Fully Funded Korean Government Graduate Scholarship 2025-2026 GKS South korea Scholarships fpr Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Post Doc

The Korean Government has announced one of the largest scholarship opportunities for international students in 2025. Applications are now open for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Graduate Program 2025 (GKS-G). This is a fully funded scholarship offered by the Korean Government, designed to support students from around the world in pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees in South Korea.

For the year 2025, the program aims to welcome 1,820 international students, providing them with a chance to study in South Korea. The best part? No GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL scores are required, and there’s no application fee! Classes are set to begin in September 2025, giving students ample time to prepare. This scholarship covers all expenses, including tuition fees, monthly allowances, airfare, visa fees, books, and more.

Let’s explore the details of this exciting opportunity further.

What is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), previously known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is a prestigious program that supports international students who wish to pursue higher education in South Korea.

For 2025, the program focuses on graduate-level studies (Master’s and PhD). Students interested in undergraduate scholarships can apply later when the call opens in September 2025.

Tracks of Application

The GKS offers two ways to apply:

1. Embassy Track:

   • You will submit your application to the Korean Embassy in your home country.
   • The embassy will guide you in choosing from the universities designated for your region.
   • This track is more competitive as it attracts a higher number of applicants.

2. University Track:

   • You apply directly to a Korean university through their online system.
   • While filling out the application, you must select the GKS Scholarship option.

Number of Scholarships Available

The scholarships are divided between the two tracks:

• Embassy Track: 669 scholarships
• University Track:
  • General: 150 scholarships across 55 countries
  • R-GKS: 465 scholarships across 56 countries
  • R&D: 300 scholarships for all countries globally
  • Global Network: 80 scholarships for all countries globally

Scholarship Duration

• Master’s Degree: 3 years (1 year for Korean language training + 2 years for degree program)
• Doctoral Degree: 4 years (1 year for Korean language training + 3 years for degree program)
• Research Program: 6 months

Financial Benefits of the GKS Scholarship

This fully funded scholarship covers all major expenses, including:

• Tuition fees: Paid in full
• Monthly allowance: To help with living costs
• Resettlement allowance: For initial expenses upon arrival
• Medical insurance: To ensure healthcare coverage
• Round-trip airfare tickets
• Language courses: To improve Korean language skills
• Research support and printing costs (for dissertations)
• Awards for excellent Korean language proficiency
• Completion grant

With these benefits, students can focus entirely on their studies without financial concerns.

Eligibility Criteria

The Global Korea Scholarship has a few key eligibility requirements:

1. Nationality: All applicants and their parents must not hold Korean citizenship.
2. Education: Applicants must have completed or be expected to complete a bachelor’s degree before the scholarship period begins.
3. Age: Applicants should meet the age criteria set by the Korean Government for graduate studies.

Required Documents

To apply, the following documents are typically needed:

• Completed Application Form
• Personal Statement and Study Plan
• Research Proposal (for PhD applicants)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Proof of Citizenship (for both applicant and parents)
• Degree Certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s, if applicable)
• Official Transcripts
• Language Proficiency Test Scores (TOPIK or English proficiency tests, if required)
• Awards and other certificates (if available)
• Passport Copy

Additional documents, such as proof of Korean citizenship renunciation or Korean War veteran descendant certification, may be required based on the applicant's background.

How to Apply for the GKS Scholarship 2025?

The application process differs by country. Applicants are advised to follow these steps:

1. Check Eligibility and Documents:
   Review the eligibility requirements and prepare all necessary documents.

2. Select an Application Track:
   Decide whether to apply through the Embassy Track or University Track, depending on your preference and competition level.

3. Submit Your Application:

   • For the Embassy Track: Submit your documents to the Korean Embassy in your home country.
   • For the University Track: Apply directly through the online portal of your chosen university.

4. Visit the Official Website:
   Since deadlines and procedures vary by country, it’s crucial to check the official GKS website for detailed guidelines specific to your region.

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