GKS Scholarship 2024 for Undergraduate Degrees

The moment K-pop, K-drama, and K-movie enthusiasts have been waiting for is finally here! The Korean Government and NIIED are now accepting applications for the Global Korea Scholarship, also known as the GKS Scholarship 2024, specifically for undergraduate programs. It’s a golden opportunity for those who dream of studying in Korea and immersing themselves in the vibrant Korean culture.

The primary aim of the Global Korea Scholarship is to provide international students with the chance to pursue undergraduate degrees at esteemed higher education institutions in Korea. This initiative enhances international educational exchange and strengthens the bonds between Korea and participating nations.

Bachelor’s Degree Program: 3~4 years
1 year of Korean language training + 4~6 years of degree program

Associate Degree Program: 3~4 years
1 year of Korean language training + 2~3 years of degree program

The GKS Scholarship 2024 is one of the most prestigious scholarships globally. It doesn’t just cover your airfare and tuition fees; it goes beyond by providing a generous stipend and comprehensive medical insurance coverage. Here are some key benefits:

• Airfare coverage
• Tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend of 900,000 KRW
• Medical insurance coverage

In 2024, a total of 262 international students will be welcomed to Korea under the GKS Scholarship for both Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree programs. Here’s the breakdown:

• Embassy Track: 86 students (General: 79 scholars, Overseas Koreans: 7 scholars)
• University Track: 176 students (Regional University: 86 scholars, Associate Degree: 30 scholars, UIC Program: 60 scholars)

• GKS-participating universities offer all fields of study.

• Academic programs offered during evenings(night school), short-term programs, and online and distance-learning programs are not applicable in this scholarship program.

• Applicants can only apply to the universities and departments that are listed in the University Information file attached under the GKS Notice post on the Study in Korea website

(www.studyinkorea.go.kr  > Scholarships > GKS Notice)

The eligibility criteria for the GKS Scholarship 2024 are crucial to ensure that deserving candidates embark on this exciting educational journey. Here’s what you need to know:

• Applicants must hold citizenship in one of the NIIED-designated countries invited to participate in the GKS program.
• It’s essential that applicants or their parents (or legal guardians) do not possess Korean citizenship. Dual citizenship holders (both Korean and another country) are ineligible.
• Applicants and their parents who previously held Korean citizenship must provide documentation from the Korean government confirming their renunciation of Korean citizenship.
• Changing citizenship during the selection process will result in exclusion from the evaluation (except for UIC applicants).

• The Bachelor’s degree program is open to high school graduates or those completing an associate degree program.
• The Associate degree program is for high school graduates.
• If you hold a bachelor’s degree, you cannot apply. Those with an associate degree can only apply to a bachelor’s program.
• Applicants expecting to graduate must initially submit a certificate of expected graduation during the application. If they pass the first round of selection, they must provide a graduation certificate (or a degree certificate) by December 31, 2023.
• Japanese nationals projected to graduate by March 31, 2024, are eligible but must furnish a certificate of expected graduation with their application. If accepted, they must submit their final transcript and graduation certificate by March 31, 2024, to avoid cancellation of acceptance.
• Provisional graduation certificates indicate expected graduation status.

• The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) from your previous degree program must meet either of these conditions:
  • The score percentile should be 80% or above on a 100-point scale or rank within the top 20% of your class.
  • CGPA must equal or exceed 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0.
• If your transcript doesn’t provide CGPA information or you can’t convert your grades to the accepted GPA scales (4.0, 4.3, 4.5, 5.0, or 100-point scale), submit additional documents from your school/university explaining the grading system.
• Applicants expected to graduate should calculate their most recent CGPA at the time of application.

Applicants must be under 25 years of age, born after March 1, 1999.

Applicants must be in good health, both mentally and physically, to complete the program’s full duration in Korea.

All applicants should have no grounds for disqualification, such as a criminal history that affects overseas travel.

Ensure you meet these eligibility criteria to seize a lifetime opportunity through the GKS Scholarship 2024.

Here’s the selection procedure for both Embassy and University Track applications:

• Submit required documents to the respective embassy or university.
• Applicants can choose up to THREE different universities (Embassy Track).
• University Track applicants should fill in ONE university in their application.

• Applicants with TOPIK level 3 or above will receive extra points (10% of the total allocated points).
• Direct descendants of Korean War veterans who served in foreign military will be given additional points (5% of the total allocated points).

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to embark on an educational journey in the heart of Korea. 

Contact the Korean Embassy or designated universities responsible for the initial screening for detailed information on application deadlines, required documents, interviews, and more.

Please note that embassies and universities’ application requirements, deadlines, and schedules may vary. For official information, visit the Study in Korea’s Official Website.