The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 has opened opportunities for international students seeking fully funded undergraduate and associate degree programmes in South Korea. The Korean government scholarship is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) and aims to support international education while promoting academic and cultural exchange between South Korea and participating countries.
Fully Funded Study Opportunity in South Korea
The GKS programme provides financial support throughout the scholarship period. Benefits include airfare, tuition assistance, Korean language training, a monthly allowance, medical insurance and a settlement allowance. Scholars may also receive additional support, including a completion grant and incentives linked to Korean-language proficiency.
For the 2027 undergraduate programme, the published information lists 286 places, including 156 through the Embassy Track and 130 through the University Track. The Embassy Track includes allocations for participating countries, with Pakistan listed for three positions under the published quota.
Degree Programmes and Duration
The scholarship covers both bachelor’s and associate degree programmes. A bachelor’s programme normally consists of one year of Korean language training followed by four to six years of degree study, while an associate degree route generally involves one year of language training followed by two to three years of academic study.
Students who already possess TOPIK Level 5 or 6 may qualify for an exemption from the Korean language programme, subject to the applicable scholarship rules.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be citizens of countries designated for participation in the GKS programme and must meet the scholarship’s nationality, age and academic requirements. For the 2027 undergraduate programme, applicants must be born after March 1, 2002 and must not already hold a bachelor’s degree.
Applicants generally need an academic record equivalent to at least 80%, or placement within the top 20% of their graduating class, or the required minimum CGPA on an accepted grading scale. Students expecting to graduate must meet the specified graduation deadline for the 2027 programme.
Application Routes
Students can apply through either the Embassy Track or University Track, depending on their eligibility and chosen programme.
For the Embassy Track, applications are submitted through the official Study in Korea system. The 2027 Embassy Track application period ran from September 15 to September 30, 2026. University Track applicants, meanwhile, apply directly according to the requirements and deadlines set by their selected university, with application periods generally running from September to November 2026.
Documents Required
Applicants are expected to prepare documents including the application form, personal statement, study plan, recommendation letter, medical assessment and consent forms. Academic certificates, transcripts, proof of citizenship and family relationship documents may also be required.
Additional materials such as TOPIK, TOEFL or IELTS results, achievement certificates and a passport copy may be submitted where applicable. Applicants should also pay close attention to document authentication and apostille or consular confirmation requirements.
Important Deadline Information
Students interested in the GKS 2027 programme should check the official Study in Korea guidelines and their selected university’s announcement before applying. While the Embassy Track deadline has passed for the 2027 cycle, University Track deadlines vary by institution and may remain open during the September–November application period.
The GKS 2027 programme offers international students a route to pursue higher education in South Korea with substantial government-funded financial support. Applicants should rely on the latest official guidelines for eligibility, available universities, document requirements and deadlines rather than information from previous scholarship cycles.
