Global Korea Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded)

The 2025 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for undergraduate programs is now open for applications. Fully funded by the South Korean government, this scholarship offers a great opportunity for international students to study in South Korea without the need for IELTS. This year, the scholarship availability has increased to 367 slots—87 through the Embassy Track and 280 through the University Track. Applicants for the Embassy Track must apply via the Korean Embassy in their home country, while those opting for the University Track can directly apply to designated universities in South Korea. The application process details are outlined below.

Key Information on the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025:

• Host Country: South Korea
• Degree Level: Undergraduate, Associate Degree
• Number of Scholarships: 367
• Application Deadlines: Vary by country

Related: Fully Funded NUS ADB Scholarship 2025

Benefits of the GKS Global Korea Scholarship:

The GKS Global Korea Scholarship is a fully funded program supported by the Korean government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, making it one of South Korea’s largest scholarship offerings.

The scholarship includes:

• Round-trip airfare
• Full tuition coverage
• Settlement and monthly allowances
• 1-year Korean language training
• Degree program tuition
• Thesis printing reimbursement
• Medical insurance
• Completion grants
• Korean language proficiency grants
• Cultural exploration
• Opportunities for professional and personal development

Related: Open Doors Russian Government Scholarship 2025 

Is the GKS Scholarship Available for Graduate Studies?

Yes, the GKS Graduate Scholarship for Master’s and PhD programs will open in February 2025.

Program Duration:

• Associate Degree: 1 year of Korean language training + 2-3 years for the degree
• Undergraduate Degree: 1 year of Korean language training + 4-6 years for the degree

Eligible Fields of Study:

All fields of study available at GKS-participating universities.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be citizens of countries other than South Korea.
• Those with a bachelor’s degree are not eligible.
• Applicants with an associate degree can only apply for a bachelor’s program.
• Minimum GPA: 2.64/4, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.
• Applicants must be in the top 80 percentile in academic scores.
• Must be under 25 years old.
• Good health with no criminal record is required.
• Applicants awaiting graduation must submit a certificate of expected graduation at the time of application.

Related: SIIT University ADB Scholarship 2025 in Thailand  

Required Documents:

• Completed application form
• Personal statement
• Study plan
• Recommendation letter
• GKS applicant agreement
• Personal medical assessment
• Graduation certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of citizenship for both parents
• Korean citizenship renunciation proof (if applicable)
• Overseas Korean documentation (if applicable)
• Korean War Veteran’s descendant proof (if applicable)
• Valid TOPIK score or English proficiency certificate
• Additional awards or certificates
• Passport copy

How to Apply:

Applications can be submitted via the Embassy Track or the University Track. Embassy Track applicants apply through the Korean Embassy in their home country, while University Track applicants submit directly to the university.

Since application processes vary by country, it is highly recommended to check the official GKS website for detailed instructions and guidelines. Best of luck!