuition support: NIIED provides up to KRW 5 million. The university covers tuition amounts above this limit and the admission fee.
• Korean language training: KRW 5.2 million per year.
• Monthly allowance during language training: KRW 13.56 million per year, equivalent to approximately KRW 1.13 million per month.
• Monthly allowance during degree studies: KRW 14.4 million per year, equivalent to approximately KRW 1.2 million per month.
• Settlement allowance: One-time payment upon arrival.
• Medical insurance: Health insurance during the scholarship period.
• Completion grant: Financial support at the end of the programme.
• Korean proficiency grant: Additional support may be available to scholars who achieve TOPIK level 5 or 6.

How to apply

Applicants can apply through either the Embassy Track or the University Track. You must follow the correct application process for your chosen route.

1. Embassy Track

• Applications are submitted online through the Study in Korea website.
• Create an account on the official platform.
• Complete the application form and upload the required documents.
• Follow the submission instructions and meet the application deadline.

2027 Embassy Track application period:

• Opening: 15 September 2026 at 11:00 AM Korean Standard Time.
• Closing: 30 September 2026 at 6:00 PM Korean Standard Time.

2. University Track

• Apply directly to a participating Korean university.
• Follow the university's application instructions.
• Submit documents using the method specified by the university, which may include online submission, postal mail or in-person delivery.
• University Track application periods generally run from September to November 2026.
• Exact deadlines and submission requirements differ by university.

Official application platform: https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/

Documents required

The announcement lists the following documents:

Required documents:

• Completed application form.
• Personal statement.
• Study plan.
• Recommendation letter.
• GKS Applicant Agreement.
• Personal Medical Assessment.
• Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information.
• Applicant's proof of citizenship.
• Parent or guardian's proof of citizenship.
• Family relationship certificate or other proof of family relationship.
• High school graduation certificate.
• High school academic transcript.

If applicable:

• Associate degree certificate and transcript.
• Proof of renunciation of Korean citizenship.
• Documents confirming overseas Korean or adoptee status.

Optional documents:

• TOPIK certificate.
• TOEFL or IELTS certificate.
• Awards and certificates (maximum of five).
• Passport copy, where applicable.

Applicants should consult the official guidelines for document certification, translation and submission requirements.

Important dates

• Embassy Track opens: 15 September 2026, 11:00 AM KST.
• Embassy Track deadline: 30 September 2026, 6:00 PM KST.
• University Track application period: September–November 2026; exact deadlines depend on the university.
• Expected graduation deadline: 31 December 2026.
• Scholarship year: 2027.