The Global Korea Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 (GKS 2026) offer an incredible opportunity for international students to pursue fully funded undergraduate studies in South Korea. Sponsored by the Korean government and managed by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), this prestigious scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and more at top Korean universities. This detailed guide will walk you through everything about the GKS 2026 undergraduate scholarships including benefits, eligibility, application process, and why South Korea is a top choice for international students.

Basic Information About Global Korea Undergraduate Scholarships 2026

Application Deadline: October 31, 2025 (embassy track deadlines may vary, some close September 30)
Scholarship Coverage: Fully funded including tuition fees, housing, monthly stipend, airfare, medical insurance, and resettlement allowance
Number of Awards: Approximately 280 undergraduate slots globally
Duration: 1 year Korean language training + 4-6 years degree program for bachelor’s; 1 year language + 2-3 years for associate degree

Universities and Institutions Participating in GKS 2026

The GKS Scholarship 2026 allows students to apply to various top-tier universities across South Korea. Students can select from a list of recognized institutions authorized by the program. Universities offer diverse programs in different fields, and applicants may apply to three universities under the embassy track or directly to universities for the university track.

Study Areas and Available Programs

Applicants can pursue a variety of disciplines under the GKS scholarship umbrella, including but not limited to:

Engineering
Natural Sciences
Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Entertainment and Sports
Business Administration
Computer Science

These programs cater to different academic interests and future career goals, offering a world-class education experience.

Participating Universities List:

Bachelor’s Degree (10 Universities):

Ajou University
DAEGU UNIVERSITY
DONG-A UNIVERSITY
INJE UNIVERSITY
KEIMYUNG UNIVERSITY
Konyang University
Kookmin University
Korea University of Technology and Education
Sungshin Women’s University
YEUNGNAM UNIVERSITY

Associate Degree (3 Universities):

Kyungbok University
Yeungjin University
DONG-EUI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Global Korea Undergraduate Scholarships Benefits

The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded scholarship providing extensive financial support:

Full tuition fees covered
One-year Korean language training fully funded
Monthly living allowance (stipend) around $750 to $850 USD converted from Korean Won
Round-trip airfare between home country and South Korea
Housing (dormitory or campus accommodation) fully covered
Medical insurance provided
Resettlement allowance after arrival
Additional benefits such as research support, printing costs for dissertations, and awards for excellent Korean language proficiency
Printing Costs (Dissertation)
Completion Grant

What the Scholarship Does Not Cover

Although the GKS Scholarship covers most academic and living expenses, it typically excludes:

Personal expenses such as travel within Korea and leisure activities
Family or dependent costs (only covers the scholar)
Tuition for language courses outside the official Korean language training program (if applicable)

Eligibility Criteria for the GKS 2026 Undergraduate Scholarship

To qualify for the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following:

Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a country designated by NIIED; Korean citizenship holders are ineligible
Age: Under 25 years old as of the application year (born after March 1, 2001)
Academic Background: Must be a high school graduate or expected to graduate before December 31, 2025
GPA: Minimum academic performance of 80% or top 20% class ranking, or CGPA equivalents (e.g., 2.64/4.0)
Health: Must be in good physical and mental health to study abroad
No prior Korean government scholarships for higher education are allowed (no repeat recipients)
Korean language proficiency is a plus but not always mandatory, with exemptions for TOPIK level 5 or 6

Required Documents for the Application

Applicants should prepare the following essential documents:

Completed GKS application form (available on Study in Korea website)
High school diploma or certificate of expected graduation
Official academic transcripts
Personal statement or study plan
Two letters of recommendation
Valid passport copy
Evidence of language proficiency (English and/or Korean, if applicable)
Medical check-up report
Other documents requested by the chosen universities (e.g., portfolios)

Global Korea Undergraduate Scholarships Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Create an Online Account

2: Choose Your Application Track

Embassy Track: Apply via the Korean Embassy in your country (more competitive, allows multiple university choices)
University Track: Apply directly to Korean universities (faster but limited university options)

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Gather all documents outlined above and fill out the application form carefully.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Submit your application online through Study in Korea or send it to the Korean embassy as per instructions by the deadline.

Step 5: Screening and Interview

Applications are reviewed by embassy officials and universities, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates.

Step 6: Final Selection

NIIED makes the final selection and announces results online, usually by January of the scholarship year.

Step 7: Visa and Pre-Departure

Successful applicants receive visa support and pre-departure orientation.

Tips for a Successful GKS Scholarship Application

Start early and thoroughly read the official guidelines
Prepare clear, detailed personal statements reflecting your academic goals and motivation to study in Korea
Obtain strong recommendation letters highlighting your qualifications and potential
Keep copies of all documents and ensure translations are accurate
Practice for interviews and demonstrate your interest in Korean culture and education
Highlight any Korean language skills or awards related to your field
Follow embassy/university-specific instructions carefully

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in South Korea (USD)

South Korea offers a relatively affordable cost of living for international students. Typical monthly expenses are:

Housing (dormitory or shared accommodation): $200 – $400
Food: $200 – $300
Transportation: $30 – $50
Phone/internet: $20 – $40
Miscellaneous: $100 – $150

Overall, international students spend approximately $600 to $950 USD per month, which is well covered by the GKS scholarship stipend.

Why Choose the Global Korea Undergraduate Scholarship?

Fully Funded Education: Covers tuition, housing, living expenses, airfare, and insurance, eliminating financial barriers.
Top Korean Universities: Access to prestigious institutions with globally recognized programs.
Korean Language Training: Free one-year Korean language course to help adjust academically and culturally.
Cultural Experience: Opportunity to live in dynamic cities, learn Korean culture, and build international friendships.
Career and Research Opportunities: Networking with global scholars, internships, and state-of-the-art research facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When is the application deadline?
A: The general deadline is October 31, 2025, but embassy track deadlines may vary (some close September 30).

Q: Can I apply if I have dual citizenship including Korean?
A: No, applicants with Korean citizenship are not eligible.

Q: Is Korean language proficiency required?
A: Not mandatory initially. Successful applicants often complete a one-year Korean language program unless exempted with TOPIK level 5 or 6.

Q: What fields of study are available?
A: Diverse fields including engineering, natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, entertainment, and sports.

Q: Can I apply to multiple universities?
A: Yes, through the embassy track, applicants can select up to three universities; university track allows one.

Official Link:

This exhaustive guide aims to provide all the essential details, helping potential applicants successfully apply for the Global Korea Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 and embark on a transformative educational journey in South Korea. For more information, always refer to official sites such as Study in Korea and Korean embassies.

Global Korea Undergraduate Scholarships (GKS) 2026 in South Korea: A Complete Guide