GKS Graduate Scholarship: Master's & PhD in Korea
GKS-G, the graduate program of the Global Korea Scholarship (formerly KGSP), pays for a master's, a doctorate or a research stay in Korea. The latest call, 2026's, had 2,000 places in two tracks — here they are by track, by country and by department.
Where GKS-G 2027 stands
- NIIED has not posted the 2027 GKS-G call yet (checked October 2, 2026). Since 2021 it has gone up between Jan 24 and Feb 11, on Study in Korea's GKS notice board; the 2026 call went up on February 2, 2026 and was revised on February 20, 2026.
- In 2026, Embassy Track applications ran from February 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM to February 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM, Korean time. University Track deadlines were set by each university.
- Until the 2027 guideline is out, every figure on this page is from 2026. Places, dates and rules can change.
GKS-G requirements and benefits (2026 rules)
- Programs
- Master's: a year of Korean, then 2 years of study. Doctoral: a year of Korean, then 3 years. Research: 6 months or 1 year.
- Pays
- Economy airfare, tuition up to KRW 5,000,000 a semester, the Korean course and a monthly allowance: KRW 1,380,000 in the degree, 1,200,000 in the language year.
- Age
- Under 40 — born on or after September 1, 1986. Current professors from ODA-recipient countries: under 45, born on or after September 1, 1981.
- Degree
- A bachelor's degree for a master's, a master's for a doctorate — already held, or expected by July 31, 2026.
- Grades
- Over your whole previous degree: 80% or above on a 100-point scale, a rank in the top 20% of your class, or a CGPA of at least 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5 or 3.23/5.0.
- Korean
- Not needed to apply, but TOPIK level 3 or above earns extra points. Scholars study Korean for a year and need level 3 before the degree; level 5 or 6 skips that year.
- Places
- 2,000: 800 through Korean embassies, 1,200 through universities.
Two tracks, 2,000 places
You apply through one track and one program only. The Embassy Track goes through the Korean embassy of your country, online on Study in Korea, and names up to three universities, at least one of them Type B. The University Track goes to one university and one department, in person or by post.
| Program | Places |
|---|---|
| Embassy Track — 800 | |
| GeneralCitizens of the 143 countries or regions with places in column E below; any GKS university. | 776 |
| Overseas Koreans & AdopteesEthnic Koreans without Korean citizenship, and adoptees, from 8 countries. | 24 |
| University Track — 1,200 | |
| GeneralCitizens of 54 listed countries; one university, Type A or B. | 160 |
| R-GKS (regional)Citizens of 56 listed countries; Type B universities only. | 480 |
| ResearchPost-docs, current professors and professionals from the 149 invited countries; 6 months or 1 year. | 5 |
| International OrganizationAny country, recommended by a partner university of an international organization (ADB, World Bank) or, for refugees, by UNHCR. | 72 |
| R&DAny country; 60 named departments at 25 universities, each choosing its own scholars. | 403 |
| Global NetworkAny country; master's only, 7 departments at 6 universities. | 80 |
- R&D and Global Network scholars are selected by each university under its own rules: apply to that university, and ask it how.
- Failed the Embassy Track's first round? The University Track's later deadlines are set so you can still apply there, if your chosen university's deadline has not passed. Passed it, even as a reserve? Then you cannot. Any other double application is excluded.
GKS-G quota by country or region (2026)
149 countries or regions had places. E and O&A go through your Korean embassy (China through the China Scholarship Council, Czechia through its Ministry of Education); U and R through a university. Not listed? R&D, Global Network and International Organization places are open to every country.
E = Embassy Track, General · O&A = Overseas Koreans & Adoptees · U = University Track, General · R = R-GKS, Type B universities only · — = none. Research, International Organization, R&D and Global Network places are not split by country.
| Country or region | E | O&A | U | R | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East & Southeast Asia, Pacific | |||||
| Australia | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Brunei | 4 | — | 1 | 2 | 7 |
| Cambodia | 12 | — | 5 | 21 | 38 |
| China | 31 | — | — | — | 31 |
| Fiji | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| Hong Kong | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| Indonesia | 33 | — | 10 | 61 | 104 |
| Laos | 11 | — | 4 | 3 | 18 |
| Malaysia | 22 | — | 7 | 9 | 38 |
| Mongolia | 13 | — | 6 | 37 | 56 |
| Myanmar | 16 | — | 7 | 36 | 59 |
| New Zealand | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Philippines | 19 | — | 16 | 44 | 79 |
| Singapore | 9 | — | 2 | 4 | 15 |
| Taiwan | 4 | — | — | 1 | 5 |
| Thailand | 16 | — | 6 | 11 | 33 |
| Timor-Leste | 3 | — | — | — | 3 |
| Vietnam | 33 | — | 10 | 12 | 55 |
| South Asia | |||||
| Afghanistan | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Bangladesh | 7 | — | 3 | 17 | 27 |
| India | 26 | — | 5 | 42 | 73 |
| Nepal | 4 | — | 4 | 2 | 10 |
| Pakistan | 8 | — | 2 | 15 | 25 |
| Sri Lanka | 7 | — | 3 | 7 | 17 |
| Central Asia & Caucasus | |||||
| Armenia | 2 | — | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Azerbaijan | 5 | — | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| Georgia | 4 | — | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Kazakhstan | 13 | 7 | 5 | 18 | 43 |
| Kyrgyzstan | 9 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 22 |
| Tajikistan | 5 | — | 2 | 2 | 9 |
| Turkmenistan | 7 | — | — | 3 | 10 |
| Uzbekistan | 13 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 31 |
| Middle East & North Africa | |||||
| Algeria | 3 | — | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| Bahrain | 3 | — | — | — | 3 |
| Egypt | 7 | — | 3 | 5 | 15 |
| Iran | 5 | — | 2 | 6 | 13 |
| Iraq | 5 | — | — | — | 5 |
| Israel | 3 | — | — | — | 3 |
| Jordan | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Kuwait | — | — | 1 | — | 1 |
| Lebanon | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Libya | 3 | — | — | — | 3 |
| Morocco | 6 | — | — | 2 | 8 |
| Oman | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Palestine | 3 | — | — | — | 3 |
| Saudi Arabia | 3 | — | — | — | 3 |
| Sudan | 2 | — | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Syria | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Tunisia | 6 | — | — | — | 6 |
| Türkiye | 11 | — | 2 | 5 | 18 |
| United Arab Emirates | 2 | — | — | 1 | 3 |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | |||||
| Angola | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Benin | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Botswana | 3 | — | — | — | 3 |
| Burundi | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| Cameroon | — | — | 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Cape Verde | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Central African Republic | — | — | 1 | — | 1 |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| DR Congo | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| Equatorial Guinea | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Ethiopia | 10 | — | 3 | 10 | 23 |
| Gabon | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| Ghana | 7 | — | — | 5 | 12 |
| Kenya | 7 | — | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| Liberia | — | — | 1 | — | 1 |
| Madagascar | 5 | — | — | — | 5 |
| Malawi | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| Mauritania | 2 | — | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Mauritius | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Mozambique | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Nigeria | 7 | — | 2 | 5 | 14 |
| Rwanda | 5 | — | 1 | 4 | 10 |
| São Tomé & Príncipe | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Senegal | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Somalia | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| South Africa | 5 | — | — | — | 5 |
| Tanzania | 7 | — | 1 | 4 | 12 |
| Togo | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Uganda | 6 | — | 1 | 1 | 8 |
| Zambia | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| Zimbabwe | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Europe | |||||
| Albania | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Austria | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Belarus | 2 | — | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Belgium | 5 | — | — | — | 5 |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Bulgaria | 8 | — | — | — | 8 |
| Croatia | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Czechia | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Denmark | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Estonia | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Finland | 3 | — | — | — | 3 |
| France | 7 | — | — | — | 7 |
| Germany | 7 | — | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| Greece | 5 | — | — | — | 5 |
| Hungary | 4 | — | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Ireland | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Italy | 10 | — | 1 | 1 | 12 |
| Latvia | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Lithuania | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Luxembourg | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Moldova | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Montenegro | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Netherlands | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| North Macedonia | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Norway | 4 | 1 | — | — | 5 |
| Poland | 3 | — | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| Portugal | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Romania | 4 | — | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Russia | 16 | 4 | 5 | 17 | 42 |
| Serbia | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Slovakia | 1 | — | 1 | — | 2 |
| Slovenia | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Spain | 3 | — | — | — | 3 |
| Sweden | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Switzerland | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Ukraine | 16 | 1 | — | — | 17 |
| United Kingdom | 7 | — | — | — | 7 |
| Americas | |||||
| Argentina | 5 | — | — | — | 5 |
| Bahamas | 3 | — | — | — | 3 |
| Barbados | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Belize | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Bolivia | 3 | — | — | — | 3 |
| Brazil | 9 | — | 1 | 5 | 15 |
| Canada | 6 | 1 | — | — | 7 |
| Canada (Quebec) | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Chile | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Colombia | 8 | — | 1 | 7 | 16 |
| Costa Rica | 4 | — | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Cuba | 1 | 1 | — | — | 2 |
| Dominican Republic | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Ecuador | 8 | — | — | — | 8 |
| El Salvador | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Guatemala | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| Guyana | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Honduras | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Jamaica | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| Mexico | 6 | — | 2 | 14 | 22 |
| Nicaragua | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| Panama | 4 | — | — | — | 4 |
| Paraguay | 3 | — | — | — | 3 |
| Peru | 8 | — | 3 | 1 | 12 |
| St. Vincent & Grenadines | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Suriname | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Trinidad & Tobago | 3 | — | — | — | 3 |
| United States | 16 | — | — | 4 | 20 |
| Uruguay | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
| Venezuela | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
| Total | 776 | 24 | 160 | 480 | 1,440 |
Canada and Quebec are separate rows, as in the guideline. A Korean embassy may also decide not to recommend anyone, depending on local circumstances.
Japan is not in the GKS-G country table. Official Japanese sources point Japanese degree applicants to the separate Korea–Japan program (韓日教育交流協力事業), whose 2027 call is already posted, with a document deadline of October 21, 2026 at KREF in Tokyo.
The Korea–Japan program, on our GKS guide
R&D program: 403 places in 60 departments
Open to every country, through the University Track. Each department chooses its scholars under its university's own rules. Department names are as NIIED prints them, in English.
| University and department | Places |
|---|---|
| Ajou University | |
| Intelligence Semiconductor Engineering | 8 |
| Computer Engineering | 10 |
| Cheongju University | |
| Mechanical and Aeronautical Systems Engineering | 3 |
| Chonnam National University | |
| Department of Polymer Engineering | 3 |
| Department of Materials Science and Engineering | 5 |
| Dong-A University | |
| Health Sciences | 15 |
| Computer Engineering | 15 |
| Ewha Womans University | |
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | 5 |
| Gyeongsang National University | |
| Mechanical System Engineering | 4 |
| Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | 3 |
| Materials Engineering and Convergence Technology | 10 |
| Energy and Mechanical Engineering | 3 |
| Applied Life Science | 3 |
| Chemistry | 3 |
| Hannam University | |
| Advanced Materials & Chemical Engineering | 5 |
| Incheon National University | |
| Bioengineering and Nano-Bioengineering | 3 |
| Inje University | |
| Nanoscience and Engineering | 8 |
| Digital Anti-Aging Health Care | 8 |
| Smart food & drug: Food & Life Science | 5 |
| Rehabilitation Science | 7 |
| Jeju National University | |
| Mechatronics Engineering | 20 |
| Electronic Engineering | 10 |
| Computer Engineering | 10 |
| KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) | |
| Graduate School of Culture Technology | 3 |
| Department of Biological Sciences | 3 |
| Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering | 3 |
| Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering | 3 |
| Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Mobility | 5 |
| Department of Aerospace Engineering | 3 |
| Department of Chemistry | 3 |
| Keimyung University | |
| Pharmacy | 20 |
| Konkuk University | |
| Veterinary Medicine (Veterinary Microbiology & Infectious Diseases) | 3 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Electrical Engineering) | 3 |
| Kookmin University | |
| Civil and Environmental Engineering | 10 |
| Department of Mechanical Engineering | 15 |
| Department of Electronics Engineering | 15 |
| KOREATECH (Korea University of Technology and Education) | |
| School of Electrical, Electronics and Communication Engineering (Electrical) | 10 |
| Kunsan National University | |
| Department of AI Convergence | 5 |
| Chemistry | 5 |
| Kyungpook National University | |
| Agricultural Civil Engineering | 5 |
| Mathematics | 6 |
| Pukyong National University | |
| Dept. of Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering | 10 |
| Dept. of Intelligent Robot Engineering | 10 |
| Pusan National University | |
| School of Mechanical EngineeringEnergy Systems · Mechanical Systems Design · Precision Manufacturing Systems · Intelligent Control and Automation Systems · Nuclear Systems | 10 |
| Department of Cognitive Mechatronics Engineering (인지메카트로닉스공학과) | 3 |
| Department of Information Convergence EngineeringComputer Engineering · Artificial Intelligence · Biomedical Convergence Engineering | 10 |
| Seoul Theological University | |
| Department of IT Convergence | 10 |
| SeoulTech (Seoul National University of Science and Technology) | |
| Department of Mechanical Design and Robot Engineering | 3 |
| Department of Data Science | 3 |
| Department of Materials Science and Engineering | 10 |
| Department of Electrical and Information Engineering | 16 |
| Department of Environmental Engineering | 6 |
| Sogang University | |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 3 |
| Sunchon National University | |
| Food Science and Technology | 3 |
| Pharmacy | 3 |
| Advanced Components and Materials Engineering | 3 |
| Chemical Engineering | 3 |
| Yeungnam University | |
| Department of Materials Science and Engineering | 5 |
| Yonsei University | |
| Medical Science | 3 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 3 |
Global Network program: 80 master's places
Open to every country: master's degrees only, finished within two years and without the Korean language year.
| University and department | Places |
|---|---|
| Ajou University | |
| International Development and Cooperation | 10 |
| Gyeongkuk National University | |
| Department of Educational Technology | 6 |
| Hongik University | |
| Design Management | 6 |
| Arts & Cultural Management | 3 |
| KDI School of Public Policy and Management | |
| Global Cooperation programMaster of Public Policy · Master of Development Policy · Master of Public Management | 25 |
| Pusan National University | |
| International Logistics & Port Management | 20 |
| Seoul National University | |
| Dept. of Public Administration (Global Public Administration Major) | 10 |
How the 2026 call ran
- Call
- Posted on Study in Korea on February 2, 2026, revised on February 20, 2026.
- Embassy Track
- Online applications from February 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM to February 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM, Korean time.
- University Track
- February to April, each university setting its own deadline.
- First round
- Embassy Track results in March 2026, on My Page; university results by April.
- Documents to NIIED
- Embassy Track by April 1, 2026, University Track by May 1, 2026.
- Second and third rounds
- NIIED's second round in early May (Embassy Track) and early June (University Track); the three chosen universities then review Embassy Track candidates.
- University choice
- Embassy Track passers chose one university by June 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
- Final list
- Late June, on Study in Korea; Embassy Track results also on My Page.
These are 2026's dates. NIIED sets new ones in each year's guideline.
Who cannot apply (2026 rules)
- Anyone who graduated, or will graduate, from a Korean high school (international schools in Korea included) or university — online programs included — or is in a Korean university's final year.
- Anyone who held a Korean-government degree scholarship before, who enrolled in a GKS degree or research program, or who lost a GKS scholarship. Past GKS exchange students and IRTS Korean-course scholars can apply.
- A GKS degree winner from the past three years who withdrew or was disqualified before enrolling.
- Anyone who, or whose parent, holds Korean citizenship, dual citizens included. An applicant or parent who gave it up must prove it with a Korean government document.
- Anyone applying to two programs or two tracks at once, or, on the University Track, to two universities or departments.
Preparing an application
Questions
Is the GKS-G 2027 application open?
Not yet: NIIED had not posted it when we checked on October 2, 2026. Since 2021 the call has gone up between Jan 24 and Feb 11; the 2026 call went up on February 2, 2026, and its Embassy Track applications closed on February 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Watch Study in Korea's GKS notice board.
Can I do a PhD in Korea on a GKS scholarship?
Yes. GKS-G funds a doctorate as a year of Korean plus three years of study, for applicants under 40 (under 45 for current professors from ODA-recipient countries) who hold a master's degree or will by July 31, 2026. Apply through the Korean embassy of your country of citizenship if it has Embassy Track General places (column E in the table), or through a university: the R&D program alone had 403 places in 60 named departments, open to every country.
Is GKS-G fully funded? How much is the stipend?
It covers the main costs. In 2026 NIIED paid economy airfare, tuition up to KRW 5,000,000 a semester (the university covers the admission fee), the Korean course, and a monthly allowance of KRW 1,380,000 in the degree program, 1,200,000 in the language year and 1,740,000 on the Research program. Accommodation comes out of the allowance, and Research scholars get no tuition or language fees.
Do I need TOPIK to apply for GKS-G?
No, but TOPIK level 3 or above adds 10% of the total points. Scholars study Korean for a year in Korea and must reach level 3 before the degree; some departments ask for level 4. The language year is skipped with TOPIK level 5 or 6, on the Research and Global Network programs, by R&D applicants to a 100% English-taught program, by current professors in a 100% English-taught program who file the exemption form, and by IRTS Korean-course graduates with TOPIK level 3 or higher.
Does GKS-G give extra points?
Yes, in 2026: TOPIK level 3 or above adds 10% of the total points, being a direct descendant of a Korean War veteran who served in a foreign force adds 10%, and applying to a science or engineering department adds 5%.
My country is not in the table. Can I still apply?
Yes, for three programs: R&D, Global Network and International Organization are open to every country, through the University Track only. For Japanese nationals, official Japanese sources point to the separate Korea–Japan program.
Can I apply through both tracks?
Not at once: one track, one program. If you fail the Embassy Track's first round, you can apply through the University Track if your chosen university's deadline has not passed; if you pass it, even as a reserve, you cannot.
How many universities can I choose?
Embassy Track: up to three different universities, at least one of them Type B. University Track: one university and one department. Either way, the university cannot be changed after the final decision, and transfers are not allowed.
What is the age limit for GKS-G?
Under 40: born on or after September 1, 1986. Current professors from ODA-recipient countries can apply under 45, born on or after September 1, 1981.
My grades are below the bar. Can I still apply?
Check the bar first: it is 80% on a 100-point scale or a CGPA of at least 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5 or 3.23/5.0 — not your CGPA turned into a percentage, so 2.64/4.0 is enough. Below it, only a class rank in the top 20% qualifies, proven by an official certificate or letter from your university: the transcript alone is not enough.
Source: 2026 GKS-G Application Guidelines (checked October 2, 2026)Independent summary of NIIED's 2026 GKS-G guideline, the latest published. The 2027 guideline will prevail when it appears.