Scholarship guide

Published 2026-05-12 by Scholarships Central editorial team | Updated 2026-10-21

Global Korea Scholarship 2027: GKS-U Application Form

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 is a fully funded South Korean government scholarship that helps international students pursue higher education at participating Korean universities. Previously known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), it is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under South Korea’s Ministry of Education.

The scholarship supports undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and eligible research programmes. However, the GKS-U undergraduate scholarship and GKS-G graduate scholarship follow separate application schedules, eligibility requirements, and selection procedures.

Latest update — October 21, 2026: The official GKS Scholarship 2027 undergraduate application form and guidelines were released on September 9, 2026. The Embassy Track application deadline was September 30, 2026, and applications for that route are now closed. However, some participating universities have University Track deadlines extending into October and November 2026.

Students planning to apply for the GKS Scholarship 2027 for master’s or PhD studies should follow the separate GKS-G application cycle. The regular 2027 graduate guidelines have not yet been confirmed in the official announcements reviewed.

Quick Status — Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027

Last verified: October 21, 2026

CategoryDetails
Scholarship NameGlobal Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027
CountrySouth Korea
Scholarship ProviderNational Institute for International Education (NIIED), Ministry of Education, South Korea
Funding TypeFully Funded
Study LevelsUndergraduate (Bachelor’s and eligible Associate Degrees); separate Graduate (Master’s, PhD and Research) programmes
Application TracksEmbassy Track and University Track
GKS-U 2027 AnnouncementOfficially released September 9, 2026
Embassy Track DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026, 18:00 KST — Closed
University Track DeadlineVaries by participating university; some applications remain open in October–November 2026
GKS-G 2027 Graduate StatusRegular Master’s/PhD 2027 guidelines not yet announced as of October 21, 2026
Undergraduate Application MethodEmbassy Track: Study in Korea online portal; University Track: apply according to university instructions
Application FormOfficial GKS-U 2027 Guidelines and Forms
University Track ScheduleOfficial University-Specific Deadlines
Official WebsiteStudy in Korea

What is Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is an official Korean government scholarship programme designed for international students who want to pursue higher education in South Korea.

Managed under the Korean international education framework, the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 supports:

  • undergraduate study
  • graduate study
  • research programmes
  • academic exchange opportunities at designated Korean institutions

The Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 is considered one of the largest and most competitive fully funded scholarship programmes in Asia for international students.

Embassy Track vs University Track (Important GKS Difference)

One of the most important parts of the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 application process is understanding the difference between:

  • Embassy Track
    and
  • University Track

The official GKS system uses both application routes, but the selection process, quotas, and university options differ between them.


1. Embassy Track

For the 2027 GKS undergraduate Embassy Track, applicants submitted their applications online through the official Study in Korea portal. Korean embassies conducted the first-round screening, including document evaluation and interviews where applicable.

The online application period ran from September 15 to September 30, 2026, ending at 18:00 Korean Standard Time. Applications for this track are now closed.

This procedure applies to GKS-U 2027. The graduate GKS-G application route must be checked against its separate guidelines.

The embassy conducts:

  • document screening
  • initial evaluation
  • interview procedures where applicable

After embassy selection, shortlisted candidates move into further evaluation stages under the Korean scholarship system.

Key Features of Embassy Track

  • 2027 undergraduate applications submitted online through Study in Korea; initial screening conducted by the Korean embassy.
  • usually allows multiple university choices
  • larger flexibility in university placement
  • highly competitive because national quotas are limited

The GKS-U 2027 Embassy Track online application period ended on September 30, 2026, at 18:00 KST. Embassy screening and interview schedules may vary by country.


2. University Track

Under the University Track, applicants apply directly to a designated Korean university participating in GKS.

The university handles:

  • initial screening
  • recommendation process
  • document evaluation

Selected applications are then forwarded into the government scholarship selection system.

Key Features of University Track

  • application submitted directly to designated university
  • usually fewer university choices
  • university-based screening process
  • separate quota allocation from embassy track

The Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 application process under University Track depends on each participating institution’s schedule.


Main Differences Between Embassy Track and University Track

FeatureEmbassy TrackUniversity Track
Application Route
Online through Study in Korea for GKS-U 2027; embassy conducts initial screening
Follow the participating university’s application procedure
Initial ScreeningEmbassyUniversity
University ChoicesUsually multipleUsually limited
Quota SystemEmbassy quotaUniversity quota
Competition TypeNational-levelInstitution-level

Which Track is Better?

Neither track is universally “better.”

Applicants usually choose based on:

  • university preference
  • available quotas
  • country-specific embassy process
  • application strategy

Embassy Track may provide:

  • broader university flexibility

University Track may provide:

  • more direct institutional evaluation

What Does the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) 2027 Cover?

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 provides comprehensive financial support to international students pursuing undergraduate studies in South Korea. The scholarship covers tuition fees, Korean language training, airfare and living expenses.

According to the official 2027 GKS-U application guidelines, the benefits are:

Scholarship BenefitGKS-U 2027 Funding
Tuition feesUp to KRW 5 million per semester covered by NIIED; the university covers excess tuition and admission fees
Korean language training feeKRW 5.2 million per year
Living allowance during Korean language trainingKRW 13,560,000 per year (equivalent to KRW 1,130,000 per month)
Living allowance during degree studiesKRW 14,400,000 per year (equivalent to KRW 1,200,000 per month)
AirfareEconomy-class flight tickets based on actual expenses, subject to programme conditions

GKS Scholarship 2027 Monthly Stipend

The GKS-U 2027 monthly allowance depends on whether the student is completing Korean language training or pursuing their degree.

Students in the Korean language programme receive an annual allowance of KRW 13.56 million, equivalent to KRW 1.13 million per month.

During undergraduate degree studies, the annual allowance increases to KRW 14.4 million, equivalent to KRW 1.2 million per month.

These monthly figures are annual amounts divided by 12 for comparison; applicants should follow the official scholarship arrangements for actual payment schedules.

Does GKS 2027 Cover Accommodation and Health Insurance?

Yes. The official undergraduate scholarship guidelines describe the annual allowance as an all-inclusive subsidy covering expenses such as:

  • Accommodation and living costs
  • Health insurance
  • Settlement support
  • Korean language proficiency-related grants
  • TOPIK examination fees
  • Degree completion support

These benefits are included within the stated allowance rather than being separate guaranteed payments added on top.

Korean Language Training Support

The scholarship provides KRW 5.2 million annually toward the Korean language programme fee. This covers the programme’s training cost and should not be confused with the student’s living allowance.

Most GKS-U scholars undertake Korean language training before beginning their undergraduate degree. Students who already meet the applicable TOPIK proficiency requirements may qualify for an exemption under the official guidelines.

Important Funding Conditions

The figures above apply to GKS-U 2027 undergraduate scholarship recipients. Master’s, PhD and research applicants must refer to the separate GKS-G guidelines, which may specify different funding arrangements.

Scholarship benefits remain subject to the official NIIED conditions, and amounts may be revised.

Official source: 2027 GKS Undergraduate Application Guidelines and Forms


Study Levels Supported Under Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

The Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 supports multiple academic pathways for international students studying in South Korea.

The official GKS system separates programmes into:

  • degree programmes
  • research programmes
  • exchange-related categories

This is important because many competitors incorrectly combine all GKS categories into one system.


Undergraduate Programmes

The undergraduate category supports international students pursuing:

  • bachelor’s degree programmes at designated Korean universities

GKS Scholarship 2027 Undergraduate Application Form

The GKS Scholarship 2027 undergraduate application forms and guidelines were officially published by NIIED on September 9, 2026.

For the 2027 Embassy Track, applicants completed and submitted their applications online through the official Study in Korea system. This application period is now closed.

For the University Track, applicants must follow their selected university’s requirements for application forms, supporting documents and submission methods.

Download the Official GKS-U 2027 Application Forms and Guidelines

The application form generally requests the following information:

  • Personal information
  • Passport details
  • Nationality and citizenship
  • Educational background
  • High school academic records
  • Preferred universities and study programs
  • Korean language proficiency (if applicable)
  • Awards and extracurricular activities
  • Family information
  • Medical assessment
  • Applicant declaration and signature

Applicants should complete every section carefully and ensure that the information exactly matches their supporting documents. Inconsistent information, missing signatures, or incomplete sections may result in disqualification during the document screening process.

Where to Download the Official GKS 2027 Undergraduate Application Form

The official GKS Scholarship 2027 undergraduate application form was released by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) on September 9, 2026.

Applicants can download the 2027 English-language guidelines, application forms and participating university information from the official Korean government announcement.

Download Official GKS-U 2027 Application Forms and Guidelines

The application package includes the 2027 GKS-U forms. Applicants should select the documents applicable to their intended application track and verify any additional requirements set by the university.

For the Embassy Track, applications were submitted online through Study in Korea during September 15–30, 2026. For the University Track, applicants must follow the participating university’s own submission procedure.

View Official GKS-U 2027 University Track Schedules

Do not rely on previous-year forms when the official 2027 documents are available.

Tips for Completing the GKS Application Form

Before submitting your application:

  • Read the official GKS Undergraduate Guidelines carefully.
  • Type your information whenever possible unless handwritten entries are specifically permitted.
  • Use the same spelling of your name as shown on your passport.
  • Check that your selected universities and majors match your supporting documents.
  • Sign every required section before submission.
  • Review all documents before submission. Follow the Study in Korea instructions for the GKS-U Embassy Track or the participating university’s instructions for the University Track.

Using the latest official application form and following the published instructions can help prevent administrative rejection during the initial screening stage.

Graduate Programmes

Graduate-level GKS support includes:

  • master’s programmes
  • doctoral (PhD) programmes

These programmes are among the most competitive categories under the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 system.

Graduate applicants may apply through:

  • Korean embassies
    or
  • designated Korean universities participating in GKS.

Research Programmes

The official GKS framework also includes:

  • research programmes
  • academic exchange-related research opportunities

Research applicants usually apply through:

  • designated universities
    rather than standard embassy degree routes.

Exchange & Special Programmes

The official Study in Korea system also references:

  • exchange-related scholarship categories
  • Korea-Japan cooperation programmes
  • short-term academic pathways in some cycles

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 Requirements

The Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 requirements focus on academic performance, nationality eligibility, health condition, and study status.

Applicants must meet the official eligibility conditions before submitting the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 application.


Nationality Requirement

Applicants must generally:

  • be international students without Korean citizenship

According to official GKS rules:

  • applicants holding Korean citizenship are not eligible
  • dual nationality holders with Korean citizenship are also restricted from applying

This is one of the most important eligibility conditions under the Global Korea Scholarship requirements framework.


Academic Status Requirement

Applicants must satisfy the academic qualification requirements for their target study level, such as:

  • high school completion for undergraduate programmes
  • bachelor’s degree for master’s programmes
  • master’s degree for PhD programmes

Degree completion timing must align with official scholarship guidelines for the application cycle.


GPA / CGPA Requirement for GKS Scholarship 2027

According to the official 2027 GKS undergraduate guidelines, applicants must meet at least one of the following academic requirements:

  • 80% or above on a 100-point grading scale.
  • A position within the top 20% of their class.
  • A minimum accepted CGPA of 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5 or 3.23/5.0.

Applicants whose transcripts use a different grading system should check the official guidelines for acceptable grading-scale documentation.

These thresholds apply to GKS-U 2027 undergraduate applicants. Master’s and PhD applicants must follow the requirements published for the separate GKS-G graduate cycle.

Official GKS-U 2027 Guidelines


Age Requirement

For the 2027 Global Korea Scholarship undergraduate programme (GKS-U), applicants must be under 25 years of age, with the birth-date cutoff specified in the official guidelines as after March 1, 2002.

The undergraduate age limit must not be applied to GKS-G master’s or doctoral applicants because graduate scholarships have separate eligibility requirements.

Applicants should confirm their age eligibility against the official 2027 GKS-U application guidelines before applying.


Health Requirement

Applicants must generally:

  • be physically and mentally fit for long-term study in South Korea

Medical evaluation or health-related documentation may be required during the scholarship process.


Previous GKS Restriction

Under official scholarship rules, previous recipients of Korean government scholarship programmes may face restrictions for reapplying under certain categories.

Applicants should review the latest official GKS eligibility rules carefully before applying.


Korean Language Requirement for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

One of the biggest misunderstandings about the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 requirements is the Korean language requirement.

Many applicants incorrectly assume:

  • Korean language is always mandatory before applying
    or
  • all GKS programmes are fully English-based

The actual system is more structured than that.


Is Korean Language Mandatory for GKS?

Korean language ability is not always mandatory at the application stage for every applicant.

Students can apply to:

  • Korean-taught programmes
    or
  • English-taught programmes depending on university and degree availability.

However, Korean proficiency can significantly strengthen the application.


Korean Language Training Year

Under the official GKS structure, many selected students complete:
→ one year of Korean language training before starting their degree programme.

This language training is an important part of the scholarship system.

Students are generally assigned to Korean language institutions before entering their university degree programme.


What is TOPIK?

TOPIK stands for:
→ Test of Proficiency in Korean

It is the official Korean language proficiency examination.

TOPIK scores can:

  • strengthen GKS applications
  • affect university placement
  • influence exemption from language training in some cases under official rules

Can Students Study in English Under GKS?

Yes.

Many universities participating in the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 offer:

  • English-taught graduate programmes
  • international degree pathways

However:

  • programme availability depends on the university
  • some fields may still require Korean proficiency later

Why Korean Language Still Matters

Even when applying for English-medium programmes, Korean language ability remains valuable because it helps with:

  • academic adaptation
  • daily life in South Korea
  • university communication
  • future career opportunities

Applicants with TOPIK scores may also gain competitive advantages during evaluation.


Required Documents for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027

Applicants preparing the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 application form must submit a complete application package based on the official GKS guidelines and Study in Korea application structure.

Required documents can vary slightly depending on:

  • Embassy Track
  • University Track
  • undergraduate or graduate category

However, the official application package commonly includes the following:


Basic Application Documents

  • completed GKS application form
  • personal statement
  • study plan or research proposal
  • applicant agreement forms
  • personal medical assessment

These form part of the official Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 application package.


Academic Documents

Applicants usually need:

  • graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate
  • academic transcripts
  • GPA/CGPA proof
  • degree certificates for graduate applicants

For the GKS Scholarship 2027 undergraduate application form, applicants normally submit:

  • high school academic records
  • expected graduation proof where applicable

Recommendation Letters

Applicants are generally required to submit:

  • recommendation letters according to official GKS instructions

The number and format may depend on the scholarship category and yearly guidelines.


Nationality & Identity Documents

Applicants commonly provide:

  • passport copy
  • birth certificate
  • citizenship verification documents
  • parent nationality verification documents where required

This is important because GKS includes:

  • Korean citizenship exclusion rules
  • dual nationality restrictions

Language Documents

Where applicable, applicants may submit:

  • TOPIK scores
  • IELTS/TOEFL scores
  • other language-related qualifications

Language certificates can strengthen competitiveness under the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 requirements framework.


Additional Documents

Depending on category and university requirements, applicants may also need:

  • awards/certificates
  • portfolio materials
  • research publications
  • work experience proof

Important Application Structure

According to the official Study in Korea application system, the process commonly includes:

  1. course/university selection
  2. applicant information
  3. document upload
  4. additional document submission
  5. final confirmation

Applicants should carefully follow the official yearly GKS instructions because:

  • missing documents
  • incorrect notarization
  • formatting errors
    can lead to disqualification.

How the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Actually Works

GKS is not a simple one-step scholarship system.
It works through:

  • multiple screening stages
  • government evaluation
  • university placement procedures
  • Korean language training structure

Understanding this process is extremely important before starting the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 registration process.


Step 1 — Choose Embassy Track or University Track

Applicants first apply through either:

  • Embassy Track
    or
  • University Track

This determines:

  • where the application is submitted
  • who performs the first screening
  • how quotas are handled

Step 2 — Initial Screening

Embassy Track

Under Embassy Track:

  • the Korean embassy reviews applications first
  • interviews and document screening may occur
  • selected candidates move to the next stage

University Track

Under University Track:

  • designated Korean universities perform the initial screening
  • selected applications are forwarded into the national scholarship system

Step 3 — NIIED Evaluation

After initial screening, applications move to:
→ National Institute for International Education (NIIED)

NIIED manages the official Korean government scholarship system and performs:

  • scholarship evaluation
  • quota management
  • final approval procedures

This is one of the most important parts of how GKS actually works.


Step 4 — University Placement Process

After passing scholarship evaluation:

  • applicants are matched with designated universities in South Korea

Placement depends on:

  • track type
  • quotas
  • university acceptance
  • programme availability

Embassy Track applicants may sometimes have broader university options compared to University Track applicants.


Step 5 — Korean Language Training Year

Many GKS recipients complete:
→ one year of Korean language training before starting their degree programme.

Students are assigned to Korean language institutions under the official GKS structure.

The language year is one of the most misunderstood parts of the scholarship system.


Step 6 — Final University Enrollment

After completing language requirements and official procedures:

  • students begin their undergraduate, master’s, PhD, or research programme at the assigned Korean university.

Why This Section Matters

Understanding this structure helps applicants:

  • choose the correct track
  • prepare better documents
  • avoid application mistakes
  • understand realistic timelines.

Written Test & Interview Process for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

The Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 application process may include:

  • document screening
  • embassy interview
  • language evaluation
  • university review stages

depending on:

  • application track
  • country
  • embassy procedures
  • university requirements

The official GKS system does not use one universal interview structure for all applicants worldwide.


1. Document Screening

The first stage of evaluation is usually:
→ document screening.

Review panels evaluate:

  • academic records
  • GPA/CGPA
  • study plan
  • personal statement
  • recommendation letters
  • eligibility under the official Global Korea Scholarship requirements

Applications with:

  • incomplete documents
  • incorrect formatting
  • weak academic standing
    may be rejected during this stage.

2. Embassy Interview (Embassy Track)

Under Embassy Track, many Korean embassies conduct:

  • interviews for shortlisted applicants

The interview commonly evaluates:

  • motivation for studying in South Korea
  • understanding of the scholarship
  • study goals
  • communication ability
  • academic preparation

Some embassies may also ask:

  • Korea-related questions
  • future career plans
  • programme-specific questions

Interview procedures vary by embassy and country.


3. University Screening (University Track)

Under University Track:

  • designated universities perform the first evaluation

Some universities may:

  • conduct interviews
  • review research compatibility
  • evaluate language readiness
  • assess programme fit

This process depends on the university and department.


4. Language Evaluation

Language ability can strengthen competitiveness during the GKS evaluation process.

Applicants may submit:

  • TOPIK scores
  • IELTS/TOEFL scores
  • other recognized language qualifications

According to official GKS guidelines:

  • Korean language proficiency can provide advantages during evaluation and placement.

5. Written Tests (If Applicable)

Some embassies or universities may conduct:

  • written assessments
  • language evaluations
  • additional screening exercises

However, this is not standardized globally across all GKS applicants.

Requirements depend on:

  • embassy policy
  • institution procedures
  • yearly scholarship cycle

How to Apply for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027

The Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 application process depends on the application track selected by the applicant.

Students can apply through:

  • Embassy Track
    or
  • University Track

Understanding the correct submission route is essential before starting the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 registration process.


Step 1 — Choose Your Application Track

Applicants must first choose between:

  • Embassy Track
  • University Track

Embassy Track

  • GKS-U 2027 Embassy Track applications were submitted online through the official Study in Korea portal.

University Track

  • application submitted directly to designated Korean university

The official GKS system uses separate quotas and screening procedures for both tracks.


Step 2 — Check Official GKS Guidelines

Before completing the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 application form, applicants should carefully review:

  • official GKS notice
  • eligibility rules
  • required documents
  • track-specific instructions

Requirements may differ depending on:

  • study level
  • embassy
  • university
  • programme category

Step 3 — Prepare Required Documents

Applicants usually prepare:

  • application form
  • academic transcripts
  • graduation certificates
  • recommendation letters
  • study plan
  • language certificates
  • passport and nationality documents

Document formatting and notarization requirements must follow official GKS instructions.


Step 4 — Submit the Application

Embassy Track Submission

  • Applicants submitted their applications online through Study in Korea. Applicants should follow their embassy’s instructions if additional original documents are requested.

University Track Submission

Applicants submit documents directly to:
→ designated Korean university participating in GKS.

Late or incomplete applications are normally rejected.


Step 5 — Screening & Evaluation

Applications move through:

  • embassy or university screening
  • NIIED evaluation
  • final scholarship review stages

Some applicants may also complete:

  • interviews
  • language evaluation
  • additional screening procedures

Step 6 — Final Selection & University Placement

Selected applicants receive:

  • scholarship confirmation
  • university placement information
  • Korean language training instructions where applicable

Students then prepare for enrollment in South Korea under the official GKS framework.


University Track Deadline

Under University Track:

  • designated Korean universities manage their own application periods

This creates:

  • university-specific variation in deadlines
  • different document submission schedules
  • separate screening timelines

Applicants must carefully follow the official schedule published by their chosen university.


Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 Deadline

Last verified: October 21, 2026

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 undergraduate application schedule has officially been announced. The deadlines depend on whether applicants choose the Embassy Track or University Track.

Application track2027 application deadlineStatus
GKS-U Embassy TrackSeptember 30, 2026, at 18:00 KSTClosed
GKS-U University TrackIndividual university deadlines during September–November 2026Some university applications may remain open
Regular GKS-G Master’s and PhDSeparate graduate announcementGeneral 2027 deadline not yet confirmed

GKS-U 2027 Embassy Track Deadline

The 2027 undergraduate Embassy Track online application period ran from September 15, 2026, at 11:00 KST to September 30, 2026, at 18:00 KST.

The Embassy Track is now closed. Applicants who submitted their applications should follow the selection announcements issued by the relevant Korean embassy.

GKS-U 2027 University Track Deadline

The University Track operates on a university-specific schedule. Each participating university establishes its own application period, eligible departments, document requirements and selection process.

Some universities have deadlines in late October or November 2026. Students who missed the Embassy Track can check whether they remain eligible for an open University Track opportunity.

Check Official GKS-U 2027 University Track Deadlines

Always confirm the final deadline and submission method with the university itself.

GKS-G 2027 Graduate Scholarship Deadline

The regular GKS-G programme for master’s, doctoral and research applicants follows a separate application cycle.

The general 2027 GKS-G application guidelines have not yet appeared in the official notices reviewed as of October 21, 2026.

Graduate applicants should monitor the official GKS notices rather than applying GKS-U undergraduate dates to their applications.

Important Application Advice

Before applying, confirm your degree level, eligible nationality, participating university and application route. Use the official 2027 application documents and submit before the deadline specified for your selected track.

Official sources:


How Competitive is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is one of the most competitive government-funded scholarship programmes in South Korea.

Every year, thousands of international applicants compete for limited quotas under:

  • Embassy Track
  • University Track

Selection is based on:

  • academic performance
  • document quality
  • interview evaluation
  • country quota competition
  • overall application strength

Quota System

GKS uses a quota-based selection structure.

Scholarship slots are distributed through:

  • Korean embassies
  • designated Korean universities
  • regional and country allocations

This means competition can vary significantly depending on:

  • applicant nationality
  • application track
  • study level

Some countries may have:

  • very limited scholarship slots
  • extremely high competition ratios

GPA / CGPA Importance

According to the official 2027 GKS undergraduate guidelines, applicants must meet at least one of the following academic requirements:

  • A score of 80% or above on a 100-point scale.
  • A ranking within the top 20% of their class.
  • An accepted CGPA of at least 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5 or 3.23/5.0.

Applicants must demonstrate the required academic performance in their previous educational programme.

If a transcript does not use an accepted grading scale, applicants should consult the official guidelines for the required school-issued grading documentation or conversion evidence.

Important: These figures apply to GKS-U 2027 undergraduate applicants. GKS-G graduate applicants must follow their own cycle’s eligibility guidelines.

Interview Quality Matters

For Embassy Track especially, interview performance can strongly affect final selection.

Interview panels may evaluate:

  • motivation for studying in South Korea
  • communication ability
  • academic goals
  • understanding of GKS
  • future contribution potential

Weak or generic interview responses can reduce competitiveness even for academically strong applicants.


Document Quality Also Matters

Strong applicants usually submit:

  • well-structured study plans
  • clear personal statements
  • strong recommendation letters
  • properly prepared documents

Many applications fail because of:

  • poor formatting
  • weak motivation statements
  • incomplete paperwork
  • lack of programme clarity

Who Should Apply for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027?

The Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 is best suited for academically strong international students who are serious about pursuing long-term study in South Korea.

Because the South Korea Government Global Korea Scholarship GKS-U 2027 fully funded programme is highly competitive, applicants should realistically evaluate their profile before applying.


You Should Apply If You:

  • have strong academic performance and GPA
  • are comfortable with a competitive selection process
  • can prepare high-quality documents and study plans
  • are genuinely interested in studying in South Korea
  • are willing to adapt to Korean academic and cultural environments

The scholarship is especially suitable for students targeting:

  • undergraduate degrees
  • master’s programmes
  • PhD study
  • research programmes at Korean universities

Strong GKS Applicants Usually Have

Competitive applicants often demonstrate:

  • high GPA/CGPA
  • clear academic goals
  • strong recommendation letters
  • good communication ability
  • research or leadership potential

Applicants with:

  • TOPIK scores
  • strong English proficiency
  • research experience
    may also gain advantages during evaluation.

Who May Not Be Eligible for GKS 2027?

Before applying for the Global Korea Scholarship 2027, students should carefully check the official eligibility requirements for their chosen application track.

Applicants may be ineligible if they do not meet the applicable:

  • Nationality and citizenship requirements
  • Age limits
  • Minimum academic qualifications
  • GPA or class-ranking requirements
  • Previous scholarship restrictions
  • Participating university and programme requirements

Students must also submit complete and accurate supporting documents within the specified application period.

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. However, applicants who satisfy the official requirements should assess their opportunities based on the published criteria rather than assume they are ineligible simply because the competition is strong.

For the final requirements, refer to the official GKS-U 2027 guidelines.


Final Recommendation

The Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 is ideal for students who:

  • have strong academic profiles
  • can compete internationally
  • are serious about studying in South Korea
  • are prepared for a structured government scholarship process.

FAQ — Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027


How to apply for GKS scholarship 2027?

For GKS-U 2027, the Embassy Track required online submission through Study in Korea between September 15 and September 30, 2026. This route is now closed.

University Track applicants apply according to individual university procedures and deadlines. Visit the official 2027 University Track announcement to find the relevant participating institution.

Master’s and PhD applicants should follow the separate GKS-G graduate application guidelines.


Is there GKS in 2028?

The GKS programme follows an annual scholarship cycle, so future scholarship rounds such as:

  • GKS 2028

are expected to continue under the Korean government scholarship framework unless official policy changes occur.

Applicants should wait for:

  • official yearly notices
  • embassy announcements
  • Study in Korea updates

before relying on specific future-cycle details.


What is the Korean scholarship for international students 2027?

The major Korean government scholarship for international students is:
→ the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027

The programme supports:

  • undergraduate
  • master’s
  • PhD
  • research study

at designated universities in South Korea.


How much CGPA is required for GKS?

For GKS-U 2027, applicants must meet at least one academic threshold: 80% or above, top 20% class ranking, or a CGPA of at least 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5 or 3.23/5.0.

These are undergraduate requirements. Graduate applicants must follow the applicable GKS-G guidelines.


What are the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 requirements?

The Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 requirements commonly include:

  • non-Korean nationality eligibility
  • academic qualification requirements
  • GPA/CGPA standards
  • health eligibility
  • document verification rules

Additional conditions can vary depending on:

  • programme level
  • Embassy Track
  • University Track

How does Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 registration work?

GKS-U 2027 registration depends on the application track.

For the Embassy Track, applicants registered and submitted their applications online through the official Study in Korea system during the September 2026 application window.

For the University Track, applicants must follow the participating university’s application instructions and deadline. Submission requirements may differ by institution.

Where can I get the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 application form?

The official GKS Scholarship 2027 undergraduate application forms were released on September 9, 2026.

Download the GKS-U 2027 Application Forms and Guidelines

The announcement includes the application-form attachments, guidelines and participating university information.


What is the GKS Scholarship 2027 undergraduate application form?

The GKS Scholarship 2027 undergraduate application form refers to the official undergraduate application package required for bachelor’s-level GKS applicants.

It commonly includes:

  • personal statement
  • study plan
  • transcripts
  • recommendation letters
  • nationality verification documents

What is the Global Korea Scholarship GKS 2027 deadline?

The GKS-U 2027 Embassy Track closed on September 30, 2026, at 18:00 KST.

The University Track follows separate deadlines set by participating universities, with some application periods extending into November 2026.

Regular GKS-G 2027 master’s and PhD applications follow a separate schedule. Check the official NIIED notices for graduate announcements.


What was the GKS Scholarship 2026 deadline?

The GKS Scholarship 2026 deadline followed the standard annual application cycle through:

  • Korean embassies
  • designated universities
  • official Study in Korea notices

Applicants can use previous cycles only as reference and should not assume identical dates for 2027.


What is Global Korea Scholarship (GKS 2026)?

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS 2026) was the previous scholarship cycle under the Korean government scholarship system for international students studying in South Korea.

It followed the same general structure:

  • Embassy Track
  • University Track
  • government-funded degree support
  • Korean language training system.

Main Official GKS Portal

Study in Korea Official Portal


Official GKS Scholarship Section

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Official Page


Official GKS Notices & Announcements

Official GKS Scholarship Notices


NIIED Official Website

National Institute for International Education (NIIED)


Official Study in Korea Online Application System

Study in Korea Online Application Portal


Example Official GKS Undergraduate Announcement Reference

Official GKS Undergraduate Announcement Example


Korean Embassy Directory

Republic of Korea Overseas Missions Directory

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