Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Indian Students in 2027

Want to Study in South Korea for Free? Then you should know about GKS Scholarship for Indian students. Under this scholarship, meritorious students get financial aid to cover the expenses of air ticket, tuition fees, monthly expenses, and health insurance during their higher studies.

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) 2027 is a fully funded South Korean government program. It is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) for international students pursuing an Associate or Bachelor’s degree. It awards 286 scholarships globally. This includes a designated quota of 4 scholars for India under the Embassy Track. It is among the fully funded scholarships to study abroad.

 The main objective of the GKS Scholarship 2027 is to invite talented students to study in South Korea. This article aims to help Indian students understand how to apply for the GKS Scholarship. 

What is GKS Scholarship?

GKS Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship. This scholarship was started to offer financial help to meritorious students. The aim was to attract talented students to study at higher educational institutions in Korea. It also enhances international education exchange and strengthens ties between Korea and the participating countries, including India.

For many Indian students, choosing this path is part of a larger Japan vs Korea academic debate. Japan offers MEXT scholarship. GKS in Korea remains a top choice for those seeking a future in Korea’s tech and cultural hubs. The National Institute for International Education (NIIED) manages the program directly.

Students enrolled in undergraduate or post-graduate, or doctoral degree courses offered by Korean universities are eligible to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship. Under this scholarship, there is a fixed number of scholarship quotas allocated for each country. For India, the reserved quota in the GKS Scholarship 2027 is 78, which includes 50 University Track and 28 Embassy Track.

GKS Scholarship 2027 Important Dates

Missing a deadline means waiting for another full year. The application timeline for GKS scholarship is strict. Below is the schedule for the 2027 academic year (Graduate Cycle), which usually begins in February for MS and in September for UG.

Note: Dates are subject to change. Always check the official notice on the "Study in Korea" website.

Duration of GKS Scholarship for Indian Students

Benefits of GKS Scholarship for Indian Students

As a benefit of the GKS Scholarship 2027, students will get economy-class airfare, a per-month allowance, Korean proficiency grants, etc. In short, if you are exploring a fully funded scholarship to study abroad, then the Global Korea Scholarship program is for you.

Below, we have mentioned the benefits of the Global Korea Scholarship program in detail:

• Economy class round-trip flight ticket (actual expense)
• Tuition Fee up to 5 Million KRW (INR 3.05 Lakhs)
• Monthly Allowance
• Research Allowance
• Korean Proficiency Grants-
• TOPIK Application Fee
• Degree Completion Grants
• Medical Insurance
• Publication Printing Fee
• Academic Incentives up to 630,000 KRW per month (INR 38,493).

There are some other benefits that you can check in the image below.

GKS Scholarship Eligibility for Indian Students

Global Korea Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded scholarship for Indian students. To study in South Korea. To be eligible, you must meet the following core requirements:

• Nationality: Both you and your parents must hold Indian citizenship. Dual citizens holding South Korean nationality cannot apply.
• Academic Marks: You need a cumulative score of 80% or above on a 100-point scale, rank in the top 20% of your graduating class, or hold a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA0 of 2.64/4.0.
• Age Limit:
  • Undergraduate (GKS-U): Must be under 25 years old (born on or after March 1, 2002).
  • Graduate (GKS-G): Must be under 40 years old as of September 1 of the admission year.
• Degree Level:
  • For Bachelor’s: You must have completed Class 12 (high school) or be graduating by December 31, 2026. Current Bachelor’s degree holders cannot apply.
  • For Master’s: You must hold or expect a recognized Bachelor’s degree.
  • For PhD: You must hold or expect a recognized Master’s degree.
• Health & Conduct: Applicants must pass a physical medical assessment and have a clear criminal record with no overseas travel restrictions.

Selection Process

The GKS Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship. This means a strong academic record is essential for a competitive application. The selection committee carefully evaluates applications, and shortlisted candidates demonstrate exceptional academic merit. Here, we have provided information that will help you to understand this well.

Top Universities Accepting GKS Scores 2027

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program opens doors to over 60 prestigious universities in South Korea. Applicants must strategically choose between Type A (General/National) and Type B (Regional) universities. Based on your track preference. Below is the complete categorization of participating universities to help you make an informed decision for your 2027 application.

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) allows you to study at major South Korean universities. If you apply through the Embassy Track, you can choose up to three universities, but at least one must be from the Type B list.

University Categorization

We have mentioned some common queries related to this scholarship below. If you still have a query in your mind, feel free to drop it in the comment section below or connect with Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. 

FAQs Related to GKS Scholarship 2027