Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026: How to Apply for Fully Funded Study in South Korea

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), run by the Korean government, is the main route to fully funded study in South Korea. It covers tuition, a monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare and Korean language training, and it is open to international students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). The national award administered by the National Institute for International Education, covering full tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare and language training. Most international students at Korean universities study on this programme or on a university award.

2. KAIST Scholarship. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology fully funds its international students, covering tuition and living costs across undergraduate and graduate programmes.

3. Seoul National University Scholarships. SNU offers internal scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and graduate level, applied for after admission.

4. Pony Chung KU GSIS Invitation Scholarship at Korea University. Full funding for international students at Korea University's Graduate School of International Studies.

5. KOICA Scholarship at Korea University. Funded study for students from developing countries through Korea's development agency.

6. POSTECH International Student Scholarships. Pohang University of Science and Technology provides scholarships covering tuition and living expenses for its international students.

The GKS embassy track opens once a year and requires nomination through the Korean embassy in your country. University tracks differ, so check the specific award listing for the application route. Korean-language ability helps but is not always required, and GKS includes a year of language training before your degree starts.