Kookmin University GKS Scholarship 2026 for International Students
Applications are now open for the Kookmin University GKS Scholarship 2026 in South Korea. This fully funded opportunity is available to international students who wish to pursue Master’s or PhD degree programs. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is among the largest government-funded scholarship initiatives in South Korea, offering extensive financial support each year to talented students from around the world.
Applicants can receive full financial support for master’s, doctoral, or research programs in South Korea through Kookmin University’s University Track. Candidates may apply either directly to designated universities such as Kookmin University or through the Korean embassies in their home countries. However, submitting applications to more than one institution is strictly prohibited and may lead to disqualification. Applicants using the embassy track can choose up to three preferred universities from the participating institutions, while those applying through the university track must select only one university, which is Kookmin University. Selected students are expected to begin their studies in Korea by August 2026, following a multi-stage final selection process conducted by the university and the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).
With the launch of the Kookmin University GKS Scholarship 2026 under the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program, international students now have a valuable opportunity to pursue fully funded graduate studies in South Korea. Supported by the Korean government, this scholarship program is designed to promote academic exchange and strengthen international collaboration by enabling talented students from across the globe to study at leading Korean universities.
Kookmin University GKS Scholarship 2026 Details
| University: | Kookmin University |
| Degree level: | Masters, PhD |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | South Korea |
| Last date: | End March 2026 |
Financial Benefits
Kookmin University GKS Scholarship 2026 in South Korea for international students covers:
- Economy class round-trip international airfare to and from Korea
- The host university will cover all tuition costs and waive the entry fee.
- A living allowance of 900,000 KRW per month
- 200,000 KRW as a settlement allowance upon arrival
- One year of fully paid Korean language instruction
- Semesterly research allowance:
- For social sciences and humanities: 210,000 KRW
- For engineering and scientific sciences: 240,000 KRW
- Support for medical insurance (around 20,000 KRW a month)
- Assistance in printing theses and dissertations (500,000–800,000 KRW)
- An extra 100,000 KRW per month is given to 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.
Documents Required
- Online Application Form
- Academic Transcript
- Degree Certificates
- Study Plan
- letters of recommendation
- A valid Passport
- CV/Resume
- Other Supporting Documents
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidate and both parents must hold overseas citizenship (non-Korean)
- Candidates must be younger than 40 throughout the selection period.
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree must be earned by August 31 of the year of selection.
- A minimum GPA of 2.64/4.0 or an overall score of 80% or better must be maintained.
- To study in Korea for an extended period of time, one must be intellectually and physically fit.
- Candidates who have attended Korean universities in the past are not eligible.
- Certificates of proficiency in English or Korean are preferred.
- Candidates with backgrounds in science and technology are given preference.
- Professors from developing nations may also be given preference.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the Kookmin University GKS Scholarship 2026 in South Korea for international students is s expected to run from the end of February to the end of March 2026.
How to Apply for the Kookmin University GKS Scholarship?
- Choose between the University Track (Kookmin University) and the Embassy Track.
- You can only apply to Kookmin University if you decide to pursue the university track.
- Collect academic records, degree certificates, study plans, letters of recommendation, health evaluations, and, if available, language certificates. Make sure that every document complies with GKS formatting requirements.
- During the official application window, which is typically from late February to late March 2026, submit your completed application.
- Prior to sending applicants to NIIED, the institution reviews documentation and may hold interviews or performance evaluations.
- The National Institute for International Education conducts a final assessment of recommended applicants.
- The final chosen applicants are announced in mid-June and arrive in Korea by the end of August 2026 to start their degree and language training programs.
