Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) — Graduate Program 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇰🇷 South Korea · Offered by National Institute for International Education (NIIED) · For Master's, PhD applicants.

Updated 28 October 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇰🇷 South Korea
Provider: National Institute for International Education (NIIED)
Degree levels: Master's, PhD
Funding: Full tuition, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, settlement allowance, medical insurance, Korean language training, research support and completion grants.
Deadline: 2026 embassy track (Pakistan) ran 12–25 Feb 2026 and is closed. The 2027 embassy round is expected around Feb 2027. University-track deadlines vary (usually Feb–Mar).
Expected opening: Expected Feb 2027 (embassy track, based on the yearly pattern)
Duration: Master's: 1 year Korean language + 2 years degree. PhD: 1 year Korean language + 3 years degree.
Professor contact: Not required to apply.

Official website Application page

About the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

GKS graduate admissions run through embassy and university tracks. Verify the track, the participating universities, and whether contacting a professor is expected.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Citizens of GKS partner countries, including Pakistan. Applicant and parents must not hold Korean citizenship. Embassy track for Pakistan: 8 seats in 2026.

Academic requirements

Master's: Bachelor's degree. PhD: Master's degree. CGPA of at least 2.64/4.0 or top 20% of class. Age limit per the yearly guidelines (commonly under 40).

Language requirements

No IELTS/TOEFL is mandatory to apply; English (TOEFL/IELTS) and Korean (TOPIK) certificates earn extra evaluation points. One year of Korean language training is included.

What the scholarship covers

Full tuition, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, settlement allowance, medical insurance, Korean language training, research support and completion grants.

Tuition: Full tuition (paid by NIIED and the host university).
Stipend and benefits: About KRW 1,000,000/month (Master's) and KRW 1,200,000/month (PhD); settlement allowance KRW 200,000; round-trip economy airfare.
Duration: Master's: 1 year Korean language + 2 years degree. PhD: 1 year Korean language + 3 years degree.

Deadline and opening date

2026 embassy track (Pakistan) ran 12–25 Feb 2026 and is closed. The 2027 embassy round is expected around Feb 2027. University-track deadlines vary (usually Feb–Mar).

Expected opening: Expected Feb 2027 (embassy track, based on the yearly pattern).

Required documents

GKS application form
Personal statement
Study plan
Two recommendation letters
Degree certificates and transcripts (apostilled)
Passport copy
Personal medical assessment
Language certificates (optional, earn points)
Publications/awards (optional)

How to apply

Embassy track: apply through the Embassy of Korea in Islamabad, which nominates to NIIED. University track: apply to a participating Korean university, which recommends to NIIED.

Find a professor for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

Citizens of GKS partner countries, including Pakistan. Applicant and parents must not hold Korean citizenship. Embassy track for Pakistan: 8 seats in 2026. Master's: Bachelor's degree. PhD: Master's degree. CGPA of at least 2.64/4.0 or top 20% of class. Age limit per the yearly guidelines (commonly under 40).

What does the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) cover?

Full tuition, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, settlement allowance, medical insurance, Korean language training, research support and completion grants. About KRW 1,000,000/month (Master's) and KRW 1,200,000/month (PhD); settlement allowance KRW 200,000; round-trip economy airfare.

What is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) deadline?

2026 embassy track (Pakistan) ran 12–25 Feb 2026 and is closed. The 2027 embassy round is expected around Feb 2027. University-track deadlines vary (usually Feb–Mar). Expected opening: Expected Feb 2027 (embassy track, based on the yearly pattern).

Is IELTS required for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

No IELTS/TOEFL is mandatory to apply; English (TOEFL/IELTS) and Korean (TOPIK) certificates earn extra evaluation points. One year of Korean language training is included.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

Not required to apply.

How do I apply for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?