Are you an international student looking for an opportunity to study in South Korea? The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) might be the perfect chance for you! This prestigious scholarship program aims to strengthen international educational exchange and promote mutual friendship between South Korea and participating countries. Read on to learn more about the program, eligibility criteria, selection process, and the benefits you could receive.
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| Global Korea Scholarship |
Program Overview
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is designed to offer students from around the world the opportunity to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies in South Korea. The scholarship program includes comprehensive financial support and aims to foster international cooperation and academic excellence.
For Graduate Programs
- Scholarship Duration:
- Master's Degree: 1 year of Korean language training + 2 years of degree program
- Doctoral Degree: 1 year of Korean language training + 3 years of degree program
- Eligibility:
- Applicants must hold citizenship from a country invited to participate in the GKS program by NIIED (National Institute for International Education).
- Korean citizens and dual nationals are not eligible.
- Applicants must be under 40 years old as of September 1 of the invitation year. Professors from ODA beneficiary countries may apply if they are under 45 years old.
- Applicants must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree by July 31 of the invitation year.
- Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 80% from their previous degree program.
For Undergraduate Programs
- Scholarship Duration:
- Bachelor's Degree: 1 year of Korean language training + 4-6 years of undergraduate studies
- Associate Degree: 1 year of Korean language training + 2-3 years of associate degree studies
- Eligibility:
- Applicants must hold citizenship from a country invited to participate in the GKS program by NIIED.
- Korean citizens and dual nationals are not eligible.
- Applicants must be under 25 years old as of March 1 of the invitation year.
- Applicants must have graduated from high school (detailed requirements are available in the latest application guidelines).
- Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 80% from their previous degree program.
Selection Process
Graduate and Undergraduate Programs
- First Round:
- Applicants submit their applications to the Korean Embassy in their home country or directly to designated Korean universities. Embassies and universities select candidates based on NIIED's selection criteria.
- Second Round:
- The NIIED selection committee reviews applications from the first round and selects the successful candidates.
- Third Round (Embassy Track Applicants Only):
- Applications from second-round successful candidates undergo admission review by the universities they applied to. To be selected as a GKS scholar, candidates must receive admission from at least one of the universities they applied to.
- Final Results:
- The final list of GKS scholars is announced, including third-round successful candidates for graduate programs and second-round successful candidates for undergraduate programs.
Scholarship Benefits
For Undergraduate/Graduate Programs
- Round-trip airfare
- Korean language training fees
- Tuition fees
- Monthly allowance
For Exchange Student Programs
- Support Duration: 4 months
- Eligibility:
- Students from partner universities of selected universities in South Korea.
- Must have completed at least two semesters at their home university with a CGPA of 80% or higher.
- Must have never received a scholarship from the Korean government and must not hold Korean citizenship.
- Benefits:
- Monthly living allowance: 630,000 KRW
- Round-trip airfare reimbursement
How to Apply
Interested candidates should check the detailed application guidelines provided by NIIED and submit their applications through the designated channels (Korean Embassies or Korean universities). Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and prepare all required documents carefully to increase your chances of being selected.
Optimize Your Future with GKS
The Global Korea Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it is an opportunity to experience a new culture, gain international exposure, and build a global network. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your academic and professional journey.
