Key Highlights

• Full Scholarship: Covers airfare, tuition, accommodation, living stipend (₩900,000–₩1,500,000 per month ≈ ₹57,000–₹95,000), medical insurance, and research support. 
• Wide Eligibility: Open to students from 150+ NIIED-designated countries, including India, for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and research programs. 
• Top Universities: Study at leading Korean universities across engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and more. 
• Generous Funding: Undergraduate stipend ~₩10.8M/year (≈₹6.8 lakh); Graduate stipend ~₩15.7M/year (≈₹10 lakh). 
• Application Tracks: Apply via the Embassy Track (through Korean Embassy in India) or University Track (direct to universities). 

Introduction

South Korea is the land of long-standing historical culture, tech giants like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG, and an emerging hub for higher education. For Indian students, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is one of the most attractive fully funded opportunities to study abroad in Asia. Managed by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), this scholarship removes almost all financial barriers, making world-class education in Korea possible for bright Indian students. 

What is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)? 

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS 2026) is a fully funded initiative by the Korean government to attract international talent and promote cultural exchange. It covers nearly every cost of studying abroad in Korea; from tuition and flights, to living stipends and research support. 

Programs covered: 

• Undergraduate (Bachelor’s/Associate): 3–7 years (includes 1-year Korean language training). 

• Graduate (Master’s/PhD): 3–4 years (includes 1-year Korean language training). 

• Research Programs: Flexible durations for scholars/postdocs. 

Applicants with Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) Level 5 or 6 may be exempted from the mandatory Korean language program. 

Scholarship Benefits 

Expense	Coverage	INR Equivalent (1 KRW = ₹0.063)
Airfare	Round-trip economy	Actual
Tuition Fees	Up to ₩5M/semester (extra covered by university)	≈ ₹3.15 lakh
Monthly Stipend	₩900,000–₩1,500,000	₹57,000–₹95,000
Korean Language Training	₩12.8M/year	₹8.1 lakh
Undergraduate Program	₩10.8M/year	₹6.8 lakh
Graduate Program	₩15.7M/year	₹10 lakh
Research Program	₩19.8M/year	₹12.5 lakh
Settlement Allowance	One-time grant	–
Medical Insurance	Full coverage	–
Completion Grant	Lump sum at graduation	–
Proficiency Grant	Extra for TOPIK 5–6	–

This makes the GKS one of the most generous fully funded scholarships worldwide. 

Eligibility for Indian Students 

• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen (dual citizens with Korean nationality not eligible). 

• Age: Under 25 years (UG) / under 40 years (PG). 

• Academics: 

• Min. 80% or top 20% of class OR 

• Min. CGPA: 2.64/4.0 (or equivalent). 

• Education: 

• UG applicants: High school graduates or final-year students. 

• PG applicants: Bachelor’s/Master’s degree holders (depending on program). 

• Health: Must be physically and mentally fit. 

• Restrictions: 

• Students who studied in Korea before on government scholarships cannot reapply. 

• Online/distance-learning graduates are not eligible. 

Fields of Study and Universities 

• All majors available (Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts). 

• Not included: Evening classes, online programs, or short-term courses. 

• Students must select from universities listed in the official “University Information” file on Study in Korea. 

• Indian students can choose universities via Embassy Track (up to 3 universities) or University Track (1 university). 

Application Process 

Step 1: Create an account on Study in Korea website. 
Step 2: Fill out the online form and upload required documents. 
Step 3: Submit additional documents (like portfolios) directly to universities if required. 
Step 4: First screening (Embassy or University) → NIIED review → Final selection. 

Required Documents 

• Application form and Agreement (download from system). 

• Personal Statement and Study Plan. 

• Academic transcripts and graduation certificate. 

• Proof of citizenship. 

• Recommendation letters. 

• Medical assessment form. 

• Additional documents if applying for specific programs (e.g., portfolios).

Selection Process 

• Qualification Review: Citizenship, academic scores, eligibility. 

• Competency Review: Personal statement, study plan, interview. 

• Extra Points: 

• TOPIK Level 3+ (+10%) 

• Korean War veterans’ descendants (+5%) 

• STEM applicants (+5%) 

English/Korean proficiency scores (IELTS, TOEFL, TOPIK) also add value. 

The GKS selection process is carried out through two main tracks: 

1. Embassy Track 

• 1st Round: Embassy reviews and shortlists candidates 

• Recommended candidates are forwarded to NIIED 

• NIIED reviews documents → shortlists for 2nd round 

• Embassy conducts 3rd round interviews/tests 

• Final announcement by NIIED of selected scholars 

2. University Track 

• 1st Round: University shortlists applicants 

• Recommended candidates are forwarded to NIIED 

• NIIED reviews applications and conducts evaluation 

• Final announcement by NIIED of selected scholars 

Selection Schedule  

Track	1st Round Application Deadline	1st Round Result	Docs Arrive at NIIED	2nd Round Result	3rd Round Result	Final Announcement
Embassy Track	By Sept 30, 2025	Oct 17, 2025	By Oct 31, 2025	By late Nov 2025	Dec 26, 2025	Jan 9, 2026
University Track	By Oct 31, 2025	Nov 14, 2025	By Nov 28, 2025	By mid-Dec 2025	—	Jan 9, 2026

(All dates are tentative and subject to change based on NIIED guidelines. Times are based on Korean Standard Time (KST).) 

Tips for Indian Students 

• Maintain at least 80% grades throughout. 

• Get strong recommendation letters from teachers or professors. 

• Take IELTS/TOEFL or TOPIK to boost selection chances. 

• Be specific in your Study Plan: link your goals with Korea’s strengths (tech, biotech, AI, K-culture). 

• Apply via the Embassy Track for better visibility and flexibility (3 university choices). 

Conclusion

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2026 provides financial support and a great path for Indian students to gain world-class education, explore cutting-edge research, and experience life in one of Asia’s most dynamic countries.  

While the opportunities are vast, the selection process can be challenging, requiring clear planning and strong applications. For students who want expert guidance, Mentora Overseas provides personalised study abroad counselling, helping applicants prepare effectively and boost their chances of success. If you’re aiming for GKS or other scholarships, Mentora can be your trusted partner and the best consultancy for abroad studies. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much stipend do GKS scholars get?

Indian students receive ₩900,000–₩1,500,000 per month (₹57,000–₹95,000) depending on program type, plus other allowances.

Can Indian students apply for both Embassy Track and University Track

No. You must choose either Embassy Track or University Track. Dual applications lead to disqualification.

What English test scores are accepted?

IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or equivalent tests (issued within 2 years). Higher scores increase selection chances. TOPIK scores also give bonus points.

How many Indian students get the GKS each year?

Numbers vary, but India is a priority country. In 2026, 280 UG scholarships worldwide are planned; India generally receives a fair share of Embassy Track quotas.

Does GKS cover family expenses?

No. The scholarship covers only the student’s expenses. Dependents are not funded under GKS.

Can GKS be revoked?

Yes. Students who fail to maintain required GPA, show misconduct, or drop out may lose their scholarship.