If you are interested in pursuing your education in Korea, I recommend thoroughly reading this blog post. This blog post will provide a comprehensive explanation of Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025 and a step by step application procedure on how to apply. 

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025 | Fully Funded Korean Government Scholarship for International Students

Scholarship Overview

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025 is now open for applications! This fully funded scholarship, sponsored by the Korean Government, offers international students the opportunity to pursue Master’s and PhD programs in South Korea. In 2025, a total of 1,820 scholarships will be awarded, covering tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, airfare, visas, books, and other expenses. No GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL is required, and there is no application fee. Studies will commence in September 2025, and applicants from all countries are eligible. Don't miss this incredible opportunity—apply now!

More details about the scholarship requirements and the application process are given below.

Table of Contents

Scholarship Summary

Scholarships Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

Documents Required

How To Apply

Online Apply Video Guide

Scholarship Summary

Country

Korea

Universities

All South Korean Universities

Degree Level

Masters, PhD & Research

Financial Benefits

Fully Funded

English Language Certificates

No GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL

Application Fee

No

Number of Scholarships

1820

Embassy Track: 669 scholarships

University Track: 1,151 scholarships

Degree Duration

Master’s degree (MPhil/ MS)

3 years

1 year of the Korean language program

2 years of a degree program

PhD

4 year

1 year of the Korean language program

3 years of the regular degree program

Research

6 Months

Deadline

Different for each country

 

Tracks for Application

The Global Korea Scholarship offers two main tracks:

Embassy Track

  • Applicants submit their applications to the Korean Embassy in their home country.
  • The embassy will review and recommend candidates to Korean universities.
  • This track generally has higher competition due to the limited number of seats and broader applicant pool.

University Track

  • Applicants apply directly to a Korean university participating in the GKS program.
  • Applicants must indicate the GKS Scholarship option in the university’s application form.
  • This track allows students to directly select their university of preference.

Number of Scholarships

  • Embassy Track: 669
  • University Track:
  • General: 150 scholars from 55 countries or regions/
  • R-GKS: 465 scholars from 56 countries or regions
  • R&D: 300 scholars from all countries around the world
  • Global Network: 80 scholars from all countries around the world

Scholarship Benefits

Full Tuition Fee Coverage: No tuition costs for the entire duration of the program.

Monthly Stipend:

  • Master’s: ₩10,000,000 KRW/month
  • Research: ₩15,000,000 KRW/month

Airfare Tickets: Round-trip flight to and from South Korea.

Accommodation and Resettlement Allowance: Support for initial settlement.

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage.

Research Allowance: Support for academic research.

Language Training Fees: One year of Korean language study.

Completion Grants: Provided upon successful completion of the program

Scholarships Without IELTS:

https://www.youtube.com/@ScholarshipStrategiesUnleashed/videos

Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements

  • Must be in good mental and physical health.
  • Must have a minimum CGPA equivalent to or higher than:
  • 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0
  • 80% or above on a 100-point scale or ranked within the top 20% of their class.

Nationality Requirements:

  • Must be a citizen of an NIIED-designated country.
  • Applicants and their parents must not hold Korean citizenship.
  • Korean citizens and dual nationality holders (Korean + another nationality) are not eligible.
  • Former Korean citizens (or their parents) must provide proof of renunciation of Korean nationality.

Age Requirements:

  • Must be under 40 years old as of September 1, 2024 (born after September 1, 1984).
  • Academic professors from ODA-listed countries can apply if they are under 45 years old as of September 1, 2024 (born after September 1, 1978).

Degree Requirements

  • Applicants must hold or must be expected to hold a Bachelor’s Degree to be enrolled in a Master Program or hold a Master Degree to be enrolled in PhD Degree Program.
  • Research Program Applicants: Must hold a degree or a level of education equivalent to or higher than a Master’s degree and must have received an invitation from one of NIIED’s designated Korean universities.
  • Postdoctoral Research Program: Must hold a doctoral degree or a level of education equivalent to a doctoral degree.

 Documents Required

  • Application Form
  • Personal Statement
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Research Proposal (if applicable)
  • Letters of Recommendation (2)
  • Consent or Invitation Letter
  • Medical Report
  • Proof of Citizenship (Passport or ID card)
  • Educational Certificates and Transcripts
  • Language Proof (optional, such as TOPIK or English proficiency)
  • Additional Documents (Awards, Certificates, etc.)

Scholarships Without IELTS:

https://www.youtube.com/@ScholarshipStrategiesUnleashed/videos

How to Apply for this Scholarship

  • The procedure to apply Korean Government GKS Scholarship is different and set by each country. The official website link is given below. We highly advise you to make sure to check the calls for 2025-26 GKS applications separately announced by relevant institutions or offices in your country.


Online Apply Video Guide + How to Fill Form


How to Fill Application Form