Complete GKS Scholarship Guide: Strategy to Win a Korean Government Scholarship

What Is the GKS Scholarship?

The GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) is a fully-funded scholarship administered by NIIED (National Institute for International Education) on behalf of the Korean government. It covers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs. Benefits include:

• Full tuition coverage
• Monthly living stipend (approx. ₩900,000 for undergrad / ₩1,000,000 for grad)
• Round-trip airfare
• Health insurance
• 1 year of Korean language training (depending on your level)

What Successful Applicants Have in Common: IEQAS Excellent Universities

There are two GKS application tracks: the Embassy Track and the University Track. In the University Track, IEQAS Excellent-certified universities are more likely to be selected as host institutions, since excellent certification is directly factored into the university selection criteria.

Application Strategy: Practical Advice for CIS Students

1. Embassy Track vs University Track — Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are all eligible for the Embassy Track. You cannot apply to both tracks simultaneously, so choose strategically.
2. TOPIK Level 2+ required — Level 3+ recommended for graduate applicants. Complete beginners can still apply since 1 year of language training is included, but having a score helps.
3. Target Excellent-certified universities for University Track — Check IEQAS Excellent status before finalizing your university choices.
4. Personal statement tip — "I like Korea" is weak. "Korea ranks in the global top tier in my field of study" is strong. Be specific about why Korea, why this university, why this major.

GKS Application Timeline (Typical)

• September–November: University Track applications
• February–March: Embassy Track applications
• Always verify exact dates on the NIIED official site (niied.go.kr)