South Korea’s GKS 2027 Opens for Undergraduate Students — Full Funding Available
Applications are now open for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 for Undergraduate Students, offering international students an opportunity to pursue undergraduate or associate degree programs in South Korea with full financial support.
The scholarship is funded by the Korean Government and is available to citizens of countries that are part of the Global Korea Scholarship partner network. According to the provided information, approximately 256 new students will be selected for the 2027 intake.
For eligible applicants, the scholarship can cover major study and living expenses, including tuition, airfare, accommodation-related support and monthly allowances. The provided information also states that IELTS is not required.
GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) 2027 |
| Host Country | South Korea |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate / Associate Degree |
| New Scholarships | Approximately 256 |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Application Routes | Embassy Track / University Track |
| Main Embassy Track Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| University Track Deadline | November 2026, depending on university |
| IELTS | Not required according to the provided information |
What Does the GKS Scholarship Cover?
The Global Korea Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to successful applicants. The listed benefits include:
- Return airfare
- Full tuition fees
- Settlement allowance
- Monthly living allowance
- One year of Korean language training
- Degree program tuition
- Reimbursement for thesis or dissertation printing
- Medical allowance
- Degree completion grants
- Korean proficiency grants
In addition to financial support, the program provides students with opportunities to experience Korean culture, develop their academic and professional skills, and gain international exposure.
How Long Is the Scholarship?
The duration depends on the type of academic program.
| Program | Duration |
|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 1 year Korean language program + 2–3 years degree program |
| Undergraduate Degree | 1 year Korean language program + 4–6 years degree program |
The Korean language training period is followed by the relevant degree program.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements specified for the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2027.
The provided information lists the following criteria:
- Must be a citizen of a Global Korea Scholarship partner country.
- Must not already hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Must meet the required academic performance standard.
- Must have a score percentile of 80% or higher.
- Must be under 25 years of age.
- Must meet the program's health requirements.
- Must have no criminal record.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following academic standards:
| Grading Scale | Required Academic Score |
|---|---|
| 4.0 | Above 2.64 |
| 4.3 | Above 2.80 |
| 4.5 | Above 2.91 |
| 5.0 | Above 3.23 |
Applicants should carefully check the official GKS guidelines applicable to their country before applying, as requirements and procedures may vary.
Applicants Waiting for Graduation Results
Students who are expected to graduate may also be eligible to apply under the relevant conditions. The provided information states that result-waiting applicants must submit a Certificate of Expected Graduation when applying.
Applicants should make sure that their graduation status meets the requirements specified in the official application guidelines.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the necessary documents before beginning the application process. The listed documents include:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- Study plan
- Letter of recommendation
- GKS Applicant Agreement
- Personal medical assessment
- Graduation certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of parents' citizenship
- Overseas Korean documentation, if applicable
- Valid TOPIK or English proficiency documentation, where applicable
- Awards and other certificates
- Passport copy
Some documents may have specific formatting, certification or submission requirements. Applicants should therefore follow the instructions issued for their particular application track and country.
Embassy Track vs University Track
There are two main ways to apply for the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship.
Embassy Track
Under the Embassy Track, applicants submit their application through the Korean Embassy in the country where they hold citizenship.
For applicants using this route, the provided deadline is:
30 September 2026
University Track
Under the University Track, applicants apply directly to one of the designated Korean universities participating in the GKS program.
The provided deadline is:
November 2026
However, the exact deadline can vary by university, so applicants should check the schedule of their selected institution.
How to Apply for GKS 2027
Applicants can choose either the Embassy Track or the University Track, depending on the available route for their country and their preferred university.
The application process may differ according to the applicant's country, application track and selected university. Therefore, applicants should carefully read the latest official GKS application guidelines before submitting their documents.
Application Deadline
For the Embassy Track, the provided deadline is:
30 September 2026
For the University Track, applications are expected to close in November 2026, according to the individual schedules of participating universities.
Students interested in the scholarship should begin preparing their academic documents and other application materials early.
Apply for the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2027
Official application information: Study in Korea / GKS
Important Reminder
Scholarship requirements, application procedures, university participation and deadlines may vary by country and application track. Applicants should always verify the latest information through the official GKS/Study in Korea sources before submitting an application.
Prothomlink Reminder: This article is published for informational purposes. Applicants are responsible for checking the official guidelines and ensuring that they meet all eligibility and document requirements before applying.
