The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Undergraduate Program 2027 is one of the most important scholarship opportunities for international students who want to complete their undergraduate studies in South Korea.
Funded by the Korean Government and managed by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), GKS provides opportunities for talented international students to study at participating Korean universities.
The scholarship supports students through tuition assistance, living support and other benefits during their study period.
For students planning to apply for South Korea in 2027, understanding the GKS Undergraduate process, eligibility, documents and application routes is an important first step.
GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 at a Glance
| Requirement | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) 2027 |
| Country | South Korea |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate / Associate Degree |
| Funded By | Korean Government (NIIED) |
| Application Routes | Embassy Track & University Track |
| Target Applicants | International students |
| Study Country | Republic of Korea |
| Application Period | Depends on embassy/university announcement |
| Main Selection | Document Review + Interview Process |
| Official Source | Study in Korea / NIIED |
What Is GKS Undergraduate Scholarship?
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is the Korean Government scholarship program designed to support international students who want to study in South Korea.
The undergraduate program provides opportunities for international students to enroll in Korean universities and receive financial support during their studies.
GKS aims to promote international exchange and strengthen cooperation between South Korea and other countries.
GKS Undergraduate Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship benefits may include:
| Benefit | Support |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | Full tuition support according to GKS guidelines |
| Airfare | Round-trip airfare support |
| Korean Language Training | Korean language program before degree study |
| Monthly Allowance | Living support during study period |
| Settlement Allowance | Initial settlement support |
| Medical Insurance | Health insurance support |
| Degree Completion Support | Allowances according to official guidelines |
Exact amounts and conditions may change each year.
Applicants should always check the latest official GKS guidelines before applying.
Who Can Apply for GKS Undergraduate 2027?
Applicants generally need to meet requirements related to:
- International nationality requirements
- Educational background
- Age requirements
- Academic performance
- Health requirements
The applicant and both parents must normally hold citizenship of a country other than Korea.
Applicants should carefully check the official 2027 GKS Undergraduate guidelines for detailed nationality and eligibility conditions.
Educational Requirements
Applicants must have completed or be expected to complete their:
- High school education
or
- Associate degree (for associate degree applicants)
The completed education must meet the requirements specified in the official GKS guidelines.
Students currently studying in Korea or who have previously completed certain Korean degree programs may have restrictions depending on the official rules.
Academic Requirements
GKS is a competitive scholarship.
Applicants should have strong academic performance.
Selection may consider:
- Academic grades
- Educational background
- Personal statement
- Study plan
- Recommendations
- Interview performance
- Overall suitability for studying in Korea
Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
GKS Embassy Track vs University Track
GKS Undergraduate applicants can normally apply through two routes:
| Route | Description |
|---|---|
| Embassy Track | Apply through the Korean Embassy in your country |
| University Track | Apply directly to a designated Korean university |
The available universities, number of applicants and selection process can differ between the two tracks.
Applicants should carefully read the latest GKS-U guidelines before choosing their application route.
GKS Undergraduate Application Process
The general process is:
Step 1:
Check GKS Undergraduate eligibility.
Step 2:
Review the official 2027 GKS guidelines.
Step 3:
Choose Embassy Track or University Track.
Step 4:
Select eligible Korean universities.
Step 5:
Prepare required documents.
Step 6:
Submit application according to the selected route.
Step 7:
Complete interview process if selected.
Step 8:
Wait for final selection results.
Step 9:
Complete visa and admission procedures.
Step 10:
Travel to South Korea and begin studies.
Documents Required for GKS Undergraduate
Commonly required documents include:
- GKS application form
- Personal statement
- Study plan
- Recommendation letters
- High school graduation certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of nationality
- Passport copy
- Awards and certificates (if available)
- Language certificates (if available)
- Other documents required by embassy or university
Document requirements can vary depending on the application route and country.
Language Requirements
Language requirements depend on the university and program.
Applicants may submit:
- TOPIK certificate
- English proficiency certificate
- Other accepted language documents
Some programs may require Korean language preparation before starting degree courses.
Always check the language requirements of your selected university.
How to Choose Korean Universities for GKS?
Before applying, check:
- Available majors
- University location
- Program language
- University requirements
- Campus environment
- Future career opportunities
Do not choose a university only because of ranking.
Choose universities that match your academic interests and study goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Using old GKS guidelines
- Missing embassy or university deadlines
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Ignoring document authentication requirements
- Choosing universities without checking available majors
- Writing a weak personal statement
- Preparing documents at the last moment
- Applying without understanding Embassy Track and University Track differences
When Should Students Start Preparing?
Students planning for GKS Undergraduate 2027 should start early.
Prepare:
- Passport
- Academic certificates
- Transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- Study plan
- Language certificates
- Required document verification
Early preparation gives more time to improve documents and avoid application mistakes.
Official Information
Always check the latest official information from:
Study in Korea (NIIED)
Official GKS Scholarship Information
Official Scholarship Announcements
Final Advice
The correct preparation sequence for GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 is:
Check Eligibility → Understand GKS Guidelines → Choose Application Track → Select Universities → Prepare Documents → Submit Application → Prepare for Interview
GKS is one of the most competitive scholarships in South Korea.
A strong application requires careful planning, complete documents and a clear academic goal.
Important Note
This guide is prepared for students planning to apply for the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2027.
Scholarship requirements, deadlines, participating universities and benefits may change every year.
Always follow the latest official GKS announcement from the Korean Government and selected universities before applying.