The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025 is a prestigious initiative by the Korean Government, offering international students the opportunity to pursue undergraduate degrees at leading institutions in South Korea. The aim of this scholarship program is to promote goodwill and strengthen cooperation between Korea and participating countries. GKS is one of the largest and most competitive scholarship programs worldwide.
Applications are now open for the 2025 GKS for international students interested in obtaining bachelor’s or associate degrees in South Korea. The Korean Government will award 367 scholarships to students from over 150 nations. Previously known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), this esteemed opportunity continues to attract students seeking a high-quality education abroad.
South Korea offers many compelling reasons to study there, including its globally ranked universities, advanced education system, rich cultural history, and stunning landscapes. Additionally, the country provides strong government support, a high quality of life, and plentiful job opportunities. South Korea also offers various fully funded scholarships, covering all education-related expenses for selected students.
Students can apply for the GKS 2025 via two tracks: the Embassy Track or the University Track. The Embassy Track allows for the selection of 367 students, while 280 students will be chosen through the University Track. Each track has specific deadlines, which are set by the respective embassies or universities. Further details on how to apply are provided below.
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025 for Undergraduate Students
- Host Country: South Korea
- Funded by: Korean Government
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Associate Degree
Scholarship Duration
- Bachelor’s Degree: 5-7 years, including a 1-year Korean language program
- Associate Degree: 3-4 years, including a 1-year Korean language program
Number of Scholarships Available
- 367 scholarships for international undergraduate students
Benefits of GKS 2025
- Full tuition coverage
- Airfare
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Settlement allowance
- Monthly living allowance
- Research allowance
- Korean language proficiency grant
- TOPIK exam fee coverage
- Degree completion grants
Check Out Commonwealth PhD Scholarships in the UK 2025-26 | Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be citizens of GKS partner countries.
- For the Bachelor’s Degree Program, applicants must have either graduated or be expected to graduate from high school or an associate degree program by December 1, 2024.
- For the Associate Degree Program, applicants must have either graduated or be expected to graduate from high school by December 1, 2024.
- Applicants should not hold Korean citizenship or dual nationality.
- Candidates must be under 25 years of age and in good health.
- A minimum GPA must be maintained to continue receiving the scholarship.
Application Process
Embassy Track
- Applicants can apply to up to three universities, but must include at least one from the Type B university list.
- Applying to multiple departments within the same university is not allowed.
- Incorrectly listing a Type A university in the Type B section will result in disqualification.
University Track
- Applicants may apply to only one university.
Additional Points
- Applicants with a TOPIK level 3 or higher will receive extra points (10% of the total score).
- Direct descendants of foreign veterans from the Korean War will be awarded an additional 5% of the total points.
- Proficiency in both Korean and English is beneficial:
- TOPIK scores can earn extra points.
- Valid TOEFL or IELTS scores will also contribute to the applicant’s total score.
Required Documents
- GKS-U Applicant Form
- Personal Statement
- Study Plan
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- GKS Applicant Agreement
- Personal Medical Assessment
- Proof of Citizenship
- Certificate of Graduation
- High School Transcripts
- Proof of Age
- Proof of Overseas Korean status (if applicable)
- Proof of Korean citizenship renunciation (if applicable)
- Awards and certificates (optional)
- Valid TOPIK score certificate (optional)
- English proficiency test certificate (optional)
- Passport copy (optional)
- Proof of Korean War Veterans’ descendants (if applicable)
Application Deadlines
- Embassy Track: Candidates should check with the Korean embassy in their home country for specific deadlines, as they vary.
- University Track: Applicants should verify deadlines with eligible universities from the official GKS website.