Do I need TOPIK before applying for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

TOPIK is not always required at the application stage, but it can strengthen your application. Most scholars complete Korean language training first, and progressing to the degree program commonly requires meeting a minimum TOPIK level set in the official guidelines. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Is the 1-year Korean language program mandatory for all GKS scholars?

In most cases, yes. However, scholars who already hold a valid high TOPIK score (typically TOPIK level 5 or 6) may be exempted from the language program and start the degree program earlier, depending on the official rules for that cycle. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

If I get TOPIK 5/6 during the language year, can I start my degree program earlier?

Yes. Official notices for past cycles state that scholars who achieve TOPIK level 5 or 6 within the early period of language training may begin the degree program in the next available intake, following NIIED instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Can I change my university after the final GKS result is announced?

No. After final approval/announcement, changing or transferring to another university is generally not allowed under the scholarship regulations and official FAQs. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Can I change my major/department after I start under GKS?

Changing a department/major is restricted and usually allowed only in limited cases (for example, academic/administrative reasons) and requires institutional approval and reporting under the scholarship rules. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

What happens if I apply to more than one GKS track (or submit multiple applications)?

Multiple applications (for example, applying to more than one track in the same cycle) can lead to disqualification, as stated in official embassy notices for recent cycles. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

My transcript uses a CGPA scale that is not 4.0/4.3/4.5/5.0 or 100. What should I do?

If your transcript does not show CGPA in one of the accepted scales, you typically need to submit a conversion that matches an accepted GPA scale as a supplementary document, following the guidance from the embassy/university track notice for your country. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

What kind of questions are usually asked in the embassy interview?

Common interview themes include why you chose Korea and your major, how your study plan fits your future goals, how you will adapt to living/studying in Korea, and whether you can handle the language year and program expectations. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Do I need to apostille/attest every copy of my documents for the embassy track?

For embassy-track submissions, official FAQ documents commonly state you should prepare one properly certified/apostilled original set and provide additional copies as required by the embassy’s submission rules for that cycle. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

If I already studied in Korea before, can I still apply for GKS?

Applicants who are currently enrolled in, or have graduated from, a university/graduate school in Korea may be restricted or ineligible depending on the program rules, and you should follow the official guideline for the cycle you are applying to. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Global Korea Scholarship 2027 | Application Process

The Global Korea Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students who wish to study in South Korea. This fully funded scholarship is offered by the Korean Government for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes at the top Korean universities. The Global Korea Scholarship 2027 covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, on-campus housing, medical coverage and relocation support. In this article, we provide a complete guide to the Global Korea Scholarship, including scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, application deadlines, and a detailed step-by-step application process.

This scholarship aims to promote international educational exchange and foster friendship between countries by providing foreign students with the opportunity to study at higher education institutions in Korea.

Fields of study are not restricted, allowing candidates a wide range of options to pursue their academic and professional interests. Applicants may apply for this scholarship through one of two routes: either by submitting their documents to the Korean Embassy in their home country or directly to a participating university in Korea.

South Korean universities are globally recognised and highly esteemed for their world-class education. Many prestigious institutions are located in Seoul, and Korean graduates are in high demand by companies around the world. Consequently, completing your education in Korea can open diverse career opportunities across various industries.

Global Korea Scholarship Highlights

Degree Programmes	Undergraduate / Master’s / PhD
Scholarship Providers	Korean Universities
Study Destination	South Korea
Fields of Study	All degree programmes are available
Programme Duration	Undergraduate: 4 years; Master’s: 2 years; PhD: 4 years
Funding	Fully Funded

Global Korea Scholarship Benefits

The Global Korea Scholarship will provide the recipients with the following benefits:

Airfare (Return Air Ticket).
Settlement Allowance: 200,000 KRW (offered once after entry to Korea).
Monthly Allowance: (Degree Programme) 900,000 KRW per month, (Research Programme) 1,500,000 KRW per month.
Research Allowance:
- Liberal Arts and Social Science majors: 210,000 KRW per semester.
- Natural Science and Engineering majors: 240,000 KRW per semester.
1-Year Korean Language Training Fee: Fully covered.
Degree Programme Tuition: Fully covered.
Paper printing fee: 500,000 ~ 800,000 KRW.
Medical insurance will be covered.
Korean Proficiency Grants: 100,000 KRW per month.

Eligibility Requirements for the Global Korea Scholarship 2027

The following are the minimum eligibility requirements for the Global Korea Scholarship:

English or Korean is the required language.
Students from all countries except Korean nationals are eligible to apply.

1) Undergraduate Course:

Those who are under 25 years of age as of March 1st of the selection year.
Those who have (are expected to have) completed all elementary, middle, and high school curricula as of March 1st of the selection year.

2) Graduate Course:

Those who are under 40 years of age as of September 1st of the selection year
Those who have earned a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree as of February 28th of the selection year
Those who are current professors from ODA recipient countries among the invited countries and are under 45 years of age as of September 1st of the selection year

3) Other Requirements:

Those who are healthy both mentally and physically can study abroad in Korea for a long period of time
Those who have a grade point average (GPA) of 80% or higher for all grades in the last school attended
Those who are currently enrolled in or have graduated from a university or graduate school in Korea are not eligible to apply.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the Global Korea Scholarship 2027

The following simple and easy application process will help you to apply for this scholarship:

Step 1: While applying to the Korean embassy, a candidate needs to dispatch original or attested documents to the embassy.

Step 2: On the other hand, applying directly to the university requires a candidate to submit all documents to the domestic university.

Step 3: An applicant applying through the embassy can apply to 3 universities, whereas an applicant applying directly to the university can apply to only 1.

Step 4: Students passing round two of the Embassy track process should not consider it the final selection.

Documents Required:

Recommendation letters
Attested transcripts
Statement of Purpose
Awards
Published books
Certificate of Proficiency
Medical Assessment form

For more information on the application process, click here.

Global Korea Scholarship Application Deadline

The application deadlines for the Global Korea Scholarship 2027 are 25 February 2026 for the embassy track and February-April 2026 for the university track.

For further information about the Global Korea Scholarship and the application process, please visit the official website:

Official website

Global Korea Scholarship Highlights

Global Korea Scholarship Benefits

Eligibility Requirements for the Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Step-by-Step Application Process for the Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Global Korea Scholarship Application Deadline

Frequently Asked Questions