Korea Government GKS Fully Funded Scholarship in South Korea 2025

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is a prestigious initiative by the South Korean government aimed at fostering international educational exchange and strengthening mutual friendships with participating countries. For the year 2025, the GKS program is set to invite 1,820 international students to pursue graduate degrees in South Korea. 

Program Overview

The GKS scholarship is a fully funded program that covers all major expenses, allowing international students to study in Korea without financial burden. This prestigious scholarship is designed to support students throughout their academic journey in Korea. 

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the GKS 2025 program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Nationality: Applicants and their parents must be non-Korean citizens. Korean citizens and dual citizenship holders (one being Korean) are not eligible.

Age: Applicants must be under 20 years of age as of September 1, 2025 (i.e., born after September 1, 2005).

Academic Qualifications:

Master’s Program: Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree or be expected to receive one by August 31, 2025.

Doctoral Program: Applicants should hold a master's degree or be expected to receive one by August 31, 2025.

Grades: Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) equivalent to or higher than:

2.64 on a 4.0 scale,

2.80 on a 4.3 scale,

2.91 on a 4.5 scale,

Or scores of 80% or higher on a 100-point scale.

Health: Applicants must be in good physical and mental health to study in Korea for the entire duration of the program.

Application Tracks

Applicants can apply through one of the following tracks:

1. Embassy Track:

Quota: 720 students.

Process: Applicants submit their applications to the Korean Embassy in their country of citizenship. The embassy conducts the first round of selection and recommends candidates to the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).

University Placement: Applicants can apply to up to three universities and must include at least one university from Type B (a list provided in the application guidelines).

2. University Track:

Quota: 1,100 students.

Process: Applicants submit their applications directly to one of the designated Korean universities. The university conducts the first round of selection and recommends candidates to NIIED.

University Placement: Applicants can apply to only one university and one department.

Scholarship Benefits

The GKS scholarship provides comprehensive support to its recipients, including:

Airfare: Round-trip economy class tickets.

Settlement Allowance: KRW 200,000 upon arrival.

Monthly Allowance:

Master’s and Doctoral Programs: KRW 1,000,000 per month.

Research Programs: KRW 1,500,000 per month.

Tuition Fees: Full coverage (up to KRW 5,000,000 per semester).

Korean Language Training: One year of language training fees fully covered.

Medical Insurance: KRW 20,000 per month.

Research Support:

Liberal Arts and Social Science Majors: KRW 210,000 per semester.

Natural Science and Engineering Majors: KRW 240,000 per semester.

Printing Costs for Dissertation: KRW 500,000 to KRW 800,000, depending on the actual costs.

Completion Grant: KRW 100,000 upon completion of the degree.

Application Procedure

1. Embassy Track:

Submission: Applicants must submit their application documents to the Korean Embassy in their country of citizenship.

Selection: The embassy reviews the applications, conducts interviews, and selects candidates to recommend to NIIED.

NIIED Review: NIIED conducts a second round of selection and notifies the embassies of the results.

University Admission: Successful candidates apply to the universities for admission.

2. University Track:

Submission: Applicants submit their application documents directly to a designated Korean university.

Selection: The university reviews the applications, conducts interviews, and selects candidates to recommend to NIIED.

NIIED Review: NIIED conducts a second round of selection and notifies the universities of the results.

Required Documents

Applicants are typically required to submit the following documents:

Application Form: Completed and signed.

Personal Statement: Detailing the applicant's background, motivations, and goals.

Study Plan: Outlining the applicant's academic goals and plans in Korea.

Two Letters of Recommendation: From professors or professionals familiar with the applicant's work.

GKS Applicant Agreement: Signed agreement form.