The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS/KOGS) is a fully funded scholarship by the Korean government designed to support international MS and PhD candidates. The Global Korea Scholarship offers full tuition, generous stipends, language training, airfare, and research allowances—making Korea an accessible and aspirational destination for advanced studies.
Why Choose the Global Korea Scholarship?
The Global Korea Scholarship empowers scholars to:
- ✅ Study at top-tier Korean universities under government sponsorship Korean Education Center+15Government of Korea+15LinkedIn+15Wikipedia
- ✅ Engage in cultural immersion with 1‑year Korean language training pre-degree Opportunities For Africans+5gksscholarship.org+5Global Scholarship Network+5
- ✅ Gain stipends (up to KRW 1,000,000/mo for grads), airfare, settlement grants, insurance, and research funding Scholarships Future+2gksscholarship.org+2Scholars Access+2
GKS Scholarship 2025 – Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎓 Coverage | Full tuition + round-trip airfare + monthly stipend (KRW 1M) + Korean language fees + settlement bonus + medical insurance + research & thesis printing grants Study in Korea+15Global Scholarship Network+15Scholars Access+15 |
| 📆 Program Duration | Master’s: 3 years (1 yr Korean + 2 yr degree); PhD: 4 years |
| 🌍 Global Reach | Over 1,820 scholars selected annually, across 155+ countries |
| 🧑🎓 Eligibility | Under 40 (graduate); bachelor/master degree; 80%+ GPA; no Korean citizenship |
How to Apply for GKS/KOGS
Choose between Embassy Track (apply via Korean embassies) or University Track (apply directly to Korean universities):
- Embassy Track: Submit attested documents to your local Korean embassy. They shortlist and forward to NIIED Scholarship Region+15gksscholarship.org+15gksscholarship.org+15
- University Track: Apply to designated Korean universities – they evaluate and send top candidates to NIIED
Selection follows these rounds: embassy/university review → NIIED evaluation → (for embassy applicants) university acceptance
Insider Tips & Cost Insights
- 💡 Budget smart: Monthly stipend covers essentials (rent, food, transport). Reddit users share real stories: “I spend 1.3 mil monthly including rent… the rest 550sh is plenty for my food” Scholarships Future+2Reddit+2Reddit+2
“If you budget correctly, you can survive with some wiggle room… you meet so many people” Reddit - 📝 SOP & recommendations matter: Highlight research goals, Korea connection; letters in Korean add strength
- 🕐 Start early: Collect documents (apostilles, transcripts), engage referees, follow embassy deadlines Reddit
Final Takeaway
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is an exceptional, fully funded opportunity offering vibrant academic and cultural experiences in Korea. With robust support—tuition, stipend, airfare, language immersion, and research funding—it’s a transformative path for international MS and PhD students. Start preparing your application, align with embassy/university timelines, and craft compelling SOPs and recommendation letters. Your next academic adventure could be waiting in Korea!
🔗 Useful Links
- 📌 Official info & 2025 guidelines: Study in Korea NIIED notices Higher Education Commission+12Government of Korea+12gksscholarship.org+12
- 📌 Pakistan applicants: HEC notice – embassy track until 28 Feb 2025 Study in Korea+3Higher Education Commission+3gksscholarship.com+3
