by Global Korea Scholarship 2025: Fully Funded Study Opportunity in South Korea
Introduction
The prestigious and highly competitive Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025 is now open for applications. Previously known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), this fully funded opportunity is available for students pursuing master’s, doctoral, or research degrees in South Korea. Sponsored by the Korean government, the program aims to foster international talent and promote educational exchange.
Scholarship Overview
The GKS 2025 will select over 1,820 international students from 155 countries who wish to pursue graduate-level education or research in Korea. Selected candidates will be placed at various leading universities across the country, gaining access to cutting-edge educational facilities and resources.
Program Objectives
The Korean Ministry of Education seeks to increase global academic exchanges and enhance the country’s competitiveness by hosting international scholars. Since 2016, more than 104,000 international students have benefited from this prestigious scholarship.
Fields of Study
Candidates have numerous options across various academic disciplines. Refer to the 2025 GKS-G Available Universities & Fields of Study guide in the Application Guidelines and contact specific universities for more information.
Application Methods
Applicants can choose one of two routes:
- Korean Embassy Track: Submit original or attested documents to your country’s Korean embassy.
- University Track: Submit required documents directly to a domestic Korean university.
- Embassy applicants may apply to three universities.
- University track applicants may apply to only one institution.
- Selection through the embassy track’s second round does not guarantee final admission.
Duration of Programs
- Doctoral Degree: 4 years (1-year Korean language program + 3 years degree program)
- Master’s Degree: 3 years (1-year Korean language program + 2 years degree program)
- Research Program: 6 months to 1 year
Benefits of GKS 2025
The scholarship covers all essential expenses, including:
- Round-trip airfare
- Settlement allowance
- Monthly living allowance
- Research allowance
- Full tuition coverage
- 1-year Korean language training
- Medical insurance
- Research support fees
- Korean proficiency grants
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the GKS 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a non-Korean citizen; Korean nationals are not eligible.
- Be under 40 years old for graduate programs.
- Master’s program applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Doctoral program applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent.
- Research program applicants must have an invitation from a partner university.
- Candidates who have previously received a Korean scholarship are not eligible.
- Must be in good health.
Required Documents
- Recommendation letters
- Attested academic transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Proof of awards and achievements
- Publications or books (if any)
- Certificates of language proficiency
- Medical assessment form
Why Study in South Korea?
South Korea offers a compelling environment for international education with:
- Fully funded scholarships
- Affordable living expenses and housing
- Advanced laboratories and research opportunities
- A vibrant culture and modern cities
- High academic standards and supportive environments
Application Deadlines
Each country’s Korean embassy and domestic universities set their own application deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The Global Korea Scholarship stands among the most prestigious international scholarship programs, comparable to the US Fulbright, Chinese Government, Australia Awards, DAAD (Germany), and Erasmus Mundus scholarships. This is your opportunity to gain quality education and a global perspective in one of Asia’s most dynamic and advanced countries.
