Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

For students planning to study in South Korea, the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), now known as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), offers one of the country's most prestigious fully funded opportunities. It covers undergraduate, master's, and PhD programs, including tuition fees, round-trip airfare, monthly living expenses, and medical insurance.

Funded by the South Korean government, the scholarship is open to students from over 150+ countries and supports study at some of South Korea's leading universities. Along with financial assistance, recipients also receive Korean language training, research support, and university placement opportunities.

Who is Eligible for the Korean Government Scholarship Program?

Before applying, it's important to check whether you meet the scholarship's eligibility criteria. In addition to a strong academic record, you'll need to satisfy the nationality, age, and educational requirements for your chosen study level. 

The exact criteria vary for undergraduate, master's, and PhD programs, as explained below:

Academic Eligibility Requirements

Here are the academic requirements you need to meet before applying:

• Have a minimum CGPA of 80% on a 100-point scale, or
• Rank within the top 20% of your graduating class

Nationality Requirements

To apply under the India quota, you must meet the following nationality requirements:

• You and both your parents must be Indian citizens
• Applicants holding South Korean citizenship, including dual citizenship with Korea, are not eligible
• Valid proof of citizenship must be submitted with your application

Age Requirements

The age limit depends on the study level you are applying for. 

Here's what you need to know:

• Undergraduate applicants: Must be under 25 years of age as of March 1 of the admission year
• Master's and PhD applicants: Must be under 40 years of age as of September 1 of the admission year

Is TOPIK or IELTS Required for KGSP?

TOPIK or IELTS is not mandatory for every applicant, but having language proficiency can strengthen your overall application. 

Here's what you should know:

• A TOPIK certificate is not required for most scholarship categories, you can apply without prior Korean language proficiency
• Some universities may require IELTS or TOEFL scores for English-taught programs
• A valid TOPIK score may improve your chances during university placement and scholarship evaluation

Learn more about studying in South Korea, including top universities, popular courses, tuition fees, scholarships, and student visa requirements.

Benefits of the Korean Government Scholarship Program

One of the biggest concerns while studying abroad is managing expenses. 

This scholarship helps reduce that burden by covering tuition fees, airfare, monthly living expenses, and medical insurance throughout your studies.

Here's what selected students receive:

• Full tuition fee coverage for the entire degree program
• Round-trip economy-class airfare between your home country and South Korea 
• A one-time settlement allowance of KRW 200,000 (approximately INR 12,200) to help with initial expenses after arrival 
• A monthly living allowance based on your study level: 

           -Undergraduate – KRW 900,000 (INR 54,900) 

           -Master's, PhD, and Research – KRW 1,000,000–1,500,000 (INR 61,000–91,500) 

• Comprehensive medical insurance throughout the scholarship period 
• One year of Korean language training before the degree program, where applicable 
• Research allowances for eligible graduate and research students 
• Thesis and dissertation printing support 
• Publication printing assistance for approved research work 
• A completion grant after successfully completing the program 

Want to study in South Korea for free? Discover the scholarships, funding options, and admission pathways that can help turn your plans into reality. 

Korean Government Scholarship Program Tracks: Embassy Track vs University Track 

The scholarship offers two ways to apply: the Embassy Track and the University Track. Both provide the same scholarship benefits, but the application process, university options, and selection stages are different.  

How Does the Embassy Track Work? 

If you apply through the Embassy Track, you'll submit your application to the South Korean Embassy in your home country.  

Here's how the process works: 

• Submit your application through the South Korean Embassy in your country 
• Complete the embassy's screening process, which may include an interview 
• Shortlisted applications are reviewed by NIIED and participating universities 
• Apply to multiple universities under this track 
• Choose from a wider range of universities and programs 

This track is ideal if you want more flexibility when choosing where to study. 

How Does the University Track Work? 

If you already have a preferred university, you can apply directly through the University Track.  

Here's what the process looks like: 

• Apply directly to a participating South Korean university 
• Complete the university's initial screening process 
• Shortlisted applications are sent to NIIED for final approval 
• Apply through one university only 
• Follow a comparatively shorter application process 

This track is a good choice if you've already decided which university you want to attend. 

Courses Covered Under the Korean Government Scholarship Program KGSP

The scholarship supports undergraduate, master's, PhD, and research programs across a wide range of academic disciplines.  

You can choose from eligible courses offered by participating South Korean universities, provided they are included in the official scholarship guidelines for the admission year. 

Available Fields of Study include:  

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) 
• Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence 
• Business and Management 
• Economics and Finance 
• Humanities and Social Sciences 
• International Relations and Public Policy 
• Arts, Design, and Music 
• Media and Communication 
• Agriculture and Life Sciences 
• Environmental and Sustainability Studies 
• Medical and Health-related Programs (subject to university availability) 

The final list of eligible courses and participating universities may vary each year, so it's always a good idea to check the latest scholarship guidelines before applying. 

Note: Before starting their degree, most students complete up to one year of fully funded Korean language training.  

Top Universities Under Korean Government Scholarship Program  

With more than 50 participating institutions, the scholarship gives students the opportunity to study at some of South Korea's highest-ranked universities. 

Whether you're interested in engineering, business, medicine, or the humanities, you'll find programs across a wide range of academic disciplines.

Top 10 Universities Under KGSP

Universities under KGSP	Popular Courses
Seoul National University (SNU)	Engineering, Business, Medicine, Social Sciences
Korea University	Business, Computer Science, Law, International Studies
Yonsei University	Business, Engineering, Medicine, Liberal Arts
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)	Engineering, AI, Business, Pharmacy
Hanyang University	Engineering, Architecture, Business
KAIST	Computer Science, AI, Engineering, Robotics
POSTECH	Engineering, Computer Science, Materials Science
Sogang University	Business, Economics, Computer Science
Kyung Hee University	Hospitality, Business, Medicine, International Studies
Pusan National University (PNU)	Engineering, Natural Sciences, Business, Medicine

Note: The list of participating universities and eligible programs may change each year. Always check the latest official scholarship guidelines before applying.

Read More: Best Medical Colleges in South Korea for Indian Students | MBBS in South Korea

How to Apply for the Korean Government Scholarship Program?

Applying for the scholarship is straightforward if you follow the official guidelines and prepare your documents in advance. 

The process differs slightly depending on whether you apply through the Embassy Track or the University Track, but the overall steps remain the same.

Step 1: Choose Your Application Track and Download the Guidelines

Begin by downloading the latest scholarship guidelines, application forms, and the list of participating universities. Then, decide which application track you want to apply through.

• Embassy Track: Apply through the South Korean Embassy in your country and choose up to three universities.
• University Track: Apply directly to one participating university.

Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready

Before submitting your application, make sure you have all the required documents in place. 

These usually include:

Application Forms

• KGSP Applicant Agreement
• Completed Application Form
• Personal Statement
• Study Plan or Research Plan
• Personal Medical Assessment Form
• Recommendation Letter(s) from a teacher, professor, or supervisor

Academic Documents

• Graduation Certificate or Expected Graduation Certificate
• Academic Transcripts/Mark Sheets
• Degree Certificate (for graduate applicants)

Identity and Citizenship Documents

• Proof of Citizenship of the Applicant
• Proof of Citizenship of Both Parents
• Family Relationship Certificate or Birth Certificate (if required)
• Passport Copy (if available)

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once your documents are ready, submit your application through your chosen track.

If you're applying through the Embassy Track:

• Complete the online application, if required
• Upload the necessary documents
• Submit the hard copies and sealed recommendation letter to the South Korean Embassy

If you're applying through the University Track:

• Download the application forms from your chosen university
• Complete the application package
• Submit all required documents directly to the university before the deadline

Step 4: Wait for the Selection Process

After you apply, shortlisted candidates go through multiple stages of evaluation:

• Initial screening by the embassy or university
• Review by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED)
• Final university admission confirmation, where applicable

Step 5: Check the Final Results

If you're selected, you'll receive your final scholarship offer and university placement. Once confirmed, you can begin your visa process and prepare for your move to South Korea.

Korean Government Scholarship Program KGSP Deadline

If you're planning to apply for the scholarship, keeping track of the application timeline is just as important as preparing your documents. 

The selection process takes place in multiple stages over several months, so checking each deadline and official announcement can help you avoid missing any important updates.

The timeline for the 2026–27 selection cycle is given below: 

KGSP Stage	Expected Timeline (2026–27 Cycle)
1st Round Results (Embassy Track)	By October 17, 2026
1st Round Results (University Track)	By November 14, 2026
Documents Sent to NIIED (Embassy Track)	By October 31, 2026
Documents Sent to NIIED (University Track)	By November 28, 2026
2nd Round Selection Results	November–December 2026
3rd Round Selection Results	By December 26, 2026
Final University Choice Submission	By January 2, 2027
Final KGSP Scholar Announcement	By January 9, 2027

Important Points to Remember:

• The Embassy Track and University Track follow different timelines during the initial selection stages.
• Universities and South Korean embassies may set application deadlines earlier than the official selection schedule.
• Results are published on the Study in Korea portal, so check it regularly for updates.
• Depending on the official guidelines, some applicants who are not selected through the Embassy Track may still be eligible to apply through the University Track.

Korean Government Scholarship Program Selection Process

After you submit your application, it goes through multiple rounds of evaluation before the final scholarship results are announced. 

The exact process depends on whether you apply through the Embassy Track or the University Track, but both involve reviews by NIIED and participating universities.

KGSP Embassy Track Selection Process 

If you apply through the Embassy Track, your application follows these stages:

1. Embassy Screening: The South Korean Embassy in your country reviews your application.
2. Recommendation to NIIED: Shortlisted applicants are recommended to the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).
3. NIIED Review: NIIED evaluates the recommended applications.
4. University Review: Participating universities assess eligible candidates and make admission decisions.
5. Final Results: NIIED announces the final list of scholarship recipients.

KGSP University Track Selection Process

If you apply through the University Track, the process is slightly shorter:

1. University Screening: Your chosen university reviews your application.
2. Recommendation to NIIED: Selected applicants are recommended to NIIED.
3. NIIED Review: NIIED conducts the final evaluation.
4. Final Results: Successful candidates are announced after the review is complete.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting the KGSP

Getting selected for the scholarship isn't just about meeting the eligibility criteria. A well-prepared application that clearly highlights your academic achievements, goals, and overall profile can make a big difference. 

Here are a few ways to improve your chances: 

• Maintain Strong Grades: Aim for an academic score of 80% or above, or rank within the top 20% of your class.
• Write a Strong Study Plan: Clearly explain your academic goals, why you want to study in South Korea, and how the scholarship supports your plans.
• Get Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who can confidently highlight your academic performance, leadership skills, and overall potential.
• Choose the Right Program: Apply for a course that matches your academic background and long-term career goals.
• Include Language Scores: Submit TOPIK, IELTS, or TOEFL scores, if available, to strengthen your application.
• Highlight Your Achievements: Mention research projects, internships, leadership roles, volunteer work, publications, or other notable accomplishments.
• Review Your Documents: Make sure all required documents are complete, accurate, and properly authenticated before submission.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a fully funded opportunity to study in South Korea, the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), now known as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), is worth considering. With financial support, access to leading universities, and a wide choice of programs, it can help you pursue your academic goals with fewer financial worries.

If you're planning to apply but aren't sure where to start, book a free 1:1 counseling session with upGrad's study abroad experts. From shortlisting universities and understanding the application process to preparing your documents, our experts can guide you at every step of your study abroad journey.