The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS 2027), funded by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the South Korean Ministry of Education, is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded scholarship programs. Designed to foster international academic exchange, GKS covers 100% of study expenses, living allowances, and 1 year of intensive Korean language training for international students pursuing Associate and Bachelor’s degrees.
📊 Scholarship / Opportunity Overview
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | South Korea |
| Funding Body | National Institute for International Education (NIIED) |
| Study Level | Associate Degree & Bachelor’s Degree (GKS-U) |
| Coverage Type | Fully Funded (100% Tuition + Living Stipend + Flights + Health Insurance) |
| Monthly Living Allowance | KRW 1,130,000 – 1,200,000 per month |
| Total Selected Scholars | 286 Scholars Worldwide |
| Eligible Target Group | Citizens of NIIED-designated partner countries |
| Embassy Track Application | September 15, 2026 (11:00 KST) – September 30, 2026 (18:00 KST) |
| University Track Application | September – November 2026 (varies by university) |
| Application Mode | Online via Study in Korea Portal (Embassy Track) / Direct Postal Submission (University Track) |
📌 About the Scholarship / Opportunity
The GKS-U program provides a complete pathway for international students to obtain an undergraduate degree in South Korea. Scholars undergo 1 full year of compulsory Korean language immersion at a designated language institution before matriculating into their 4-year Bachelor’s or 2–3 year Associate degree programs at top Korean universities.
🏛️ Eligible Academic Programmes
Scholarships cover degree programs across participating Korean higher education institutions:
- Engineering & Technology (Computer Science, Software Engineering, AI, Robotics)
- Natural Sciences & Biotechnology
- Business, Management & Economics
- Humanities & Social Sciences (International Relations, Korean Studies)
- University-Industry Cooperation (UIC) Tracks (Specialized Science & Tech fields)
💰 What Does It Cover?
- 🎓 100% Free Tuition: Complete waiver of university entrance fees and tuition fees for the entire duration of study.
- ✈️ Airfare: Round-trip economy class flights between home country and South Korea.
- 💵 Monthly Stipend: KRW 1,130,000/month (during language training) and KRW 1,200,000/month (during degree program).
- 🏠 Settlement Allowance: KRW 200,000 single settlement grant upon initial arrival.
- 🇰🇷 Korean Language Prep: Full sponsorship for 1 year of intensive language courses.
- 🏥 National Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage.
- 🏅 Degree Completion Bonus: KRW 100,000 bonus upon achieving TOPIK Level 5 or 6.
👤 Who Can Apply?
- Nationality: Applicants and both parents must hold citizenship of an eligible non-Korean nation. (Dual citizens holding Korean nationality are ineligible).
- Age Limit: Must be under 25 years old (Born after March 1, 2002).
- Academic Threshold: Minimum cumulative GPA of 80% or higher on a 100-point scale, top 20% class rank, or CGPA of 3.23 / 5.0 (or equivalent).
- Education Requirement: Secondary school graduates (12 years of education completed or expected to graduate by December 31, 2026).
🇳🇬 Can Nigerians Apply?
Yes! Nigerian secondary school leavers with top WAEC/NECO grades who meet the age criteria are eligible to apply through both Embassy Track and University Track quotas.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
- Good Health: Must be physically and mentally fit to complete long-term studies in South Korea.
- Document Authentication: Transcripts, high school diplomas, and citizenship proofs must be apostilled or consular-authenticated by the local Embassy.
- No Degree Holders: Candidates already holding a Bachelor’s degree cannot apply for GKS-U.
📅 Important Application Deadlines (2027 Cycle)
- Embassy Track Online Window: September 15, 2026 – September 30, 2026
- University Track Window: September – November 2026 (varies per host university)
- First Round Selection Results: October / November 2026
- Final Winner Announcement: January 7, 2027
- Arrival in Korea: Late February 2027
📝 How to Apply (3-Step Process)
Step 1: Select Your Application Track
Decide between Embassy Track (apply for up to 3 universities via the Korean Embassy) or University Track (apply directly to 1 GKS-designated university).
Step 2: Complete Electronic/Physical Applications
Fill in the GKS application forms, Personal Statement, Study Plan, and GKS Applicant Agreement. Embassy Track applications are submitted online via the Study in Korea portal.
Step 3: Document Authentication & Submission
Submit verified, consular-authenticated/apostilled academic documents, recommendation letters, and medical assessments.
🔗 Official Application Link
🔗 Official Webpage: Study in Korea Portal- 📅 Embassy Track Deadline: September 30, 2026 (18:00 KST)
Disclaimer: Selection procedures, quota allocations, and guidelines are governed directly by NIIED. Always verify details on the official Study in Korea portal.
📄 Documents to Prepare
- Official GKS Application Form
- Personal Statement & Study Plan
- One Letter of Recommendation (signed by teacher/principal within 1 year)
- High School Graduation Certificate (or Expected Graduation Certificate)
- Official High School Transcripts
- Proof of Citizenship for Applicant and Parents (Passports or National IDs)
- Proof of Family Relationship (Birth Certificate)
- Personal Medical Assessment
- Valid TOPIK score or IELTS/TOEFL scores (Optional, but gives bonus evaluation points)
⭐ Why Apply for This Opportunity?
- Zero Expense: Covers airfare, tuition, housing, health care, and living costs completely.
- Language Training: Paid 1-year Korean language instruction.
- High Career Prospects: Direct entry into dynamic global technology, business, and research sectors in South Korea.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is TOPIK or English test mandatory to apply?
No. Language certificates (TOPIK, IELTS, TOEFL) are optional, but holding them adds bonus evaluation points to your score.
Can I apply to both Embassy and University tracks at the same time?
No. Dual track submission is strictly prohibited. However, if you fail Embassy Track Round 1, you can apply for University Track.
💡 Important Tips for Applicants
- If your transcript does not state CGPA on a standard scale (4.0, 4.3, 4.5, 5.0), obtain an official grading conversion letter from your school.
- Start document consular authentication early to avoid missing the tight September submission deadlines.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the strict Embassy Track deadline window (September 30 at 18:00 KST).
- Submitting unauthenticated academic transcripts without embassy verification/apostille.