The South Korea Government Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) 2026, also known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program, stands as one of the most prestigious international scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students worldwide. It provides aspiring scholars with a fully funded chance to pursue higher education in South Korea, covering both associate and bachelor’s degree programs.
Administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), the scholarship reflects Korea’s vision to promote global educational exchange and foster deeper cultural ties with partner countries.
The degree programs under GKS-U 2026 are structured to accommodate both long-term and short-term academic pathways. Bachelor’s degree applicants are required to undergo one year of intensive Korean language training followed by four to six years of degree study, bringing the total program duration to five to seven years.
Associate degree candidates will study the Korean language for one year before completing two to three years of academic coursework, amounting to three to four years in total. Students who already demonstrate advanced Korean proficiency (TOPIK Level 5 or 6) may be exempt from the language training requirement, enabling them to transition directly into their degree programs.
The scholarship’s benefits are wide-ranging, ensuring that recipients face no financial barriers during their academic journey. All tuition fees are fully covered, along with the cost of Korean language training. Students receive economy class round-trip airfare, a monthly stipend to manage living expenses, health insurance, and settlement as well as completion grants.
Additional incentives are awarded to those achieving high scores in TOPIK, further motivating students to integrate into Korean society through language. These provisions make GKS-U one of the most comprehensive fully funded undergraduate scholarships available.
Eligibility is open to students under the age of 25 who are high school graduates (or expected to graduate by December 31, 2025). Applicants must hold citizenship from one of the participating countries and have strong academic performance, maintaining at least 80% grades or ranking within the top 20% of their class.
Physical and mental fitness is also a requirement. Importantly, applicants who previously studied in Korean institutions or received GKS scholarships for degree programs are not eligible.
The selection process is conducted through two tracks: the Embassy Track and the University Track. The Embassy Track will select around 150 students from 71 countries, while the University Track will allocate seats for associate degrees and the University-Industry Cooperation (UIC) program, which is open to applicants worldwide and focuses primarily on science and engineering disciplines. Deadlines vary: September 30, 2025, for the Embassy Track and October 31, 2025, for the University Track, with final results announced by January 9, 2026.
Applications require a comprehensive set of documents including academic transcripts, graduation certificates, personal statements, study plans, recommendation letters, and proof of citizenship. The evaluation process involves both embassy and university-level screenings before NIIED makes the final selections.
In conclusion, the Global Korea Scholarship 2026 for undergraduate students offers more than just financial assistance—it presents a pathway to academic excellence, cultural immersion, and global networking.
By combining language training, full financial support, and access to some of Korea’s top universities, the GKS-U 2026 ensures that students are well-prepared for successful careers while contributing to cross-cultural understanding. For ambitious young scholars aiming for a transformative educational experience, this scholarship serves as a golden gateway to South Korea’s academic and cultural landscape.
