Study in Korea and the Global Korea Scholarship

What it is

Study in Korea is the official portal of the National Institute for International Education under Korea's Ministry of Education. It explains Korean universities, admission, costs, visas and life in Korea, and it publishes the notices and guidelines for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), the government scholarship for international students.

GKS for graduate study (as of 2026-09)

The 2026 graduate programme notice describes about 2,000 scholars selected through an embassy track and university tracks, with quotas per track and country. The official guideline sets an age limit (under 40 for most applicants in 2026), requires a one-year Korean language course before the degree for most scholars, and lists yearly amounts for living allowances, tuition support, language training and airfare. The 2027 graduate notice had not been published at the time of writing; each year's guideline can change the rules, so read the current one in full when it appears.

How the tracks differ

• Embassy track: you apply through the Korean embassy in your country, which screens candidates first.
• University track: you apply to a participating Korean university, which screens and recommends you.

You usually cannot apply through both in the same year; the guideline explains the rule.

How to use it well

1. Read the latest guideline in full, including eligibility by country and required documents.
2. Choose universities and programmes that match your research or study plan.
3. Prepare a study plan and personal statement specific to Korea and your field.
4. Plan for the language year: it is part of the scholarship and useful for life and work.

Is it worth it?

For eligible students it is one of the most generous government scholarships in East Asia, covering tuition, airfare and a monthly allowance. Consider the extra language year in your timeline.

Free or paid

Applying is free. Do not pay agents to apply for GKS.

Common questions

Do I need Korean before applying? Usually not; a Korean language test score can help and may shorten the language course.

Is there a visa for students? Degree students usually hold a D-2 visa; follow your university's instructions.