The Korean government is offering the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for international students to pursue graduate-level degrees and research in South Korea. Previously known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), the fully-funded scholarship will select over 1300 international students from 155 countries. The scholarship program aims to increase international exchanges and competitiveness and has placed over 104,000 international students since 2016. All selected students will be placed at various universities in South Korea, and fields are not limited, providing candidates with plenty of options to pursue their careers.
International students who wish to apply for the KGSP 2023 can do so by submitting their documents to the Korean Embassy of their country or directly to the domestic university of Korea. This scholarship is highly competitive and similar to other fully-funded international scholarship programs such as the US Fulbright Scholarship, China Government Scholarship, and Australia Awards Scholarships. Compared to European countries, South Korea offers well-prepared scholarships, cheap living expenses, and accommodation costs. Furthermore, international students can build cross-cultural understanding, explore international laboratories, and experience different cities in South Korea.
The primary objective of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is to provide international students with an opportunity to study at higher educational institutions in Korea and obtain academic degrees. The program seeks to deepen mutual friendship between Korea and participating countries while enhancing international education exchange. The Korean Government Scholarship Programs have been rebranded as the Global Korea Scholarship since 2010, and the scholarship offers opportunities to pursue either a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Korea. The National Institute for International Education Development (NIIED) has recently released the application guidelines for the GKS 2023, which international students can apply for by submitting their documents to the Korean Embassy of their country or directly to the domestic university of Korea.
Why Study in South Korea?
South Korea is a fascinating study destination that boasts well-prepared scholarships, affordable living expenses, and a rich cultural experience. Compared to European countries, South Korea offers cheap accommodation costs, making it an ideal destination for international students looking to study abroad on a budget. Studying in South Korea provides an opportunity to build cross-cultural understanding, explore international laboratories, and experience different cities in South Korea.
In addition to these perks, South Korea also offers high-quality education that is highly competitive. Koreans take education, especially higher education, very seriously, which results in a highly academic and competitive environment. Attending one of the prestigious universities in Seoul is seen as a prerequisite for success in Korean society. South Korea offers a wide range of fields of study, with arts and science being the most popular, followed by business-related courses. The country also offers several culture and language-based programs for those interested in Korean culture and language, as well as other unique educational programs, such as an intensive Korean language summer program and a National Science Foundation summer institute program for graduate students from the United States.
Overall, South Korea offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition that makes it an ideal destination for international students looking to study abroad. Its high-quality education, coupled with affordable living costs and cultural experiences, makes it an attractive option for students from around the world.
STUDY IN CANADA FOR FREE: FIND OUT FROM HERE
What is the Duration of the Global Korean Government Scholarship 2023:
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) offers different scholarship durations depending on the degree program being pursued. For the Doctoral Degree Program, the scholarship duration is four years, which includes one year of Korean language classes and three years of regular degree program study. On the other hand, the Master’s Degree Program has a scholarship duration of three years, with one year dedicated to Korean language classes and the remaining two years allocated for the degree coursework.
For those who wish to pursue a research program, there are two options available: a six-month or one-year scholarship program. These research programs are ideal for those who wish to explore a particular research topic or project in Korea.
It is important to note that the duration of the scholarship program is strictly enforced, and students are expected to complete their degree or research program within the allotted time frame. However, in cases of unexpected circumstances such as health issues, students may request an extension of their scholarship program, subject to approval from the Korean Government Scholarship Program.
Overall, the Global Korea Scholarship offers generous scholarship durations that provide ample time for international students to complete their degree or research programs, along with language classes to help them acclimate to their new environment.
| Program | Duration | Components |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree | 4 years | 1 year of Korean language program + 3 years of regular degree program |
| Master’s Degree | 3 years | 1 year of Korean language program + 2 years of degree program |
| Research Program | 6 months or 1 year | N/A |
Note that for doctoral and master’s degree programs, the duration includes both language study and degree coursework. For research programs, the duration is either six months or one year, with no degree program included.
Important Notes:
- Research program scholars and students who obtain TOPIK level 5 or 6 will be exempt from the Korean language program.
- Students who obtain TOPIK level 5 or 6 within the first 6 months of the Korean language program will be exempt from the remaining 6-month language program and must start their degree program in the following semester (March 2024).
What are the Benefits of the Korean Government Scholarship 2023:
Here is a summary of the benefits of the Korean Government Scholarship 2023:
- Airfare: Return airfare will be provided to selected students.
- Settlement Allowance: Students will receive a one-time allowance of KRW 200,000 upon arrival in Korea.
- Monthly Allowance:
- Master’s and Doctoral degree program: KRW 900,000 per month
- Research program: KRW 1,500,000 per month
- Research Allowance:
- Liberal Arts and Social Science majors: KRW 210,000 per semester
- Natural Science and Engineering majors: KRW 240,000 per semester
- Language Training Fee: The full cost of the one-year language program will be covered.
- Degree Program Tuition: The full tuition fee for the degree program will be covered.
- Research Support Fees: Research support fees will be provided to students.
- Medical Insurance: National health insurance worth KRW 20,000 will be provided twice a year.
- Korean Proficiency Grants: Students with valid TOPIK levels 5 or 6 will receive a monthly grant of KRW 100,000.
- Thesis Printing Expense: A one-time printing expense of KRW 500,000 to KRW 800,000 will be reimbursed.
- Completion Grant: Students will receive KRW 100,000 upon completing their degree program and leaving Korea.
What is the Eligibility Criteria of Global Korea Scholarship 2023 in South Korea:
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of countries designated by the National Institute for International Education Development (NIIED) to participate in the GKS program. Korean citizens are not eligible to apply. The applicant’s parents or legal guardians must hold citizenship from a country other than Korea. If the applicant or their parent has dual citizenship, including Korean citizenship and citizenship of another country, they are not eligible to apply.
- Age: Applicants must be under the age of 40 years, born after September 1, 1983, to be eligible for the GKS program. However, academic professors in one of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipients who are under 45 years of age, born after September 1, 1978, can apply.
- Degree Requirements:
- Master’s Program Applicant: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or have an educational level equivalent to or higher than a Bachelor’s degree.
- Doctoral Program Applicant: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or have an educational level equivalent to or higher than a Master’s degree.
- Research Program Applicant: Applicants must have received an invitation from one of the partner universities and meet the specific requirements depending on the type of program they apply for.
- Grades: Applicants must have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) that meets at least one of the following conditions:
- For doctoral degree program applicants, the CGPA of their previous degree program, which would be a master’s degree program, must be higher than 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0.
- Applicants must also have a score percentile of 80% or higher on a 100-point scale or be ranked within the top 20% of their class.
- Health: Applicants must be in good health, both mentally and physically, to study in Korea for the entire duration of the program.
It is important to note that applicants who have already availed of the Korean scholarship are not eligible to apply. Applicants from all countries can apply to the R&D program, and overseas Korean applicants holding Japanese citizenship are eligible to apply if their parents hold permanent residency permits in Japan while holding Korean citizenship. Applicants and their parents who had previously held Korean citizenship must submit documentation issued by the Korean government that proves their renunciation of Korean citizenship. If an applicant’s citizenship changes during the selection process, they will be excluded from the evaluation, except for the Research and Development (R&D) program. Finally, applicants must have obtained the required degree (minimum level of education indicated above) by February 28, 2023.
Here are the steps to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship Program 2023:
- Determine your eligibility: Check if you meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship program. You must be a citizen of an eligible country, must be under 40 years of age, and must meet the academic requirements.
- Choose the track: Decide whether you want to apply through the embassy track or the university track. Check with the Korean embassy in your country or the universities in Korea for more information.
- Prepare the documents: Collect all the necessary documents such as transcripts, certificates, language proficiency certificates, recommendations, and a passport-sized photograph. Make sure to get them attested as required.
- Submit the application: Fill out the application form carefully and accurately. Submit the application form along with the required documents either to the Korean embassy in your country or directly to the domestic university of Korea.
- Wait for the results: The selection process may take several months. The Korean embassy or the university will inform you of the results via email or post.
- Accept the scholarship: If you are selected, you will receive an admission letter and a scholarship award letter. Accept the scholarship and complete the necessary formalities to join the program.
It is important to note that the application process may vary depending on the country and the university. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the respective authorities for detailed information.
What are Key Documents to prepare for the Global Korea Scholarship Program 2023:
Please note that the required documents for the Global Korea Scholarship Program may vary depending on the type of program you are applying for (undergraduate, graduate, research, etc.) and the specific requirements of the Korean Embassy or university you are applying to. Therefore, it is important to carefully review the application guidelines provided by the Korean government or the respective institution.
That being said, some common documents required for the GKS South Korea Scholarship 2023 may include:
- Recommendation letters: These are letters written by your teachers, professors, or employers that vouch for your academic or professional abilities.
- Attested transcripts: These are official transcripts of your academic records that have been certified by the issuing institution or a notary public.
- Statement of Purpose: This is a document that explains why you want to pursue a particular course of study or research and how it aligns with your future goals.
- Awards: If you have received any academic or non-academic awards, you may be required to submit documentation to support your claims.
- Published books: If you have authored any books or publications, you may be required to provide proof of your publications.
- Certificate of Proficiency: If the language of instruction at your chosen university is not your native language, you may be required to provide a certificate of proficiency in that language (such as TOEFL or IELTS).
- Medical Assessment form: You may be required to undergo a medical examination and provide a medical assessment form to confirm your physical health.
Again, please note that the specific requirements may vary, so make sure to check the official application guidelines for the program you are applying to.
What is the Application Deadline for the Global Korea Scholarship Program 2023:
The application period for the Global Korea Scholarship Program usually starts in February-March for graduate programs (Masters, Doctorate, and Research), while undergraduate programs take place in September. However, the deadlines for submitting applications may vary across different countries, embassies, and universities. Therefore, it is recommended to apply as soon as possible and check the official website for accurate information.
In summary, applicants should check the official website for the Global Korea Scholarship Program to find out about the deadlines, required documents, and application process for their country of origin and chosen program.