South Korean Government Scholarship 2025 | Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
About the scholarship
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025 is one of the most prominent fully-funded scholarship opportunities offered by the South Korean government for international students wishing to study at prestigious Korean universities. The scholarship aims to promote cultural and educational exchange between Korea and the world and support talented students to achieve academic excellence. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, as well as airfare, a monthly living allowance, free accommodation or housing support, health insurance, and more. Available programs include a wide range of disciplines such as engineering, science, arts, and business. To apply, applicants must meet the specified requirements and submit their applications through Korean embassies or official channels before the deadline.
The state
- South Korea
Donor
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea
Participating universities
- More than 35 universities, including:
- Type "A": Prestigious universities such as Seoul National University, KAIST, Yonsei.
- Type "B": Regional universities such as Pusan University and Chungnam University.
Available academic levels
- Master's: 1 year Korean language + 2 years of study.
- PhD: 1 year Korean language + 3 years of study.
- Research programs: 6 months or 1 year.
Financing provided
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage up to 5 million won per semester.
- Travel: One-way airfare (economy class).
- Monthly salary:
- Korean language programs: 1,180,000 won/month.
- Academic study: 1,310,000 won/month.
- Health insurance: Full medical coverage for the duration of the study.
- Korean language course: free for one year (if required).
- Additional support:
- One-time settlement allowance (200,000 won).
- End of program allowance (100,000 won).
Eligible countries to apply
- Most countries of the world, especially Arab countries.
Application requirements
- Nationality:
- You must be from one of the eligible countries.
- Holding Korean nationality or dual nationality with Korea is not allowed.
- Academic qualifications:
- Master's: Bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.64/4.0 or higher.
- PhD: Master's degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.64/4.0 or higher.
- the age:
- Under 40 years old (born after September 1, 1985).
- Current teachers in ODA recipient countries are eligible to apply up to 45 years of age.
- Language ability:
- Korean: TOPIK Level 3 or higher.
- English: TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.0 or above.
- Those who hold TOPIK level 5 or 6 are exempt from studying Korean.
- health:
- The applicant must be physically and mentally fit to complete the program in Korea.
Required documents
- Mandatory forms:
- Application form.
- the biography.
- Study plan.
- Letter of recommendation.
- Medical certificate.
- Certificates and documents:
- Certified and translated graduation certificate (Bachelor's/Master's/PhD).
- Official transcript.
- Passport (photo).
- Proof of nationality (birth certificate or parents' passport).
- Additional documents:
- TOPIK/TOEFL/IELTS certificate (if applicable).
- Invitation letter from the university (for researchers).
- Proof of renunciation of Korean citizenship (if both parents were previously Korean).
How to apply
- Embassy path:
- Apply through the Korean embassy in your country (February–March).
- Selection of candidates and submission of their applications to NIIED (until April 1).
- Final announcement (June).
- University path:
- Apply directly to Korean University (February–April).
- Final announcement (June).
Important dates
| The event | the date |
|---|---|
| Applications are now open | February 2025 |
| Application deadline | February 28, 2025 |
| Final announcement | June 2025 |
Important Notes:
- No applications will be accepted after February 28, 2025 .
- It is recommended to apply early to avoid technical congestion.
- Applicants through the Embassy must select at least 3 universities (one of which must be a “B” type).
The official announcement of the scholarship
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