The Global Korea Government Scholarship (GKS) 2025 is a flagship initiative by the Korean government to welcome talented international students into its universities. Designed to promote cultural exchange and academic excellence, this scholarship offers full financial support to eligible undergraduate and graduate students from around the world.
Whether you’re aiming for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program, the 2025 GKS is your chance to study in one of Asia’s most technologically advanced and culturally rich countries—tuition-free.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Global Korea Scholarship: eligibility, benefits, required documents, and a complete step-by-step application process.
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Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: South Korea
- Scholarship Name: Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
- Funding Body: Korean Government (NIIED)
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Eligible Applicants: Citizens of all countries invited by NIIED
- Coverage: Full Scholarship (tuition, airfare, monthly stipend, etc.)
- IELTS Requirement: Not Required
- Undergraduate Application Deadline: October 25, 2024
- Graduate Applications Open: February 2025
Global Korea Government Scholarship (GKS) 2025 Details
For the 2025 academic year, the Korean government plans to offer 2,200 scholarships to international students through the GKS program. Applicants may choose to apply via
- Embassy Track: Submit through the South Korean embassy in your home country.
- University Track: Apply directly to participating Korean universities.
Program Duration:
- Undergraduate Degree: 4–6 years, including 1 year of Korean language training.
- Master’s Degree: 3 years (1 year of Korean language + 2 years of study).
- Doctoral Degree: 4 years (1 year of Korean language + 3 years of research).
Eligibility Criteria for Global Korea Government Scholarship (GKS) 2025
To be eligible for the 2025 Global Korea Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship
Must be a citizen of a country invited by the Korean government (NIIED-designated). - Academic Qualifications
- Undergraduate applicants must have completed high school or the equivalent.
- Graduate applicants must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- Academic Performance
Meet at least one of the following criteria:- Score 80% or above on a 100-point scale.
- Be in the top 20% of your class.
- Have a minimum CGPA of
- 2.64/4.0
- 2.80/4.3
- 2.91/4.5
- 3.23/5.0
- Age Limit
- Undergraduate: Under 25 years old (born after September 1, 1999)
- Graduate: Under 40 years old (born after September 1, 1984)
- Health Requirement
Must be physically and mentally fit for a long-term academic stay in Korea.
Scholarship Benefits for Global Korea Government Scholarship (GKS) 2025
The Global Korea Scholarship provides comprehensive financial coverage, including
- Airfare: Round-trip economy flight (actual cost)
- Tuition Fees:
- NIIED covers up to 5 million KRW per semester
- Universities cover any excess
- Monthly Stipend: 900,000 KRW (~$8196/year)
- Settlement Allowance
- Korean Language Training:
- 14,100,000 KRW per year
- Degree Program Support:
- Undergraduate: 10,800,000 KRW/year
- Graduate: 15,700,000 KRW/year
- Research Programs: 19,800,000 KRW/year
- Medical Insurance & Research Support
- Completion & Language Proficiency Grants
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following materials:
- Completed Online Application Form
- Personal Statement
- Research or Study Plan
- Academic Transcripts & Certificates
- Letter of Recommendation
- High School Records (for undergraduates)
- Applicant Agreement Form
- Personal Medical Assessment
- Consent for Use of Personal Information
Note: Document formats, translations, and submission methods may differ depending on your chosen embassy or university. Always verify specific instructions locally.
How to Apply for Global Korea Government Scholarship (GKS) 2025
You can apply through either of the following channels:
1. Embassy Track
Submit your application documents to the South Korean embassy in your country. The embassy will screen candidates and forward nominations to Korean universities.
2. University Track
Send your application directly to one of the designated Korean universities participating in the GKS program. If selected, the university will recommend you to NIIED for final approval.
Official Application Documents & Guides
The following resources are available to support your application:
- 2025 GKS-U Application Guideline (English)
- 2025 GKS-U Application Guideline (Korean)
- GKS-U Application Forms (DOCX)
- University Info (A~J).zip
- University Info (K~Y).zip
- 2025 GKS-U Promotional Poster (PDF)
These files contain full details on the list of eligible universities, required documentation, and application formatting.
Application Timeline
- Undergraduate Program
- Application Period: Mid-September–October 25, 2024
- Graduate Program
- Application Opens: Mid-February–March 2025
Final Thoughts
- Start preparing early. Required documents often need notarization or official translation.
- Tailor your personal statement and study plan carefully to your academic goals.
- Use the application guide PDFs to ensure proper formatting.
- Monitor the official NIIED website and the South Korean embassy in your country for updates.
The 2025 Global Korea Government Scholarship is more than just financial support—it’s a gateway to world-class education, research, and international experience. If you’re ready to study in South Korea, now is the time to take the leap.
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