GKS Scholarship 2026: Benefits, Eligibility, Deadlines & How to Apply

Here is a complete overview of the GKS Scholarship 2026-27:

Here are the key benefits you receive under the GKS program to study in South Korea:

• Round-trip Airfare: Economy class flight ticket (full cost covered)
• Full Tuition Fees: Up to ₩5,000,000 (₹3.2 lakh); any extra is covered by the university
• Monthly Living Allowance: Around ₩900,000-₩1,000,000/month (₹57,600-₹64,000)
• Settlement Allowance: One-time ₩200,000 (₹12,800) after arrival
• Korean Language Training: Fully funded 1-year Korean language course
• Medical Insurance: Around ₩20,000/month (₹1,280)
• TOPIK Incentive (Korean Proficiency): Extra ₩100,000/month (₹6,400) for TOPIK Level 5 or 6
• Research Support (for eligible programs): Additional funding based on course and level
• Thesis Printing Grant: Up to ₩800,000 (₹51,200)
• Degree Completion Grant: Around ₩100,000-₩300,000 (₹6,400-₹19,200) after graduation

The GKS Scholarship application timeline runs from September to October 2026 for UG programs and from February to March 2027 for graduate programs, depending on the application track. 

Below is the table with the expected application timeline for the GKS scholarship:

To be eligible for the GKS scholarship, you need to be a non-Korean citizen with strong academic performance who meets the age, education, and health requirements set by NIIED.

Nationality

• You have to be a citizen of a country invited by NIIED (including India)
• Neither you nor your parents must hold Korean citizenship
• Dual citizens with Korean nationality are not eligible 
• You must provide proof of renunciation if you previously held Korean citizenship

Age Limit

• For undergraduate programs: You must be under 25 years of age (as per the admission year guidelines)
• Age limits can slightly vary depending on the program or year

Academic Qualification

• You need to have completed high school or be expected to graduate before joining the program
• Students applying for a bachelor’s program should not already hold a bachelor’s degree
• If you are awaiting results, you can apply with a certificate of expected graduation

Academic Performance (Grades/CGPA)

You must meet at least one of the following:

• Minimum 80% marks or above on a 100-point scale
• OR be in the top 20% of your class
• OR meet one of the CGPA equivalents: 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0

If your grading system is different, you might need to submit an official conversion proof

Language Requirements

• The Korean language (TOPIK) is not mandatory at the time of application
• Selected students must complete 1 year of Korean language training
• Some universities or programs might require TOPIK Level 3 or above to start the degree

Health Requirements

• You must be physically and mentally fit to study in South Korea
• A medical check-up may be required before final selection or departure

Important Conditions

• You can apply through only one track: Embassy or University
• Applying through both tracks may lead to disqualification
• You are not eligible to apply again if you have already received a GKS degree scholarship earlier.

To apply for the GKS scholarship, you need documents like your signed application form, academic transcripts, and personal statement to apply for the GKS scholarship.

Below is the table with the key documents required for the GKS scholarship:

To apply for the GKS scholarship, you need to choose your application track (Embassy or University) and submit your application with all required documents through that route.

2 Types of GKS Application Tracks

There are two ways to apply for the GKS scholarship, and you must choose only one:

1. Embassy Track (via Korean Embassy in India)

• Apply through the Korean Embassy in your country
• You can choose up to 3 universities
• The embassy conducts the first screening round
• Shortlisted candidates are forwarded to NIIED and universities

2. University Track (Direct Application)

• Apply directly to a participating Korean university
• You can apply to only one university
• The university reviews and nominates candidates to NIIED

Step-by-Step Application Process

Once you have decided on your track, here are the steps to apply:

• Step 1: Fill the Application Form: Download and complete the official GKS application form. The forms are available on the Study in Korea portal.
• Step 2: Prepare Required Documents: Collect all documents like transcripts, SOP, and recommendation letters and ensure documents are properly attested and translated (if needed).
• Step 3: Submit Your Application:
  • For Embassy Track (India): Submit your application as per the embassy guidelines (online/offline). In some cases, you might need to send hard copies of documents.
    (Embassy Address (India): Embassy of the Republic of Korea, 9, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri Extension, New Delhi -110021)
  • For University Track: Apply directly through the university’s official website or portal. Follow the specific instructions given by that university.

The GKS application is free of cost, as NIIED does not charge any fee for applying through either the Embassy or University track. But you will still have to bear some document and process-related costs during the application.

Below is the table with the estimated expenses around the GKS scholarship cost:

Please note: The prices mentioned above are estimated costs, and these vary based on location, number of documents, and service providers.

The GKS scholarship selection process includes document screening and interviews, followed by evaluation by NIIED and universities. 

Below is how the GKS selection process works:

• Stage 1: Initial Screening (Embassy/University): Your application is reviewed by the Korean Embassy or the university based on eligibility, documents, and overall profile. Some applicants can also be called for an interview to check communication skills and intent.
• Stage 2: NIIED Evaluation: Shortlisted candidates are sent to NIIED (National Institute for International Education) for further screening and shortlisting.
• Stage 3: University Review (Embassy Track only): Selected candidates are forwarded to universities for admission confirmation.
• Final Selection: NIIED releases the final list of selected candidates through the embassy or university.
• Document Verification: Your citizenship, academic records, and submitted documents are carefully checked.
• Language Skills: TOPIK (Korean) or scores of English proficiency tests can strengthen your application.
• Additional Weightage: Extra points can be given for higher TOPIK levels or strong language scores.
• Preference Factors: Priority might be given to applicants from underrepresented regions, low-income backgrounds, or those applying to STEM and regional university programs.
• Special Consideration: Certain categories (such as descendants of Korean War veterans) might receive additional preference.

GKS scholarship universities are divided into Type A and Type B categories based on ranking, location, and competitiveness.

• Type A Universities (27 total): These are top-ranked and highly competitive universities, mostly located in major cities like Seoul. These universities offer a strong academic reputation and global exposure.
• Type B Universities (31 total): These universities are located outside Seoul, offer diverse programs, and have relatively lower competition. Applicants applying via the Embassy Track must choose at least one Type B university.

Here is the table with the top universities (type A) under the GKS scholarship program:

The full list of all 58 participating universities is available on the official NIIED Study in Korea portal.

Applying for the GKS scholarship can feel overwhelming because of the strict eligibility rules, multiple documents, and different application tracks. Many students miss out not due to lack of merit, but because of small mistakes like incorrect documents, missing deadlines, or choosing the wrong track. The key is to start early, stay organised, and double-check every requirement before submitting your application.

If you need structured guidance, platforms like Yocket Premium can help you track deadlines, review your documents, and understand which universities suit your profile best. It also connects you with experts and past applicants, so you can avoid common mistakes and make more confident decisions.