The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), which used to be called the Korean Government Scholarship (KGSP), is one of the best fully funded scholarships in Asia. It lets international students, like Nigerians and other Africans, study in South Korea with full financial support, a monthly stipend, and free tuition.
GKS is one of the best scholarships for 2026 if you want a full scholarship that includes comprehensive education, excellent job prospects, and full funding.
This guide makes everything clear, from the benefits and eligibility to the application process and how to win.
What is the GKS grant?
The South Korean government pays for the Global Korea Scholarship, and the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) runs it.
The main reason it exists is to do the following:
- Encourage the exchange of education between countries
- Make ties with other countries stronger
- Help talented people around the world
Important information:
- Available to students from more than 150 countries
- Includes bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as research programmes
- Available at more than 80 universities in South Korea
Levels of Study Covered
The GKS Scholarship helps students at different levels of studying:
Undergraduate (GKS-U)
- A bachelor’s degree takes four to five years, including language training.
GET YOUR GRADUATE DEGREE (GKS-G).
- Master’s degree: three years (one year of language study and two years of degree study).
- PhD: 4 years (1 year of language study and 3 years of degree study)
Other programmes
- Research programmes that last from six months to a year
- Programmes for exchange
What Does the GKS Scholarship Pay For?
This scholarship pays for almost all of your costs, so it is fully funded.
All benefits.
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment
- Ticket for a round-trip flight
- Free place to stay
- Health insurance
- Korean language training (1 year if needed)
- Settlement allowance (help with getting there).
Monthly Allowance
- Undergraduate: about 1,000,000 KRW per month
- Master’s: about 1,000,000 to 1,200,000 KRW a month
- PhD: about 1,200,000 to 1,500,000 KRW a month
In South Korea, this income is usually enough to live well.
Areas of study
You can take almost any course, such as:
- Technology and engineering
- Science of Computers
- Medical
- Economics and business
- The social sciences
- Humanities and the Arts
Korean universities offer hundreds of different programmes.
Requirements for eligibility.
You need to meet the following requirements to be eligible for GKS in 2026:
Basic requirements
- Must not be a citizen of Korea
- You and your parents must not be citizens of Korea.
- You must be in good health, both physically and mentally.
Requirements for school
- Undergraduate: High school diploma
- Master’s degree: Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree: PhD
Minimum grade point average:
- At least 80% or equivalent (top 20% of class)
Age Requirements
- Undergraduates: less than 25 years old
- Graduates: less than 40 years old
Requirement for language
Good news:
- You don’t always have to take IELTS.
- You can apply with:
- MOI (degree taught in English).
- Proof of English proficiency
- Or learn Korean while you are on a scholarship.
Two Ways to Apply (Very Important)
If you understand this, you have a big advantage.
1. Embassy Track (the most popular).
- You can apply at the Korean embassy in your country.
- You can choose more than one college.
- Includes tests and an interview
2. Track for College
- Send your application directly to a Korean university.
- Pick just one university.
- No test at the Embassy.
The most important difference is the following: Embassy track = more choices
- Embassy track = more options
- University track = easier but fewer options
How to Apply Step by Step
Pick Your Track in Step 1
Choose between:
- Track the Embassy
- Track at the University
Step 2: Get the papers ready.
You will need:
- Transcripts from school
- Certifications
- CV
- Statement of purpose
- Plan for study
- Letters of recommendation
- Report on the health
- Passage
Step 3: Send in your application
- Embassy Track → send to the Korean Embassy
- University Track → send to the university of your choice
Step 4: The First Screening
- Review of documents
- Written tests (the embassy route)
Step 5: The Interview
- Done by the embassy or university
Step 6: Choose the Best
- NIIED gives the final approval.
Step 7: Go to Korea
- Departure is usually in September 2026.
When to Apply for 2026
A normal timeline:
- For college students:
- September to October 2025
- Graduate:
- February to March 2026
- Results:
- June to May 2026
Monitor your country’s embassy timeline regularly because it could change.
How competitive is GKS?
What is the GKS Scholarship?
- Very competitive
- However, it remains realistic compared to many Western scholarships.
Every year:
- Many people apply
- The selection process chose over 2,000 students from around the world.
Advantages of Studying in South Korea
Education that is world-class
Korea is known for its technology and new ideas.
A chance that is fully funded
You study with little money stress.
Job opportunities
There are many excellent job opportunities in tech, business, and research.
Experience with other cultures
A one-of-a-kind mix of old and new.
Exposure to the world
The environment for international students.
Useful Tips for Winning GKS
1. Write a strong personal statement.
Please explain.
- Why Korea?
- Your objectives
- What will you do in the future?
2. Make a successful study plan.
This is one of the most important papers.
3. Pick the right school.
Don’t just look at the best schools; look at other options as well.
4. Use the Embassy Track to Apply
This gives you more options, which raises your chances.
5. Talk about your successes
Include:
- Being great at school
- Leading
- Worked as a volunteer
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- Sending documents that aren’t complete
- Writing a weak personal statement
- Pick a field that isn’t related
- Not meeting the deadlines
- Only apply to one school
Last Thoughts
The South Korea GKS Scholarship 2026 is one of the best fully funded scholarships in the world. It offers:
- No cost for school
- Monthly payment
- Free place to stay
- Costs of travel
- Training in a language
Most importantly, it gives African students a real chance to study abroad with full financial support.
You can get this scholarship and study in South Korea for free if you get ready, pick the right track, and send in strong documents.