2026 GKS-G Scholarship Benefits and Coverage: The Best Scholarship in South Korea

Being selected for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-G) program means more than just an opportunity to earn a degree; it guarantees the most stable and prosperous research environment of your life. The South Korean government provides a world-class scholarship package to ensure that selected talents can reach their full potential without financial worries.

Especially starting in 2026, considering global inflation and student living stability, the monthly living stipend has been significantly increased. From initial costs like airfare and settlement allowances to full tuition coverage and additional research stipends, GKS-G benefits boast overwhelming competitiveness among government scholarship programs worldwide.

This guide provides a precise analysis of all financial support items, broken down by day and month, based on the latest recruitment guidelines announced on February 20, 2026. Check out the exceptional rights and benefits you can enjoy as a scholar in detail right now.

Key Content in This Detailed Guide

• Initial and regular support items such as airfare, settlement allowance, and living stipends

• Full tuition coverage scope and Korean language training support

• 'Korean Proficiency Grants' for TOPIK level 5 or 6 holders

• Medical insurance premiums, thesis printing costs, and completion grants

1. Scholarship Period by Major

GKS-G sets the scholarship period to include both the degree program and the mandatory Korean language training prior to the main course.

• Master’s Degree: Total 3 years (1 year of Korean language training + 2 years of degree program)

• Doctoral Degree: Total 4 years (1 year of Korean language training + 3 years of degree program)

• Research Program: 6 months or 1 year

• Note: Even if you obtain TOPIK level 5 or higher during the language training period, the start date of your degree program follows the university’s academic schedule.

2. 2026 Official Scholarship Payment Details (Monthly & One-time)

The most significant feature of the 2026 GKS-G program is the significant increase in living stipends to support the stability of recipients. Check the specific amounts and conditions for each item below.

2.1. Initial Support

• Airfare:

  • Entry Airfare: Actual cost of an economy class ticket upon initial entry.

  • Return Airfare: Actual cost of an economy class ticket upon final departure after degree completion.

  • Exception: Entry airfare is not provided to applicants already residing in Korea, and return airfare is not provided to those who drop out midway.

• Settlement Allowance: A one-time payment of 200,000 KRW to purchase household goods upon arrival in Korea.

2.2. Regular Monthly Allowance

• Living Allowance:

  • Master’s/Doctoral Degree: 1,380,000 KRW per month

  • Research Program: 1,500,000 KRW per month

• Korean Proficiency Grants:

  • An additional 100,000 KRW per month is provided to scholars holding TOPIK level 5 or 6 during their degree program.

• Medical Insurance:

  • The full actual cost of the group insurance designated by NIIED is provided. (Approximately 20,000 KRW per month)

2.3. Semester and Degree-specific Special Support

• Research Allowance:

  • Humanities/Social Sciences: 210,000 KRW per semester

  • Natural Science & Engineering: 240,000 KRW per semester

• Completion Grant: A one-time payment of 100,000 KRW to scholars who successfully complete their degree and return to their home country.

3. Academic and Language Education Support (Tuition & Language)

GKS-G adheres to the principle of full coverage for educational expenses so that scholars can focus solely on their research without worrying about tuition.

• Korean Language Training:

  • Full support for one year of Korean language training costs. (Directly paid by NIIED to the language institution, up to 800,000 KRW per quarter, 3,200,000 KRW per year)

• Tuition:

  • Full exemption from admission and tuition fees.

  • Payment Structure: NIIED supports up to 5,000,000 KRW per semester, and any amount exceeding this is fully covered by the host university as a scholarship, leaving zero financial burden on the student.

• Thesis Printing:

  • Actual costs for thesis printing are supported. (Up to 500,000 KRW for Humanities/Social Sciences, up to 800,000 KRW for Natural Sciences/Engineering)

4. Scholarship Regulations and Refund Policy (Selection & Suspension)

GKS-G comes with significant benefits and strict obligations. Be aware that violating the following rules may lead to the suspension of payments or a requirement to refund received funds.

4.1. Cases for Scholarship Suspension

• Temporary Departure: If you leave Korea and return to your home country without prior approval from NIIED, the living stipend for that period will not be paid.

• Academic Negligence: Receiving academic probation or disciplinary action from the university.

• Language Requirement Failure: Failure to achieve TOPIK level 3 within the 1-year language training period, making progression to the degree program impossible.

4.2. Refund Policy

If scholarship status is revoked for the listed reasons or you decide to renounce your studies voluntarily, a strict refund policy applies.

• Renouncing within 3 months: Full refund of all scholarship funds provided, including entry airfare, settlement allowance, living stipends, language training fees, and tuition.

• Renouncing after 3 months: The semester's tuition and airfare may be subject to refund, and future eligibility for the GKS program may be permanently revoked.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the GKS-G scholarship enough to live on in Korea?
A: Yes, starting in 2026, the living stipend for Master’s/Doctoral programs has been increased to 1.38 million KRW per month. This amount exceeds the typical living standard of graduate students in Korea and is sufficient to maintain a stable balance between academic activities and life in Korea.

Q: Is full tuition covered even at expensive private universities?
A: Yes, NIIED provides up to 5 million KRW per semester, and the remainder is fully waived by the host university. Therefore, the tuition the scholar must pay is '0 KRW'.

Q: Is there an additional scholarship for high TOPIK scores?
A: Yes, those who hold a TOPIK level 5 or 6, which proves clear language proficiency during the degree program, receive an additional 'Korean Proficiency Grant' of 100,000 KRW per month, separate from the living stipend.

Q: Is the living stipend paid during vacations?
A: Yes, as long as you maintain your scholar status and continue your studies while residing in Korea, the same monthly stipend is paid regularly during vacation periods (summer/winter).

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 official guidelines for each stage and build your winning strategy.

1. Application Tracks and University Selection Guide: Embassy vs. University track and how to choose the right one for you

2. Eligibility (Grades, Age, Education) Details: Checking CGPA 80% requirements and dual citizenship restrictions

3. Required Document Checklist and Apostille Procedures: A perfect manual for Forms 1~10 and Apostille authentication

4. Selection Process and 2026 Official Timeline: The journey from the February announcement to the final results in June

5. Application Writing and Assessment Strategy: TOPIK and language score management for a 10% bonus

6. Scholarship Benefits and Coverage Summary: Financial support including living stipends (1.38M KRW/mo), tuition, and airfare

7. Double Application Restrictions and Important Notes: Rules on double applications and academic suspension that cause disqualification

8. Official Inquiries and Contact Information: How to contact NIIED and embassy representatives

Start your brilliant study abroad life in Korea with GKS-G. HANISEOUL TOPIK supports your dreams!