Are you an international student dreaming of studying in South Korea?

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025 is an incredible opportunity to earn your undergraduate degree at a top Korean university with full funding.

This prestigious scholarship, offered by the Korean government, covers tuition, airfare, living expenses, and more. Read on for all the details about the GKS program and how to apply.

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In this Article:

What is the Global Korea Scholarship?

Apply Now for GKS 2025: Tuition-Free Undergraduate Study in Korea with Monthly Stipend and Benefits

The Global Korea Scholarship is a government scholarship program designed to provide international students with opportunities to study at higher educational institutions in South Korea.

Funded by the Korean government, the scholarship aims to promote international exchanges in education and mutual friendship between countries.

GKS is open to international students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In this article, we’ll focus specifically on the GKS undergraduate scholarship for 2025.

Benefits of the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship

The Global Korea Scholarship 2025 for undergraduate degrees provides comprehensive funding and benefits, including:

Tuition fees covered
Round-trip airfare
Full medical insurance
Settlement allowance of 200,000 KRW upon arrival
Monthly living allowance of 800,000 KRW
Research allowance of 210,000 KRW per semester
Korean language proficiency grants of up to 100,000 KRW per month
TOPIK exam fee coverage
Degree completion grants of 100,000 KRW upon graduation

With all of these expenses taken care of, GKS scholars can focus fully on their studies and living experience in Korea without financial burdens.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Global Korea Scholarship undergraduate program in 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Must be a citizen of the country that is invited to take part in the GKS program. As of 2023, 156 countries are invited.
Must be under 25 years of age as of September 1st, 2025.
Must have graduated or be expected to graduate from high school prior to the beginning of the scholarship program.
Must have a high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 80% (out of 100%) or be within the top 20% of their high school class.
Must be in good health, both mentally and physically.
Must not hold Korean citizenship.

Make sure to check the specific eligibility criteria for your country, as additional requirements may apply.

How to Apply

The application process for the GKS undergraduate scholarship has two main tracks:

Embassy Track: Apply through the Korean embassy in your home country
University Track: Apply directly to your chosen Korean university

Each track has its own application requirements and deadlines. We’ll go through the details and step-by-step process for each.

Embassy Track Application

To apply through the embassy track, follow these steps:

Contact the Korean embassy in your home country to check if applications are open and request the application guidelines and forms.

Prepare your application documents according to the guidelines. Required documents typically include:Completed application form
High school diploma or certificate of expected graduation
Official high school transcript
Letter of recommendation
Personal statement or study plan
Passport copy
Certificate of citizenship
Korean language proficiency certificate (TOPIK), if available
Other documents as required by your embassy

Submit your application and documents to your Korean embassy by the stated deadline. Each embassy sets its own application window, typically between February to March.
If your application is accepted, you’ll be invited for an interview at the embassy, usually in April or May.
If you pass the interview, you’ll be nominated by your embassy to apply to up to 3 Korean universities of your choice.
Complete and submit your applications to the universities directly, typically by mid-May.
If accepted by a university, you’ll receive an admission letter and information about next steps, usually in June.
Prepare for your departure to Korea, including visa application, medical check, and pre-departure orientation organized by your embassy.

Specific dates and deadlines vary by embassy, so make sure to check with your local Korean embassy for the exact timeline and requirements.

University Track Application

To apply directly to a Korean university for the GKS, follow these general steps:

Check the official study in Korea website or contact your desired universities to see if they are participating in the GKS program for 2025 and confirm their application period. University track deadlines are typically between September to November of the year prior.

Prepare your application documents, which may include:Completed GKS application form
Completed university application form
High school diploma or certificate of expected graduation
Official high school transcript
Study plan or statement of purpose
Two letters of recommendation
Passport copy
Certificate of citizenship
Korean language proficiency certificate (TOPIK), if available
Other documents as required by the university

Submit your application and documents online or by post to your chosen universities by their stated deadlines. You may apply to up to 3 universities.
If your application is successful, you’ll be invited for an interview by the universities, usually between November to January. Interviews may be in-person or online.
If you pass the interview, you’ll be selected as a candidate for the GKS program by the university. The university will then recommend you to NIIED (National Institute for International Education) for the final round of selection.
NIIED will make the final selection of GKS scholars and notify the universities of the results, typically in February.
If selected as a final GKS scholar, you’ll receive an admission letter and scholarship certificate from your university, usually in March.
Prepare for your departure to Korea, including visa application, medical check, and pre-departure orientation organized by your university.

Again, exact deadlines and requirements will depend on the specific university, so make sure to check with each school you’re applying to.

Choosing a University and Major

One important factor in applying for the GKS is choosing which Korean universities and majors to apply for. With over 60 participating universities across Korea, there are many excellent options to consider.

When choosing a university, think about factors like:

University ranking and reputation, both overall and for your specific field of study
Location – do you prefer a big city like Seoul or a smaller town?
Campus facilities and resources
Curriculum and course offerings in your major
Korean language and culture courses and support for international students
Scholarships and funding available in addition to GKS
Career prospects and alumni network

Some top universities to consider include:

Seoul National University
Korea University
Yonsei University
KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
Sungkyunkwan University
Hanyang University
Ewha Womans University
Sogang University
Kyung Hee University

For majors, think about your academic interests and career goals. Popular fields of study for international students in Korea include:

Business and economics
Engineering and computer science
Natural sciences
Social sciences
Arts and design
Korean language and literature

Do thorough research into the programs offered by different universities to find the best fit for you. Don’t hesitate to contact universities’ international student offices to ask detailed questions.

Korean Language Requirements and Training

One important aspect to consider is Korean language ability. The GKS program requires scholars to take Korean language training prior to and during their degree program, even if classes are taught in English.

Most GKS undergraduate scholars will spend their first year focusing on intensive Korean language training at their university’s language center. You’ll need to pass a certain level of the official Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) before progressing to your major courses.

The specific TOPIK level required varies by university and major, but most require at least TOPIK Level 3 for admission to major courses taught in Korean, and TOPIK Level 2 for courses taught in English.

Aim to achieve TOPIK Level 4 or higher by the end of your language training year.

While prior Korean language skills are not required for most undergraduate applicants, having existing Korean proficiency can give you an advantage in both the application process and your studies in Korea. If you have a TOPIK score, make sure to include it in your application.

To prepare, consider taking Korean language classes, practicing with language learning apps, watching Korean media, and conversing with Korean speakers.

Building your Korean language skills will help you both with the GKS application and in adapting to life in Korea.

Preparing for Life in Korea

Receiving the GKS scholarship is a dream come true, but studying abroad also requires lots of preparation. Here are some key things to consider as you get ready for your new life in Korea:

Housing

Most GKS scholars live in university dormitories, which are often covered by the scholarship. Dormitories typically have shared rooms, bathrooms, and kitchen facilities.

Some universities may have single rooms available.Contact your university’s housing office for details on dormitory options, costs, and application process.

Be aware that on-campus housing is not guaranteed and spaces can fill up quickly.If living off-campus, you’ll need to budget for rent and utilities.

Your university’s international student office can provide advice on finding housing near campus.

Health and Insurance

GKS scholars receive health insurance coverage through the program. Make sure to review the insurance policy and understand what is covered.

Before departing for Korea, schedule a comprehensive health check-up and make sure you have all required vaccinations.

Bring copies of your medical records and any prescription medications you take regularly.

In Korea, you’ll need to complete a medical check and submit the results to your university. You may also be required to purchase additional university health insurance.

Budgeting and Finances

While the GKS scholarship covers most major expenses, you’ll still need to budget for other costs like food, transportation, textbooks, and personal expenses.

The 800,000 KRW monthly stipend is enough to cover basic living costs, but be mindful of your spending, especially if you plan to travel or enjoy extra activities.

Make a budget to track your income and expenses.You may need some extra funds to cover initial costs like housing deposits, bedding and appliances, and cold-weather clothing if coming from a warmer climate.

Have some savings on hand for emergencies and unexpected expenses.

Cultural Adjustment

Adjusting to a new country and culture can be both exciting and challenging. Do some research into Korean culture, customs, and social norms before you go. Your embassy or university may offer pre-departure cultural orientation.

Once you arrive, attend orientation events and join student clubs and activities to meet new people and learn about life in Korea. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed – your university’s international student office is there to support you.

Consider joining online communities and forums for international students in Korea to connect with others who have gone through the same experience. Reach out to alumni of your university or the GKS program for advice and networking.

And remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed or homesick at times. Stay connected with family and friends back home, but also embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and grow as a person.

After Graduation

Completing your undergraduate degree on the Global Korea Scholarship is a huge accomplishment, but it’s just the beginning of your journey. Here are some options to consider after graduation:

Resources and Links

Here are some helpful resources for learning more about the Global Korea Scholarship and studying in Korea:

For the latest news and updates on the Global Korea Scholarship, follow the official social media channels and subscribe to email newsletters from NIIED and Study in Korea.

Conclusion

The Global Korea Scholarship 2025 is an incredible opportunity for international students to pursue their undergraduate degrees in Korea with full funding and support.

From covering tuition and living expenses to providing language training and cultural experiences, the GKS program offers a life-changing experience for scholars.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and are passionate about studying in Korea, start preparing your application early and put your best foot forward. Research universities and programs thoroughly, work on your Korean language skills, and reach out for support and advice throughout the process.

Studying abroad is a big decision, but the rewards of the GKS program are immense. You’ll have the chance to gain a world-class education, immerse yourself in a rich culture, and build a global network that will benefit you for years to come.

So what are you waiting for?

Start your Global Korea Scholarship journey today and apply now for the 2025 undergraduate program!

The experience of a lifetime awaits you in Korea.

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