Why is GKS so Popular?

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and promoting global collaboration. Recognizing the importance of international education, the South Korean government has established the Global Korea Scholarship program. In this detailed article, we will explore the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program, its objectives, benefits, and application process, highlighting how it empowers international students to pursue their academic dreams in South Korea.

Overview of the Global Korea Scholarship: The Global Korea Scholarship, also known as the GKS, is a government-funded scholarship program administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). The program aims to attract outstanding international students and researchers to study in South Korea, contributing to the country's academic growth and fostering global exchange.

Scholarship Benefits

Full Tuition Coverage: The GKS provides full tuition coverage for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, enabling students to focus on their studies without financial burden.

Settlement Allowance: Scholarship recipients get 200,000 KRW (~12,376 INR) as a one time settlement allowance once they arrive in Korea.

Monthly Stipend: Undergraduate scholarship recipients receive a monthly stipend of 900,000 KRW (~55,708 INR) for 4 years(1 year of language training+3 years of course), graduates and doctoral candidates get 1 million KRW (~61,887 INR) for 3 years (1 year of language training+2 years of course) and 4 years(1 year of language training+3 years of coursework and thesis writing) respectively to cover living expenses, accommodation, and other personal costs, ensuring a comfortable and conducive learning environment.

Round-trip Airfare: The program covers round-trip airfare for scholarship recipients, allowing them to travel to and from South Korea at the beginning and end of their study program.

Medical Insurance Fee: NIIED provides a fixed amount of money for a private insurance premium until GKS scholars are enrolled in national health insurance. Insurance covers all medical expenses.

Language Training: For students who do not have sufficient proficiency in the Korean language, the scholarship program offers a one-year language training course to enhance their language skills before commencing their academic studies.

Research Support and Thesis Printing Fee: Doctoral program recipients may receive additional research support, including opportunities to participate in research projects, collaborate with Korean scholars, and access well-equipped research facilities. 210,000 KRW (~12,996 INR) for Liberal Arts and Social Science majors and 240,000 KRW (~14,854 INR) for Natural Science & Engineering majors.

Degree Completion Grants: 100,000 KRW (~6,188 INR) one time after degree completion.

Korean Proficiency Grants: 100,000 KRW (~6,188 INR) per month for scholars who have valid TOPIK level 5 or 6.

Application Process

The application process for the Global Korea Scholarship typically includes the following steps:

Eligibility Check: Prospective applicants must review the scholarship guidelines and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, which may vary depending on the program and the applicant's level of study. In the latest development graduate applicants must have their original degree certificate at the time of application.

University Application: Applicants need to apply directly to 1 participating university in South Korea for their desired program. Each university may have specific admission requirements and deadlines. One can try to get in touch with the department or professors to understand the course and its suitability for them. Korean universities welcome students with strong academic background from diverse fields of study. You can find all about various universities and courses here. This application typically includes application forms 1-6/9, apostilled academic transcripts/marksheets, degree (in graduate applications). You can also include any certificates of co-curricular or extra-curricular activities, volunteer work and language test scores. All of the application material is to be printed and posted to the university via international courier.

Embassy Application: Applicants need to apply directly to any 3 participating universities in South Korea for their desired program. Each university may have specific admission requirements and deadlines. This application process is same as above except 4 sets (1 original+3 copies) of the application material is to be posted to the Embassy of the Rupublic of Korea in New Delhi via courier.

Evaluation and Selection: The applications undergo a rigorous evaluation process, including academic assessment, language proficiency evaluation, and interviews. The NIIED makes the final selection decisions based on the evaluation results.

Scholarship Announcement: Successful scholarship recipients are notified of their acceptance, and further instructions are provided regarding visa procedures, medical checkup and other relevant details.

#ProTip: Starting from 2024, GKS (both first and second round of selection) applicants will receive additional points based on language proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) and English (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS).

The Global Korea Scholarship program serves as a gateway for international students to embark on an enriching academic journey in South Korea. Through its comprehensive financial support, language training, and research opportunities, the scholarship empowers recipients to pursue educational excellence and contribute to the global community. The program not only nurtures individual growth but also strengthens cultural exchange, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between South Korea and the world. For aspiring students seeking a high-quality education in a vibrant and innovative academic environment, the Global Korea Scholarship presents a remarkable opportunity to fulfill their academic aspirations in the land of Hallyu, technological advancements, and cultural heritage.