2026 Korean Government Scholarship Program for Graduate Degrees

We are pleased to announce that the applications for the GKS Scholarship 2026 i.e Global Korea Scholarship 2026 are open now and here is your chance to pursue your studies in South Korea for free.

The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 (GKS Scholarship 2026) is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in the world, giving international students the chance to pursue higher education in South Korea. Sponsored by the Korean government and managed by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), this scholarship supports talented individuals to study at leading Korean universities while fostering mutual understanding between Korea and participating countries.

GKS Scholarship 2026 Graduate i.e Global Korea Scholarship 2026 is open now for graduate studies (Masters, Doctoral and Research) and here is your chance to pursue your higher studies in South Korea on this fully funded program. In 2026, the Korean government aims to welcome 2,000 ( a huge jump in the quota compared to last year) talented students from around the world to enroll in graduate degree programs at top Korean universities.

GKS Scholarship 2026 Graduate Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

Applicants must be citizens of countries designated by NIIED. Neither the applicant nor their parents can hold Korean citizenship, including dual citizenship with Korea.

Education Level

Applicants must hold the required previous degree or be expected to graduate before the deadline. Final graduation certificates and transcripts must be submitted after selection if applying with expected graduation status.

Applicants who are expected to graduate by July 31, 2026 can also apply for the program with a certificate of expected graduation and grades for all completed semesters at the time of application. Such applicants must submit their official graduation certificate (or diploma) and final academic transcript to GKS Center, NIIED by July 31, 2026. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of your acceptance.

Academic Grades

Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of the entire curriculum from the previous degree program * must meet one of the conditions below;Korea travel guide

*For example, previous degree for a doctoral degree program applicant is a master’s degree program

1. Score percentile should be 80% or above on a 100-point scale or be ranked within the top 20% within one’s class.
2. CGPA must be above 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5 or 3.23/5.0

*Applicants must submit an academic transcript with CGPA or ranking information.

* If a transcript does not provide CGPA in any one of the accepted GPA scales (4.0, 4.3, 4.5, 5.0 or 100 point scale), then the applicant must submit a transcript converted into one of the above GPA scales as a supplementary document.Master's degree funding

*Applicants who are expected to graduate must submit their grades for all completed semesters at the time of application

Age Limit

Generally, applicants must be under 40 years old. In some cases, professors from ODA-recipient countries may apply up to age 45.

Language Ability

Applicants with Korean language proficiency (such as TOPIK) may receive advantages, though it is not always mandatory depending on the track.

Health Condition

Applicants must be physically and mentally fit to complete the full duration of study in Korea.

BENEFITS