The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is one of the most competitive and fully funded scholarships in the world. It helps international students, especially those from developing areas like Africa, study in South Korea.
The Korean National Institute for International Education pays for the GKS programme. Its goal is to promote international exchange and make global leaders through education.
The GKS is one of the best ways to study abroad, with all of your costs covered and excellent job prospects.
This full guide tells you everything you need to know, such as who can apply, what the benefits are, how to apply, the step-by-step process, and tried-and-true methods for boosting your chances.
What is the GKS Scholarship?
The Global Korea Scholarship (formerly the KGSP) is a government-funded program that covers all of an international student’s costs of studying at the best universities in South Korea.
It works with students at different levels of school:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Finish your Master’s or PhD
- Research initiatives
Students from more than 150 countries, including all African nations, can apply for the scholarship.
Different kinds of GKS scholarships
Knowing the different types will help you pick the best application route.
1. GKS for undergraduates
This option is for people who have finished high school.
Important features:
- Time frame: 5 to 6 years, with 1 year of Korean language training
- Work on building a strong base of education
- Includes a lot of Korean language training
2. Get your GKS degree
This is the most popular group.
It is for:
- A master’s degree usually takes three years to obtain, including language training.
- PhD programmes last about four years.
3. Programme for Research
Postgraduate students can do research for a short time or as part of an exchange.
Application Tracks
There are two main ways to get the GKS scholarship.
1. Embassy Path
You apply through the embassy of Korea in your country.
Characteristics:
- You can pick more than one university, usually up to three.
- Very competitive
- Needs a nomination from the embassy
Best for:
- People who want more choices for colleges
- People who are sure they can pass interviews
2. Track for College
You send your application directly to a university in South Korea.
Characteristics:
- Pick just one school.
- Not as competitive as the embassy route
- Processing faster
Best for:
- People who want to go to a certain university
- People with strong academic records
The GKS Scholarship has many benefits.
The GKS scholarship pays for almost everything.
Benefits for Money
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment:
- For undergraduates, it’s about 900,000 KRW.
- Graduate: about 1,000,000 KRW
- Airfare for a round trip
- Settlement allowance (first payment)
- Free place to stay
- Health insurance
- Help with your thesis and research
More Benefits
- Training in Korean for a year
- Cultural exposure and chances to make connections
- Getting into top universities around the world
Areas of Study
GKS includes a lot of different fields, such as:
- Technology and Engineering
- Computer Science and AI
- Health Sciences and Medicine
- Economics and Business
- The Social Sciences
- Humanities and Arts
You can learn about programs in the following:
- In English
- Korean
Requirements for Eligibility
You need to meet the following requirements to be eligible for GKS.
Country of origin
- Must be a citizen of a country that is part of the GKS
- Both parents must be non-Korean citizens
Requirements for School
- Undergraduate: High school diploma
- Master’s degree: Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree: PhD
How well you do in school
- You need to have at least an 80% GPA or be in the top 20% of your class.
Age Restrictions
- Undergraduate: usually less than 25
- Graduate: usually less than 40
Wellness
- Must be in good shape both physically and mentally
Documents Needed
Your papers must be complete and look professional.
Important Papers
- Passport that is still good
- Certificates for school
- Transcripts from school
- Statement of purpose
- Plan for study
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Certificate of health
More Papers
- Letter of English proficiency (if not IELTS)
- Certificates and awards
- Proposal for research (for graduate students)
Can You Apply Without Taking the IELTS?
Yes, GKS doesn’t always need IELTS.
You can apply with:
- Letter of English proficiency
- Previous study of English
- Assessment based on an interview
Some universities may still ask for IELTS, though, depending on the programme.
How to Apply Step by Step
To avoid making mistakes, you need to know how this works.
Pick Your Track in Step 1
Choose whether to apply through:
- Track of the embassy
- Track at the university
Choose Your Programme and Schools in Step 2
Pick:
- Course of study
- Most wanted colleges
Step 3: Get your papers ready
Pay attention to:
- A strong personal statement
- A clear plan for studying
- Advice from professionals
Step 4: Send in your application
Send in your application through:
- University or embassy
Step 5: The Screening Process
This could include:
- Review of documents
- Talk to
Step 6: Choose the Best
After the Korean government looks over the results, they are made public.
Timeline for Applications (2026 Intake)
A normal timeline:
- Applications for graduate school: February to March
- Applications for undergraduate programmes are due between September and October.
- Results: May to June
- Resumption: September
How to Write a Personal Statement That Will Get You Hired
One of the most important parts of your application is your personal statement.
What to Put In
- Your history
- Successes in school
- Why South Korea?
- Why you chose this course
- Goals for your career
Advice
- Be real
- Stay away from general statements
- Be clear about your goals and ambitions
How to Make a Good Study Plan
Your study plan should make it clear:
- What you want to learn
- Why it matters
- How it fits with your plans for the future
Do it:
- Understandable
- Organised
- Particular
How to Make Your Chances Better
1. Apply to Both Tracks
If you can, use both the embassy and the university to apply.
2. Keep up good grades
Getting good grades greatly increases your chances.
3. Send in strong papers
Pay attention to:
- Statement of purpose
- Plan for study
- Letters of recommendation
4. Apply to the Right Schools
Pick colleges that fit your academic record.
5. Get ready for interviews
Be ready to talk about:
- Your drive
- Your objectives
- Why you picked Korea
Being a GKS Scholar in South Korea
Studying in South Korea is a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Cost of Living
- Mostly paid for by stipend
- Not too expensive compared to Western countries
Housing
- Given or paid for
Experience of Students
- A place with people from many cultures
- Strong culture of learning
- Advanced research labs
Tongue
- Included in Korean language training
- There are English programmes available.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
Many people miss this chance because of mistakes that could have been avoided:
- Weak personal statement
- Documents that aren’t complete
- Not meeting deadlines
- Only applying to one track
- Not getting ready for interviews
Questions That Are Asked Often
Is GKS completely funded?
Yes, it pays for tuition, a stipend, housing, and travel.
Can I study and work at the same time?
You can work part-time if certain conditions are met.
Do I need to know Korean?
No, but you will get training.
How tough is GKS?
Very competitive, but possible with the right preparation.
Last Words
The Global Korea Scholarship is one of the best fully funded chances for African students. It helps with money and gives you access to top colleges and jobs around the world.
To do well:
- Get going early
- Make strong papers
- Use wisely
- Be consistent
GKS can change your academic path and open up opportunities around the world if you follow the right steps.