2026 GKS-G (Graduate) 2,000 Scholar Selection Guide: Comprehensive Overview of Full Scholarships and Living Stipend Benefits
We guide you through everything you need to know about the 2026 GKS-G program, which recruits 2,000 outstanding talents from approximately 140 countries worldwide. From full tuition waivers and generous living stipend benefits to complex application procedures, we provide a comprehensive look at the original application guidelines without any omissions.
Are you dreaming of pursuing a Master's or Doctoral degree in South Korea in 2026? The door to the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), which boasts the world's best scholarship benefits, has finally opened.
Through this article, you can grasp all the core information from the official recruitment guidelines at a glance, from the massive selection scale of 2,000 students to complex selection methods and exceptional scholarship benefits. We will act as a hub for a step-by-step detailed guide to help you successfully complete the complex paperwork and long journey ahead.
Key highlights included in this guide:
Purpose of the 2026 GKS-G program and duration of study for each program
Comprehensive table of recruitment numbers by selection process and track for 2,000 students worldwide
Full list of 75 eligible host universities (Type A/B)
Links to an 8-step series guide for a successful application
Overview of the Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees (GKS-G)
The GKS-G (Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees) program, organized by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea, aims to provide international students with the opportunity to study at higher education institutions in South Korea, thereby promoting international educational exchange and strengthening friendly relations between countries. It is the nation's most prestigious scholarship project that supports outstanding global talent to experience Korea's excellent educational infrastructure and grow into future leaders with knowledge of Korea.
Details of Programs and Scholarship Durations
GKS-G is divided into degree programs and research programs, and the scholarship duration for each varies. All degree programs mandatorily include a 1-year Korean language training period. (However, those holding TOPIK level 5 or higher may be exempt from language training if they meet certain criteria.)
Master's Degree: Total of 3 years (1 year of Korean language training + 2 years of degree program)
Doctoral Degree: Total of 4 years (1 year of Korean language training + 3 years of degree program)
Research Program: 6 months or 1 year (No Korean language training)
2026 Total Recruitment Numbers and Scale by Selection Process
For the 2026 academic year, a total of 2,000 scholars will be selected, maintaining the previous year's scale to attract global talent. The selection is broadly divided into the Embassy Track, which goes through the Korean embassy in your country of residence, and the University Track, where you apply directly to universities in Korea. The quotas for each track are as follows:
Selection Numbers by Track
Selection Type | Sub-track | Numbers | Track Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Embassy Track | General | 776 | |
Overseas Korean / Adoptee | 24 | 800 | |
University Track | General | 160 | |
R-GKS (Regional University) | 480 | ||
Research | 5 | ||
International Organizations | 72 | ||
R&D Program | 403 | ||
Global Network | 80 | 1,200 | |
Total Recruitment | 2,000 |
R&D and Global Network Programs: Selected autonomously according to each university's scholarship plan. Please check the detailed admission requirements directly with the respective university.
R-GKS (Regional University Track): A specialized track that selects 480 students centered on Type B universities to revitalize regional universities.
Fields of Study and List of Host Universities
The GKS-G program accepts applicants for all academic fields offered by participating host universities. However, there are important restrictions on lecture formats that you must check before applying.
Eligible Fields of Study and Restrictions
Eligible: All majors offered at the general graduate schools of host universities.
Ineligible: Programs that deviate from typical lecture formats of general graduate schools, such as night classes, seasonal classes, or distance (online) learning, cannot be applied for.
Classification of Host Universities (75 schools)
Host universities are classified into Type A (mostly in the Seoul metropolitan area) and Type B (mostly regional hubs) based on geographical location and university characteristics.
Type A (34 schools): Catholic Univ. of Korea, Konkuk Univ., Kyung Hee Univ., Korea Univ., GIST, UIC at National Cancer Center, Kookmin Univ., Dankook Univ., Duksung Women's Univ., Dongguk Univ., Sogang Univ., Seokyeong Univ., Seoultech, Seoul National Univ., Univ. of Seoul, Sungkyunkwan Univ., Sungshin Women's Univ., Sejong Univ., Sookmyung Women's Univ., Soongsil Univ., Ajou Univ., Yonsei Univ., UNIST, Ewha Womans Univ., Incheon National Univ., Inha Univ., Chung-Ang Univ., POSTECH, KAIST, Hankuk Univ. of Foreign Studies, Academy of Korean Studies, Hanyang Univ., Hanyang Univ. (ERICA), Hongik Univ.
Type B (41 schools): Kangwon National Univ., Konyang Univ., Kyungpook National Univ., Gyeongsang National Univ., Kyungsung Univ., Kyungwoon Univ., Keimyung Univ., Kongju National Univ., Gongju National Univ., Kunsan National Univ., Pukyong National Univ., Sunchon National Univ., Changwon National Univ., Daegu Univ., Daejeon Univ., Dongmyung Univ., Dongseo Univ., Dong-A Univ., Mokwon Univ., Pai Chai Univ., Baekseok Univ., Pusan National Univ., Busan Univ. of Foreign Studies, Sun Moon Univ., Semyung Univ., Soonchunhyang Univ., Silla Univ., Yeungnam Univ., Univ. of Ulsan, Wonkwang Univ., Inje Univ., Chonnam National Univ., Jeonbuk National Univ., Jeju National Univ., Chosun Univ., Cheongju Univ., Chungnam National Univ., Chungbuk National Univ., KoreaTech, Hannam Univ., Hoseo Univ.
8-Step Detailed Guide Series for GKS-G Success
Applying for the 2026 GKS-G is a sophisticated process that takes over 4 months from document preparation to the final announcement. Use the detailed guide series below to check the official guidelines for each stage and build your winning strategy.
Guide to Choosing Programs and Universities: Differences between Embassy/University tracks and how to choose the right one for you.
Detailed Guide on Eligibility (Grades, Age, Academic Background): Checking CGPA 80% requirements and restrictions for dual citizens.
Document Checklist and Notarization Procedures: Perfect manual for Forms 1-10 and Apostille authentication.
Selection Procedures and 2026 Official Timeline: The long journey from the February announcement to the final announcement in June.
Core Strategy for Application and Evaluation: TOPIK and language score management to secure a 10% bonus.
Comprehensive Summary of Scholarship Benefits: All financial support including living expenses (1.38 million KRW/month), tuition, and airfare.
Double Application Restrictions and Important Notes: Double application rules that cause disqualification and regulations on academic suspension.
Official Inquiries and Contact Information: How to contact NIIED and embassy officials.
Take the first step as a Korean government scholar today. This guide will serve as a reliable lighthouse for your successful study-abroad journey in Korea. For more specific questions, please check accurate information through the detailed guide for each stage or official contact points.