The 2027 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) offers 286 fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing bachelor’s and associate degrees in South Korea. The NIIED-funded scholarship covers tuition, airfare, Korean language training and annual living support through Embassy Track and University Track routes. Embassy Track applications close on September 30, 2026 at 18:00 KST, so applicants should check eligibility, participating universities and track requirements before applying.
Global Korea Scholarship 2027: Quick Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | South Korea |
| Program | Global Korea Scholarship for Undergraduate Degrees |
| Administered By | NIIED |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor’s and Associate Degree |
| Total Quota | 286 scholars |
| Duration | Bachelor’s: 5–7 years; Associate: 3–4 years, including Korean language study |
| Funding | Tuition, language training, airfare and living allowance |
| Eligible Nationalities | Designated countries by track; UIC accepts applicants worldwide except Korea |
| Embassy Track Deadline | September 30, 2026 at 18:00 KST |
| University Track | September to November 2026, varies by university |
| Final Result | Expected January 7, 2027 |
The official 2027 guidelines confirm the program structure, quotas, funding, deadlines and eligibility requirements.
What Does GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 Offer?
The scholarship covers two study routes:
- Bachelor’s: one year of Korean language study plus four to six years of degree study.
- Associate degree: one year of Korean language study plus two to three years of degree study.
NIIED allocates 156 places to Embassy Track, 100 to the University Track UIC program, and 30 to the University Track Associate Degree program.
NIIED + administers + Global Korea Scholarship.
If you want to compare other currently open funding options, see Latest Scholarships 2027.
Embassy Track vs University Track
Embassy Track
The Embassy Track includes General, Overseas Koreans & Adoptees, and R-GKS.
General and Overseas Koreans & Adoptees applicants can choose up to three universities, but at least one must be a Type B university. R-GKS applicants can choose up to two Type B universities.
Applications open on September 15, 2026 at 11:00 KST and close on September 30, 2026 at 18:00 KST through Study in Korea.
University Track
University Track applicants choose one university and one department only.
The UIC route offers 100 places and accepts applicants from countries worldwide. It focuses on natural science and engineering programs linked with university-industry cooperation. The separate Associate Degree route offers 30 places.
Each university sets its own deadline and submission method.
Available Fields of Study in Korea scholarship
Applicants can choose fields offered by participating GKS universities, but the exact university and department must appear in the official University Information file.
UIC options include AI and computer engineering, electronic engineering, food science, medicinal biotechnology, mechanical engineering, software, big data science and environmental engineering.
If your grades use a different scale, try GPA Converter, then obtain official school confirmation for any converted grade you submit.
Who Can Apply for GKS-U 2027?
You must satisfy the core nationality, age, education and academic requirements. A detailed Global Korea Scholarship 2027 for undergraduate eligibility is as follows;
- You must hold citizenship from an NIIED-designated country for the relevant route. UIC accepts applicants from all countries worldwide except Korea.
- You and your parents or legal guardians must not hold Korean citizenship.
- You must be under 25, meaning born on or after March 1, 2002.
- Bachelor’s applicants need a high school qualification or an associate degree.
- Associate degree applicants need a high school qualification.
- Expected graduates must graduate by December 31, 2026.
- You need at least 80%, a top 20% class rank, or the accepted minimum CGPA on the listed scales.
- You must meet the program’s health and overseas travel requirements.
Applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree cannot apply. The rules also restrict graduates of Korean high schools or Korean associate degree programs.
How to Apply for GKS Undergraduate Scholarship in Korea 2027
Step 1: Choose your track. Decide between Embassy Track and University Track. GKS does not allow duplicate applications.
GKS Undergraduate Scholarship Application Guidelines 2027
Step 2: Check your university and department. Use the official University Information file and confirm any university-specific requirements.
Step 3: Prepare documents. Match your English name exactly to your passport and verify your graduation, citizenship and academic records.
Step 4: Write your statement and study plan. NIIED assesses academic performance, language ability, academic activities, social contribution, international exchange potential and future development.
Step 5: Submit correctly. Embassy Track applicants apply through Study in Korea. University Track applicants follow the chosen university’s instructions.
Apply Now for GKS Scholarship for Undergradate Students via Embassy Track
Step 6: Follow the results. Embassy Track includes embassy, NIIED and university review. University Track includes university and NIIED review. NIIED expects the final result on January 7, 2027.
Required Documents
Prepare the core file early:
- Application Form
- Personal Statement
- Study Plan
- Recommendation Letter
- GKS Applicant Agreement
- Personal Medical Assessment
- Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information
- Proof of citizenship and family relationship
- Graduation or expected graduation certificate
- Academic transcript
- Associate degree documents, if applicable
- Optional TOPIK, TOEFL or IELTS scores
- Up to five optional awards or achievement certificates
Applicants who pass the first round must submit original and authenticated documents for NIIED review. Required certificates generally need an apostille or consular confirmation. Documents outside English or Korean also need certified translation.
Career Help Desk Counter Angle: Where Applicants Lose Ground
First, do not select three universities by reputation alone. The official guidance warns Embassy Track applicants that choosing only highly competitive universities can lead to rejection at the university stage even after passing NIIED.
That detail changes the strategy. Your university list should balance academic fit, department strength and realistic admission prospects rather than simply repeating the most famous Korean institutions.
Second, treat language scores as useful evidence. TOPIK and English tests remain optional for GKS itself, but language proficiency forms part of the competency review. TOPIK Level 3 or above also earns additional points.
Third, protect your application from technical errors. An incorrect department name, missing signature, unsupported GPA conversion or incomplete citizenship evidence can stop your application before reviewers assess your broader profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to more than one University Track institution
- Ignoring the Type B requirement under Embassy Track
- Writing a department name that does not match the official list
- Submitting incomplete citizenship or family documents
- Using an unsupported GPA conversion
- Missing signatures or authentication requirements
- Waiting too long to arrange apostille or consular confirmation
Before submitting, you can also use Scholarship Eligibility Checker to check whether your profile matches the main requirements.
GKS 2027 Scholarship Benefits
The funding package covers major study costs:
- Tuition: NIIED pays up to 5 million KRW per semester. The university covers the amount above that limit and the admission fee.
- Korean language program: 5.2 million KRW per year.
- Airfare: Economy-class flight ticket at actual expense for eligible scholars.
- Allowance during language study: 13,560,000 KRW per year.
- Allowance during degree study: 14,400,000 KRW per year.
Applicants with TOPIK Level 5 or 6 can skip the one-year Korean language program.
Ready to Apply for Global Korea Scholarship 2027
The Global Korea Scholarship 2027 offers substantial support for international students pursuing undergraduate study in South Korea. The strongest application starts with the correct track, a realistic university strategy and technically complete documents. Do not wait until the deadline to check department eligibility or document authentication. For the complete country quotas, university lists, forms and official updates, use Study in Korea GKS Notice.
Official Source: 2027 Global Korea Scholarship for Undergraduate Degrees
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GKS 2027 fully funded?
Yes. GKS-U covers tuition, Korean language program costs, eligible airfare and an annual allowance for living-related expenses.
What is the Embassy Track deadline?
September 30, 2026 at 18:00 KST is the online deadline.
Can I apply without TOPIK or IELTS?
Yes. GKS does not require a language score from every applicant, although individual universities or departments can set additional requirements.
Can I apply to three universities?
Yes, through the Embassy Track. General and Overseas Koreans & Adoptees applicants can choose up to three universities, including at least one Type B university. University Track applicants choose only one university and one department.
Can I apply with less than 80%?
Yes, if you rank within the top 20% of your class. You need official school evidence confirming that rank.
Stay connected with Careers Help Desk for the latest international fellowships, scholarships, and research opportunities to empower your future!
0 Comments