International students planning to pursue fully funded graduate studies in South Korea now have a major opportunity as the Kookmin University GKS Scholarship 2026 opens under the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program. Funded by the Korean Government, this prestigious scholarship aims to attract talented students worldwide to study at leading Korean institutions while strengthening academic exchange and global cooperation.
Through Kookmin University’s University Track, applicants can secure full financial support for master’s, doctoral, or research programs in South Korea. Candidates can apply either through Korean embassies in their country or directly through designated universities such as Kookmin University, but submitting applications to multiple institutions is strictly prohibited and may lead to disqualification.
Under the university track, applicants select only one university (Kookmin University), while embassy track applicants may choose up to three preferred universities among participating institutions. Final selection is conducted in multiple stages by the university and the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), with successful candidates expected to begin studies in Korea by August 2026.
While the exact number of awards available at Kookmin University is not publicly specified, the GKS program is one of Korea’s largest government-funded scholarship schemes, offering substantial fully funded opportunities for global students each year.
Package of Kookmin University GKS Scholarship 2026
This fully funded Korean Government scholarship ensures that selected international students can study and live in Korea without financial stress while focusing on academic excellence.
- Round-trip international airfare (economy class) to and from Korea
- Full tuition coverage and admission fee waiver by the host university
- Monthly living allowance of 900,000 KRW
- Settlement allowance of 200,000 KRW upon arrival
- Fully funded Korean language training for one year
- Research allowance per semester:
- 210,000 KRW for humanities and social sciences
- 240,000 KRW for natural and engineering sciences
- Medical insurance support (approx. 20,000 KRW per month)
- Thesis and dissertation printing support (500,000–800,000 KRW)
- Additional monthly allowance of 100,000 KRW for TOPIK level 5 or 6 holders
- Scholarship duration:
- Master’s: 1-year language course + 2-year degree
- PhD: 1-year language course + 3-year doctoral degree.
Do You Stand Eligible to Apply?
To ensure academic excellence and international diversity, applicants must meet strict academic and citizenship requirements.
- Applicant and both parents must hold foreign citizenship (non-Korean)
- Applicants must be under 40 years of age in the selection year
- Must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree by August 31 of the selection year
- Must maintain minimum GPA equivalent to: 2.64/4.0 or 80% overall score or higher
- Must be physically and mentally fit for long-term study in Korea
- Applicants who previously studied in Korean universities are not eligible
- Korean or English language proficiency certificates are preferred
- Preference given to applicants in science and technology fields
- Additional preference may be given to professors from developing countries.
How to Apply?
Planning to apply? Follow this streamlined pathway to submit a successful GKS application through Kookmin University.
Step 1: Choose your application track
Decide between Embassy Track or University Track (Kookmin University). If choosing university track, you can apply only to Kookmin University.
Step 2: Prepare required documents
Gather academic transcripts, degree certificates, study plan, recommendation letters, health assessment, and language certificates (if available). Ensure all documents follow GKS formatting guidelines.
Step 3: Submit application to Kookmin University
Submit your complete application during the official application window (usually late February 2026 to late March 2026).
Step 4: First selection by Kookmin University
The university evaluates documents and may conduct interviews or performance assessments before recommending candidates to NIIED.
Step 5: Second selection by NIIED
Recommended candidates undergo final evaluation by the National Institute for International Education.
Step 6: Final results and arrival
Final successful candidates are announced around mid-June and enter Korea by the end of August 2026 to begin language training and degree programs.
Last Date to Apply
The application period for the Kookmin University GKS Scholarship 2026 (University Track) is expected to run from the end of February to the end of March 2026, and applicants must submit their complete application within this window as late submissions are not accepted.