[Application Open] Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – Graduate Degree Program

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship program offered by the Korean government to support outstanding international students who wish to pursue Master’s, Doctoral, or Research degrees in South Korea.
Its goal is to promote international education exchange and strengthen global friendships through academic collaboration.

What is GKS?

GKS provides international students the opportunity to study at leading Korean universities with comprehensive financial support, including tuition, airfare, and living expenses. It is administered by Korea’s National Institute for International Education (NIIED)

Program Duration

• Master’s Degree: 3 years
  (1 year Korean language + 2 years degree)
• Doctoral Degree: 4 years
  (1 year Korean language + 3 years degree)
• Research Program: 6 months – 1 year

Scholarship Benefits

• Round-trip airfare
• Full tuition coverage
• Monthly living allowance
• Korean language training (1 year if needed)
• Medical insurance and settlement allowance

Who Can Apply?

• Non-Korean citizens whose parents are also non-Korean citizens
• Applicants with strong academic records (generally top 20% or GPA equivalent)
• Bachelor’s degree holders for Master’s / Master’s degree holders for Doctoral
• Under age limit (usually under 40 for graduate track)
• Good physical and mental health

How to Apply

1. Visit and register on the Study in Korea online application system (www.studyinkorea.go.kr).
2. Complete your application online and upload all required documents (application form, study plan, recommendation letters, transcripts, proof of citizenship, etc.).
3. Be sure to indicate that you are applying via the Embassy Track when filling out the application form.

For U.S. applicants residing in the Pacific Northwest(WA,OR,ID,MT, and AK), please select the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle as your embassy/consular processing office when preparing your application.

About the Embassy Track

The Embassy Track allows applicants to apply for the GKS program through the Korean Embassy/Consulate in their home country. Applicants are first evaluated locally before being recommended to NIIED and Korean universities for final selection.

University Selection Rules

• Applicants may choose up to three (3) universities when applying.
• At least one of these chosen universities MUST be from Type B universities (regional or non-major schools) for the General Embassy Track.
• The selection of universities must follow the GKS guidelines; consult the official “Study in Korea” notice for the list of eligible institutions

Selection Process

The Embassy Track generally involves three stages:

1. Embassy/Consulate Review: Document screening and possible interview by the embassy/consulate.
2. NIIED Evaluation: Review and evaluation by the National Institute for International Education in Korea.
3. University Evaluation: Review by the universities you selected. Successful candidates receive final GKS award notifications.

Please refer to the attached documents for detailed information.

Application Deadline: February 25 (Wed), 2026

Inquiry/Question: 

Kaylee Kim

Phone: 425 657 9480, Email: kecseattle@korea.kr

Attachments:

2026 GKS-G Application Guidelines (Korean)

2026 GKS-G Application Guidelines (English)

2026 GKS-G Application Forms.docx

2026 GKS-G Application Forms.pdf