Overview
Bachelor’s Degree: 1 year of Korean language + 4–6 years of degree study (total 5–7 years)
Associate Degree: 1 year of Korean language + 2–3 years of degree study (total 3–4 years)
Description
Bachelor’s Degree: 1 year of Korean language + 4–6 years of degree study (total 5–7 years)
Associate Degree: 1 year of Korean language + 2–3 years of degree study (total 3–4 years)
Students with TOPIK Level 5 or 6 may be exempt from the Korean language training year.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following conditions
Age: Under 25 years (born after March 1, 2001).
Education: High school graduate or expected to graduate by December 31, 2025.
Grades: Minimum GPA of 80% or within top 20% of class, or equivalent CGPA (2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, 3.23/5.0).
Health: Must be physically and mentally fit to study in Korea.
Restrictions apply to those who have studied in Korean schools/universities or received previous GKS scholarships for degree programs.
Additional Information
Degree Level
Bachelor’s Degree: 1 year of Korean language + 4–6 years of degree study (total 5–7 years)
Associate Degree: 1 year of Korean language + 2–3 years of degree study (total 3–4 years)
Students with TOPIK Level 5 or 6 may be exempt from the Korean language training year.
Available Subjects
All subjects
Benefits
The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 provides comprehensive support for all selected students:
Full tuition coverage (up to KRW 5 million per semester)
Korean language training fees covered
Round-trip airfare (economy class)
Monthly allowance to cover living expenses
Health insurance
Settlement and completion grants
Additional support for TOPIK proficiency
This makes GKS-U a fully funded undergraduate scholarship in Korea.
Why Apply For The Gks U 2026
The GKS-U is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Korea for international students. Each year, hundreds of scholars are selected through the Embassy Track and University Track, representing diverse nationalities and academic backgrounds. With full financial support, a Korean language program, and access to top universities, the scholarship prepares students for global careers and cultural immersion in Korea.
Eligible Nationalities
Must hold citizenship of a participating country (parents must not hold Korean citizenship). The UIC (University-Industry Cooperation) track is open to all countries worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions
Age: Under 25 years (born after March 1, 2001).
Education: High school graduate or expected to graduate by December 31, 2025.
Grades: Minimum GPA of 80% or within top 20% of class, or equivalent CGPA (2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, 3.23/5.0).
Health: Must be physically and mentally fit to study in Korea.
Restrictions apply to those who have studied in Korean schools/universities or received previous GKS scholarships for degree programs.
Application Tracks And Quotas
Embassy Track:
150 students from 71 countries (General, Overseas Koreans, R-GKS). Applicants may choose up to 3 universities (must include at least one Type B university).
University Track:
Associate Degree: 30 students from 9 universities.
University-Industry Cooperation (UIC): 100 students from 13 universities, focusing on science and engineering.
Selection Procedure And Timeline
Application Opens: September 15, 2025
Embassy Track Deadline: September 30, 2025
University Track Deadline: October 31, 2025
Final Results: January 9, 2026
Program Start: Korean language program begins in 2026, followed by degree enrollment.
The process includes document screening, interviews, and evaluations at embassy/university level, followed by NIIED’s final selection.
How To Apply For Gks U 2026
Apply online through the official Study in Korea website .
Submit required forms: Application, Personal Statement, Study Plan, Recommendation Letter, Medical Assessment.
Provide authenticated academic transcripts, graduation certificate, proof of citizenship, and passport.
Embassy or university forwards successful applications to NIIED.
Await results on the official site.
Conclusion
The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 for Undergraduate Students is a unique chance to pursue higher education at top Korean universities with full financial support. It not only covers tuition and living costs but also provides cultural immersion, language training, and career opportunities. For students aiming to build a strong academic foundation in South Korea, GKS-U 2026 is a golden gateway to success.
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Who can apply for the Global Korea Scholarship 2026 for undergraduates? The GKS-U 2026 is open to international students under the age of 25 who hold citizenship of NIIED-designated countries. Applicants must have completed or be expected to complete high school by December 31, 2025, with strong academic performance
What are the benefits of the GKS undergraduate scholarship in Korea? The GKS-U 2026 is a fully funded scholarship covering full tuition, round-trip airfare, monthly living allowance, health insurance, Korean language training fees, and settlement/degree completion grants
How long is the GKS-U 2026 program duration? Bachelor’s degree: 5–7 years (1 year Korean language + 4–6 years of study). Associate degree: 3–4 years (1 year Korean language + 2–3 years of study). Students with TOPIK level 5 or 6 may skip the Korean language program
How do I apply for the 2026 GKS undergraduate scholarship? Applicants must submit an online application along with required documents such as the application form, personal statement, study plan, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and proof of citizenship. Applications can be submitted through the Embassy Track or University Track
What is the selection timeline for the Global Korea Scholarship 2026? Applications open: September 15, 2025 Embassy Track deadline: September 30, 2025 University Track deadline: October 31, 2025 Final results announcement: January 9, 2026 The program begins in 2026 with the Korean language year, followed by degree studies
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Card
Funding
Fully Funded
Organization
South Korea Universities
Subjects
All Subjects
Nationality
International Students
Country
South Korea
Deadline
Deadline: 30 Oct 2026
Source
Information provided by scholarships_ads.