If you’re an Indian student dreaming of studying in South Korea, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) could be your golden ticket. It’s a fully funded scholarship by the Korean government that covers almost everything you’ll need — from tuition to airfare to living costs.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know, step by step, as if I’m your teacher guiding you through the process.
Why This Scholarship Is Worth It (Benefits First!)
| Benefit | Details (for Undergraduate GKS Students) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 100% covered (no fees paid by you) |
| Airfare | Round-trip flight ticket India ↔ Korea |
| Monthly Stipend | About ₩1,100,000 per month (~₹70,000–75,000) |
| Language Training | 1 year of intensive Korean classes (fully paid) |
| Health Insurance | Medical insurance included |
| Settlement Allowance | Extra money to help you adjust when you first arrive |
| Completion Grant | Bonus grant after you graduate successfully |
In simple words: you get to study in Korea for free while also receiving money every month to live comfortably.
What Degrees Can You Do?
- Bachelor’s Degree → 1 year of Korean + 4–6 years of undergraduate studies.
- Associate Degree → 1 year of Korean + 2–3 years of diploma/technical college.
If you already know Korean well (TOPIK Level 5 or 6), you might even skip the language year!
Quota for Indian Students (2026)
| Track | Seats for India | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy Track | 4 seats total (2 General + 2 R-GKS) | Main route for Indians, through Embassy of Korea, New Delhi |
| University Track | No fixed quota (open competition) | Apply directly to universities under UIC or Associate programs |
Most Indian students apply through the Embassy Track, since it guarantees a few seats reserved for India.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility for Indians)
| Requirement | Condition for Indian Students |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be Indian (you or parents can’t hold Korean citizenship) |
| Age | Under 25 years (born after March 1, 2001) |
| Education | Completed Class 12 (or will complete by Dec 2025) |
| Grades | At least 80% marks or top 20% of your class |
| Health | Must be physically & mentally fit |
| Disqualifications | Not eligible if: studied in Korea before, already got a Korean govt scholarship, or dual nationality with Korea |
Application Forms and Guidelines
You can download all required documents here: GKS Application Forms and GuidelinesTwo Ways Indians Can Apply (Application Tracks)
- Embassy Track – through the Korean Embassy in New Delhi
- University Track – direct to Korean universitie
Embassy Track – through the Korean Embassy in New Delhi
- Apply online + submit documents to the Embassy.
- Compete for India’s 4 reserved seats.
- You can list up to 3 universities (at least 1 must be Type B).
University Track – direct to Korean universities
- Apply only to one specific university.
- Options: UIC Program (science/engineering majors) or Associate Degree.
- No reserved seats for India (global competition).
For most Indian students, the Embassy Track is safer, but if you have a strong profile in science/engineering, you can try UIC too.
Application Timeline (For Indian Students)
| Stage | When (2025–26) | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy Track Apply | Sept 15 – Sept 30 | Apply online + submit documents to Korean Embassy, New Delhi |
| University Track Apply | Sept 15 – Oct 31 | Apply online + submit docs to chosen university |
| 1st Round | Oct | Embassy/university checks documents + interview |
| 2nd Round | Nov–Dec | NIIED (Korea) reviews shortlisted candidates |
| 3rd Round | Dec (Embassy Track only) | Korean universities give final admission decision |
| Final Results | Jan 2026 | Final list announced |
| Start in Korea | 2026 Spring/Fall | Begin Korean language program |
How to Apply (Step-by-Step for Indians)
- Embassy of Korea (New Delhi):
- Apply online via Study in Korea portal.
- Submit hard copies of documents.
- Embassy screens + interviews.
- NIIED (Korea):
- If shortlisted, your application goes to Korea.
- NIIED checks eligibility + interview (sometimes).
- Universities in Korea:
- Your application is sent to your chosen universities.
- They give the final “yes” or “no.”
If you pass all three, congrats — you’re officially a GKS scholar!
Documents You’ll Need
| Document | Notes for Indians |
|---|---|
| Application forms | Fill online + print & sign |
| Passport copy | Valid and clear |
| Birth certificate & parent citizenship proof | To show you’re Indian (and not Korean) |
| Class 10 & 12 certificates + transcripts | Must be apostilled (stamp from MEA) |
| Certificate of expected graduation | If you’re still in Class 12 |
| Personal Statement & Study Plan | Written by you (very important!) |
| Recommendation Letter | From a teacher/professor |
| Medical Form | Use GKS format, signed by a doctor |
| Optional: IELTS/TOEFL, TOPIK, awards | Extra points if available |
Important: Apostille all academic documents in India and get translations if they’re not in English.
How You’ll Be Selected
- 1st Round (India): Embassy checks grades, documents, and interviews you.
- 2nd Round (Korea): NIIED checks eligibility again. Extra points if you have TOPIK or IELTS/TOEFL.
- 3rd Round (Universities): Final admission decision.
In short: Embassy → NIIED → Universities.
What Happens After You Get Selected
- Language Training: 1 year of Korean at a language institute. Must reach TOPIK Level 3 to start your degree.
- Degree Program: Bachelor’s (4–6 years) or Associate (2–3 years).
- Visa: Apply for a D-2 Student Visa at the Korean Embassy in New Delhi.
- Living in Korea: Monthly stipend will cover housing, food, and daily expenses.
Final Words
For Indian students, the GKS-U 2026 is a once-in-a-lifetime chance:
- Free world-class education.
- Monthly allowance to live in Korea.
- A chance to experience Korean culture deeply.
If you’re eligible, start preparing documents early and practice for the Embassy interview.
And finally: Always cross-check updates on the official Study in Korea website or with the Korean Embassy in New Delhi, since exact dates and details may change.
NOTE THAT THE EMBASSY HAVEN'T PROVIDED THE UPDATED DETAILS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP. ONCE WE GET ANY UPDATE WE WILL UPDATE THIS PART IMMIEDIETELY.
