Are you dreaming of studying in South Korea in 2024 without breaking the bank? The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) offers a fantastic opportunity to realise this dream.

In this blog, we will tell you everything about this GKS postgraduate scholarship and GKS Undergraduate Scholarship, the two ways to apply for this Global Korea Scholarship: Embassy Track and University Track, the application requirements, the process and much more.

Let’s start!

Why study in South Korea?

There are so many compelling reasons to study in South Korea. Here are some of the top reasons to choose South Korea as your study-abroad destination in 2024 and 2025:

Top-ranked universities: South Korea is home to some of the world’s best universities, consistently ranking among the best globally. This ensures that you receive a top-quality education and a prestigious degree.

Affordable tuition fees: Compared to developed countries, South Korean universities are much cheaper, making education more accessible.

Scholarship opportunities: The South Korean government and universities offer numerous scholarships, significantly reducing costs and giving financial support to international students.

Strong job market: South Korea has a booming economy, particularly in tech and manufacturing, and offers excellent job prospects for graduates with a Korean degree.

South Korea offers a comprehensive study abroad experience, blending academic excellence, affordability, cultural immersion, and robust post-graduation opportunities.

What is the Global Korea Scholarship?

What is Global Korea Scholarship and how it can help to study in south korea for free?

The Global Korea Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program funded by the Korean government. It supports many international students each year in pursuing their undergraduate and graduate degrees at esteemed universities and studying for free!

Here is a quick breakdown of the scholarship:

˘Fully-funded scholarship: It covers your tuition fees, monthly allowance, air tickets, health insurance and Korean language training.

You can pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees at designated Korean universities.

You can apply for this scholarship in two ways: the Embassy track (apply through your local Korean embassy) and the University track ( apply directly through universities).

The aim of introducing this scholarship in 2024 is for the Korean government to invite over 2,200 international students through this GKS scholarship 2024 graduate degree program.

Global Korea Scholarship is designed to help international students in every way and allow them to study at higher educational institutions in Korea to pursue their academic

degrees and to deepen mutual friendship between Korea and participating countries.

The applications for the GKS scholarship open in September of the preceding year. The GKS program invites applications from international students who are citizens of countries designated by the Korean government. Age limits generally apply, varying between undergraduate and graduate programs.

Global Korea Scholarship eligibility

GKS Scholarship Eligibility for Indian students to study in south korea for free

Now that you have understood the Global Korea Scholarship, you might wonder who can apply for it and the eligibility criteria.

Here are the eligibility criteria stated by the Korean government for international students applying in 2024. and please make sure that you go through these criteria before applying for this scholarship:

Nationality: You must hold citizenship in NIIED-designated countries invited to participate in the GKS education program.

˘Level of education: You must hold a relevant degree (master’s with a minimum level of education- bachelor’s and Doctoral degree with the minimum level of education- master’s).

Important points to keep in mind

If you expect to graduate by July 31st, 2024, you can apply for this program with a certificate of expected graduation.
You must submit your official graduation certificates (or diploma) and final academic transcripts to the GKS centre, NIIED, by July 31st, 2024. If you fail to do so, your application will be cancelled.

Grades: The CGPA of the entire curriculum from your previous degree program must meet one of the conditions below:

Some percentile should be 80% or above on a 100-point scale or be ranked in the top 20% of one’s class.

CGPA must be equal to or above 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0.

You must be under 40 (born after September 1, 1984).
You must be mentally or physically fit to study for the entire program in South Korea.

For GKS Undergraduate Scholarship, the eligibility criteria are a little different:

If you are applying for a bachelor’s degree, you must have graduated from high school or completed an associate degree program.
If you are applying for an associate degree program, you must have completed your high school.
You must be under 25, born after March 1, 1999.

Additional requirements

You must check additional restrictions or eligibility set by each university.
Also, check if each university or department sets any additional eligibility.
All GKS scholars must achieve at least TOPIK level 3 to begin their degree programs. However, specific university departments, such as TOPIK level 4, may have additional enrollment requirements.
Always check all these requirements before applying to this scholarship so your application cannot be rejected.

Note for duplicate submission

Candidates (including reserve candidates) who passed the first selection round via the embassy track cannot reapply through the university track.
Embassy track applicants must choose and apply to only one program: General, Overseas Korean, or International Reconstruction Talent.
University track applicants must choose and apply to only one program from the following options: General, R-GKS, International Reconstruction Talent, Global Network, R&D, or Research.
If you are applying through the University track, apply to only one department per university.

GKS Scholarship Period

The scholarship period for Master’s degree programs is three years (one year of Korean language program + two years of degree program).

The scholarship period for Doctoral degree programs is four years (one year of Korean language program + three years of degree program).

The scholarship period for the Research program is six months or one year.

The scholarship period for the Global Network program is two years (Master’s degree program within two years).

The scholarship period for a Bachelor’s degree program is five to seven years (one year of Korean language program + four to six years of degree program).
The scholarship period for an Associate degree program is three to four years (one year of Korean language program + two to three years of degree program).

Important points regarding the Global Korea Scholarship Period

Scholars in the Research and Global Network program who achieve TOPIK level 5 or 6 will be exempt from the Korean language program.

Recipients who achieve TOPIK level 5 or 6 within the first six months of the Korean language program will be exempt from the remaining six months. They must begin their degree program the following semester (March 2025).

Global Korea Scholarship Graduate: Available Universities

Under this scholarship, available universities are divided into two categories: Type A and Type B.

If you are applying through the Embassy track, you may choose up to three universities from Type A and Type B and MUST apply to at least one from the Type B category.

Here is the list of universities that come under the Type A category:

Academy of Korean Studies
Ajou University
Chung-Ang University
Dankook University
Dongguk University
Duksung Women’s University
Ewha Womans University
GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
Hanyang University ERICA
Hanyang University (Seoul)
Hongik University
Incheon National University
Inha University
KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)
KDI School of Public Policy and Management
Konkuk University
Kookmin University
Korea University
Kyung Hee University
POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology)
Seokyeong University
Seoul National University
SeoulTech (Seoul National University of Science and Technology)
Sogang University
Sookmyung Women’s University
Soongsil University
Sungkyunkwan University
Sungshin Women’s University
Tech University of Korea
UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology)
University of Seoul
Yonsei University

Here is the list of universities that come under the Type B category:

Andong National University
Busan University of Foreign Studies
Changwon National University
Cheongju University
Chonnam National University
Chosun University
Chungbuk National University
Chungnam National University
Daegu Catholic University
Daegu University
Daejeon University
Dong-A University
Dongseo University
Gangneung-Wonju National University
Gyeongsang National University
Hannam University
Hoseo University
Inje University
Jeju National University
Jeonbuk National University
Kangwon National University
Keimyung University
Kongju National University
Konyang University
KOREATECH (Korea University of Technology and Education)
Kunsan National University
Kyungpook National University
Kyungsung University
Mokwon University
National Korea Maritime & Ocean University
Pai Chai University
Pukyong National University
Pusan National University
Semyung University
Silla University
Soonchunhyang University
Sun Moon University
Sunchon National University
University of Ulsan
Yeungnam University

Documents required to apply for GKS Scholarship

Here is the list of documents that need to be submitted by the Evaluation stage as stated by the Korean government:

First round (embassy/university)

Each embassy or university determines the submission requirements, including accepting photocopies, electronic files, and documents without certified translation for the initial selection round.
The number of documents that need to be submitted is also determined by each embassy or university.

Documents to submit:

The application form
Personal statement
Study plan or statement of purpose
Research proposal
Letter of Recommendation
Letter of Invitation (Research Program)
Applicant Agreement
Personal medical assessment
Consent to collect and use your personal information

Required certificates:

Graduation certificate
Academic transcript
Proof of citizenship
Proof of overseas Koreans, etc.

Note: All application documents submitted to NIIED for the second selection round must comply with the specified requirements for that stage.

Second round (NIIED)

Documents to complete

Submission Requirements: All forms must be filled out in English or Korean and include the applicant’s original handwritten signature. Apostille or consular confirmation is not needed.
The number of documents needed to submit: Embassy Track requires one set of original documents and three sets of photocopies. In comparison, University Track only requires one set of original documents.

Certificates Required

Submission requirements

Documents in English or Korean must be apostilled or consular confirmed. For documents in other languages:

– A certified translation in English or Korean must accompany them.

– They must be apostilled or consular confirmed, either the original document or its certified translation.

The number of documents that need to be submitted

Embassy Track requires one set of apostilled/consular confirmed documents and three photocopies. University Track only requires one set of apostilled/consular confirmed documents.

Here are some of the essential points that you need to keep in mind when applying for the Global Korea Scholarship 2024 graduate:

First Round

All documents must be submitted in English or Korean.
Each embassy or university can adjust documentation requirements as they see fit.
One letter of recommendation is required and must be prepared and submitted by the applicant. It should be signed and sealed by your supervisor, dean, or a professional in the field of your desired study.
You are advised to consult the embassy or university for comprehensive details regarding the submission of their applications.

Second Round

Applicants who pass the first round must fulfil the submission criteria for the second round.
Failure to submit required documents or sign application forms may result in the applicant’s documents being excluded from evaluation.
All application materials sent to NIIED will not be returned under any circumstances.
If the university requires documents other than those mentioned, you must submit them directly to the university.

Global Korea Scholarship Selection Process & Schedule

Embassy track:

First round of selection: February to March
Recommend to NIIED: early April
The second round of selection: late April
The third round of selection: late May
Announcement of final successful candidates: late June

University Track

First round of selection: February to April
Recommend to NIIED: late April
The second round of selection: late May
Third round of selection: N/A
Announcement of final successful candidates: late June

Global Korea Scholarship Benefits

The 2024 GKS Scholarship is a prestigious international award that goes beyond covering airfare and tuition. Students benefit from a generous stipend, free Korean language training, a degree completion grant, thesis printing fees, and comprehensive medical insurance.

Here are some of the benefits of the GKS Graduate Scholarship:

Airfare: Economy class flight ticket (actual expense)
Free Tuition fee, NIIED: up to 5 million KRW and University: the amount that exceeds 5 million KRW, admission fee.
Korean language training fee: 5.2 million KRW (four quarters)
Study incentive, Korean language training program: 14,100,000 KRW per year, Graduate degree program: 15,700,000 KRW per year, and Research Program: 19,800,000 KRW per year.

Study incentive

All-inclusive subsidy of Settlement Allowance, Monthly Allowance, Research Allowance, Korean Proficiency Grants, TOPIK Application Fee, Degree Completion Grants, Medical Insurance, and Publication Printing Fee.

Korean Proficiency Grant

GKS scholars who are initially exempt from the Korean language program due to having TOPIK level 5 or 6 will automatically receive Korean Proficiency Grants. This does not apply to GKS scholars in the Global Network program, Research program, or Japanese applicants.

Important points

Suppose a GKS scholar withdraws from the scholarship within the first three months of enrolling at their university. In that case, they must return the total amount received as a GKS scholar (including entry airfare, settlement allowance, monthly allowance, tuition, etc.).
Even if three months have passed since entering Korea, if the scholarship status changes, a portion of the already paid scholarship can be refunded or deducted from the following payment.
GKS scholars enrolled in the Research program do not receive Korean Language Training Fees or Korean Proficiency Grants.
Korean Language Training Fee is not provided to GKS scholars in the Global Network program.

Conclusion

Applying for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is an incredible opportunity to study in South Korea without financial stress. We’ve covered everything you need to know, from why South Korea is a fantastic study destination to the specifics of the GKS scholarship, eligibility criteria, the application process, necessary documents, and important deadlines.

If you dream of studying in South Korea in 2024, this guide provides all the essential information to help you succeed. The GKS scholarship covers tuition and offers a monthly stipend, airfare, and more, allowing you to focus on your studies.