The 2027 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Undergraduate Program offers international students an opportunity to pursue associate or bachelor’s degree programs in South Korea with financial support from the Korean government. Administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), the scholarship provides support for airfare, tuition fees, Korean language training, and living expenses. IELTS is not required for this scholarship, according to the information provided for this opportunity. Applicants can apply through the Embassy Track or University Track, subject to the eligibility requirements and application procedures for their selected route.

Program Details

  • Scholarship: 2027 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U)
  • Number of Scholarships: 256
  • Study Destination: South Korea
  • Degree Levels: Associate Degree and Bachelor’s Degree
  • IELTS Requirement: Not Required
  • Funding: Airfare, tuition support, Korean language training, and living allowance
  • Application Deadline:
    • September 30, 2026 (Embassy Track);
    • November 2026 (University Track, depending on the university)

About the Global Korea Scholarship

The Global Korea Scholarship is a Korean government scholarship program designed to provide international students with opportunities to study at higher education institutions in South Korea. It aims to promote international educational exchange and strengthen academic cooperation between Korea and participating countries.

The undergraduate program offers opportunities to study for associate and bachelor’s degrees at designated Korean universities. Applicants can choose between the Embassy Track and University Track, depending on their eligibility and preferred application route.

The University Track includes designated programs such as the University Industry Cooperation (UIC) program, which focuses on science and engineering, and the Associate Degree program at participating institutions. Applicants should check the official university information files to confirm eligible departments and available majors.

What Are the Embassy Track and University Track?

Embassy Track

Under the Embassy Track, applicants submit their applications through the Korean Embassy responsible for their country, following the official application instructions and eligibility requirements. The embassy conducts the initial selection process according to the announced procedures.

The deadline provided for the 2027 Embassy Track is September 30, 2026. Applicants should consult the relevant Korean Embassy’s announcement for country-specific instructions and updates.

University Track

Under the University Track, applicants apply directly to a designated Korean university offering eligible programs. Applicants must select an eligible university and department listed in the official University Information file.

Each participating university establishes its own application schedule, submission requirements, and selection procedures. The application period generally falls around November 2026, but applicants must confirm the exact deadline with their chosen university.

Official information: 2027 GKS Undergraduate University Track

GKS Undergraduate Scholarship Benefits

The 2027 GKS Undergraduate Scholarship provides financial support according to the official scholarship guidelines. The benefits include:

  • Return Airfare: International airfare support according to the applicable scholarship regulations.
  • Tuition Fees: Tuition support of up to KRW 5,000,000 per semester, with the university covering the amount exceeding this limit and the admission fee under the scholarship arrangements.
  • Korean Language Training: KRW 5,200,000 per year for the Korean language program.
  • Monthly Allowance During Language Training: KRW 1,130,000 per month, equivalent to KRW 13,560,000 per year.
  • Monthly Allowance During the Degree Program: KRW 1,200,000 per month, equivalent to KRW 14,400,000 per year.

The scholarship guidelines also provide for benefits and allowances relating to settlement, medical insurance, Korean proficiency, and degree completion, subject to the applicable conditions. Some benefits are incorporated into the overall allowance structure rather than paid as separate additional amounts.

Applicants should consult the official guidelines to confirm the precise coverage, payment conditions, and any exceptions applicable to their scholarship category.

Duration of the Program

The total duration depends on the degree program selected:

  • Associate Degree: One year of Korean language training followed by two to three years of degree study.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: One year of Korean language training followed by four to six years of degree study.

The duration of individual programs may vary by university and major. Applicants should check the official university information file for the program they intend to pursue.

Available Fields of Study

The available fields of study depend on the universities and departments designated for the 2027 GKS Undergraduate Program. Applicants must select an eligible major from the official University Information file rather than assume that every department at a participating university is covered.

The University Track includes the University Industry Cooperation (UIC) program, which focuses on science and engineering, and designated associate degree programs at participating institutions.

To find eligible universities and majors, consult the official resources below:

Download the relevant university information file to review the designated institutions, eligible departments, and available majors before applying.

Eligibility Criteria for the 2027 GKS Undergraduate Scholarship

Applicants must meet the eligibility conditions specified in the official GKS guidelines and the admission requirements of their selected university.

  • Nationality: Applicants must meet the nationality requirements for eligible countries under the scholarship program.
  • Educational Background: Applicants must satisfy the required high school graduation or expected graduation conditions for the selected program.
  • Previous Degree: Applicants must meet the degree-specific eligibility rules. Applicants for a bachelor’s degree generally must not already hold a bachelor’s degree.
  • Academic Performance: Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements stated in the official guidelines.
  • Age: Applicants must satisfy the age limit specified for the 2027 scholarship.
  • IELTS Requirement: IELTS is not required for this scholarship, according to the information provided for this opportunity. Applicants should still check whether their selected university or department has separate language requirements.
  • Health: Applicants must meet the scholarship’s health requirements.
  • Criminal Record: Applicants must comply with the applicable eligibility rules and declarations.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum academic performance standard specified in the official guidelines. The commonly listed GPA thresholds include:

  • At least 2.64 out of 4.0.
  • At least 2.80 out of 4.3.
  • At least 2.91 out of 4.5.
  • At least 3.23 out of 5.0.

Applicants Awaiting Graduation Results

Students who are still completing their current studies may be eligible to apply as expected graduates if permitted under the official guidelines. They must submit the required expected-graduation certificate or other accepted documentation during the application process.

Applicants must subsequently provide their final graduation certificate and academic records within the deadline specified by the scholarship authorities. They should check the official instructions carefully because failure to submit the required final documents may affect eligibility.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the documents specified in the official guidelines and the instructions issued by their selected university or embassy. Commonly required documents include:

  • Completed application forms.
  • Personal statement.
  • Study plan.
  • Recommendation letter.
  • High school graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate, where permitted.
  • Academic transcripts.
  • Proof of the applicant’s nationality and parents’ nationality.
  • Family relationship documentation, where required.
  • Applicant agreement and personal medical assessment.
  • Consent form for collecting and using personal information.
  • Additional documents requested by the selected university or Korean Embassy.

Certain documents may require apostille, consular confirmation, or other forms of authentication. Applicants should follow the official instructions concerning certification, translation, document format, and submission.

How to Apply for the 2027 GKS Undergraduate Scholarship

  1. Read the Official Guidelines: Visit the official GKS Undergraduate announcement and review the eligibility requirements and application instructions.
  2. Choose Your Application Track: Decide whether to apply through the Embassy Track or University Track, based on the applicable rules.
  3. Check Participating Universities and Majors: Download the relevant University Information file and identify the designated universities and eligible departments.
  4. Review the Deadline: Check the relevant Korean Embassy announcement or university website for the exact submission deadline and application procedure.
  5. Prepare the Documents: Complete the forms and collect your academic records, certificates, recommendation letter, personal statement, study plan, and other required documents.
  6. Submit Your Application: Submit your application through the appropriate embassy or directly to the selected university, following its official instructions.
  7. Follow the Selection Process: Monitor announcements from the relevant institution and NIIED for selection results and any additional requirements.

Application Deadline

The deadlines provided for the 2027 GKS Undergraduate Scholarship are:

  • Embassy Track: September 30, 2026.
  • University Track: November 2026, depending on each university’s application schedule.

As of October 2026, the stated Embassy Track deadline has passed. Applicants interested in the University Track should check their selected university’s official announcement to confirm the exact deadline and whether applications are still being accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is IELTS required for the 2027 GKS Undergraduate Scholarship?

IELTS is not required according to the information provided for this opportunity. However, applicants should verify any separate language requirements imposed by their selected university or department.

2. How many scholarships are available for the 2027 GKS Undergraduate Program?

The scholarship information provided lists 256 scholarships. Applicants should consult the official guidelines for the confirmed quota and its distribution by track.

3. What is the difference between the Embassy Track and University Track?

Embassy Track applicants apply through the relevant Korean Embassy, while University Track applicants apply directly to a designated Korean university.

4. Is the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship fully funded?

The program provides airfare, tuition support, Korean language training, and living allowances under the official scholarship guidelines. The precise coverage depends on the applicable conditions.

5. Which fields of study are available?

Available majors depend on the designated universities and departments. Applicants should consult the official University Information file for their selected application track.

6. Can students awaiting graduation results apply?

Expected graduates may be eligible if they meet the official conditions and submit the required expected-graduation documents and final certificates within the specified deadlines.

7. What is the University Track application deadline?

The deadline varies by university. The application period is generally around November 2026, but applicants must check the official announcement of their selected institution.

8. Where can I find the official scholarship guidelines?

Visit the official Study in Korea website and review the 2027 GKS Undergraduate announcement and university-specific information files.

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