Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027: Complete Guide

The Global Korea Scholarship, usually called GKS, is one of the most popular fully funded scholarships in Asia. It is funded by the Korean government and managed through NIIED, Korean embassies and designated Korean universities. GKS supports outstanding international students who want to study at Korean higher education institutions. For the 2026 graduate cycle, the Korean government planned to invite 2,000 international students through GKS for graduate degrees. Applicants had to apply either through a Korean Embassy in their country of citizenship or directly to one of the designated universities. For 2027, students should expect similar main routes, but they must check the official Study in Korea GKS notices and their local Korean embassy or university announcements once the new call is published.

What is GKS?

GKS is a Korean government scholarship degree programme. Study in Korea describes GKS as a government-invited scholarship degree programme aimed at inviting outstanding students from around the world, building international networks and fostering global talent. The scholarship is highly competitive because it can cover tuition, Korean language training, living allowance and other support depending on the category and annual guidelines.

GKS levels of study

GKS can cover:

NIIED’s GKS information states that graduate applicants must hold citizenship of NIIED-designated countries, must generally be under 40 as of 1 September of the inviting year, and must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree by the required date for graduate study.

GKS routes: Embassy Track and University Track

There are two main application tracks.

Embassy Track

In the Embassy Track, the student applies through the Korean Embassy in the country of citizenship. Embassy Track applicants often have the possibility to choose more than one university, depending on the annual guidelines. This route is good for students who:

• Want more than one university option.
• Have a strong national-level profile.
• Can prepare for embassy document screening and interview.
• Want a broader chance across Korean universities.

University Track

In the University Track, the student applies directly to a designated Korean university. The university evaluates the application and recommends selected candidates to NIIED. This route is good for students who:

• Have a very strong match with one university.
• Want a specific department or professor.
• Have research alignment.
• Prefer applying directly to the institution.

For the 2026 graduate call, Study in Korea stated that applicants must apply either through a Korean Embassy or directly to one of the designated universities.

Expected timeline for GKS 2027

The exact GKS 2027 timeline must be checked in the official call. Based on the 2026 graduate cycle, students should expect something like this:

For undergraduate GKS, calls often open earlier in the academic year before intake, and students should check Study in Korea and embassy notices around September.

Common requirements

GKS applications usually require:

• Application forms
• Personal statement
• Study plan
• Recommendation letters
• Academic transcripts
• Graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate
• Passport or ID
• Proof of citizenship
• Parent citizenship proof in some cases
• Medical assessment
• Language proof if available
• Awards, publications or extracurricular proof if relevant

Applicants with expected graduation may be allowed to apply, but official final documents must usually be submitted by a deadline. For example, one 2026 GKS-G embassy notice stated that expected graduates had to submit official graduation certificate and final transcript to NIIED by 31 July 2026 or acceptance would be cancelled.

Is Korean language required?

Korean language is not always required at the time of application, especially for English-taught graduate programmes. However, Korean language ability can be a major advantage. GKS often includes a Korean language year before degree study, unless the student meets exemption requirements. Students with TOPIK scores can strengthen their application. Students without TOPIK should show serious commitment to learning Korean.

What fields can you study?

GKS covers many fields offered by designated Korean universities. Popular fields include:

• Engineering
• Computer science
• Artificial intelligence
• Data science
• Robotics
• Korean studies
• International relations
• Public policy
• Business
• Education
• Agriculture
• Biotechnology
• Environmental science
• Media and communications

Students must choose programmes listed in the official university information files for that year.

Embassy Track vs University Track: which is better?

Embassy Track may be better if you want multiple university options and can compete nationally. University Track may be better if you have a precise university, department or professor fit. For master’s and PhD applicants, University Track can be powerful if the applicant has contacted a professor or has a research topic that strongly matches the department. For undergraduate applicants, Embassy Track may feel more straightforward, but the competition depends on the country quota.

How to write a strong GKS study plan

A strong GKS study plan should include:

• Your academic background
• Why Korea?
• Why this field?
• Why this university or programme?
• Your study goals
• Your research interest, if graduate level
• Your post-graduation plan
• How you will contribute to cooperation between Korea and your country

Avoid writing only about Korean culture or K-pop. Cultural interest is fine, but GKS is an academic scholarship. The application must show academic seriousness.

Common mistakes

Applicants often fail because they:

• Apply to the wrong track.
• Ignore country-specific embassy rules.
• Submit incomplete documents.
• Use a weak personal statement.
• Choose universities without checking eligible departments.
• Do not prepare recommendation letters early.
• Do not explain why Korea fits their academic goals.
• Miss notarisation, apostille or consular requirements.

Final advice

GKS is one of the strongest fully funded scholarships in the world. It is especially good for students who are academically strong, organised and genuinely interested in Korea beyond surface-level cultural interest. Need help applying? We can help you choose between Embassy Track and University Track, select Korean universities, review your study plan, prepare your personal statement and organise your GKS 2027 documents. ---