Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Indian Students in 2026

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.

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program was launched in 2010 by Education Ministry of Korea. It offers a golden opportunity for international students. Even if you are an Indian student, you can apply for it.

The main objective of the GKS Scholarship 2026 is to invite talented students to study in South Korea. It is a country known for its top ranked education systems and reputed universities. So, next time if you think about why to choose South Korea? Answer is high quality academic environment with fully funded scholarship for international students.

To be eligible for this fully-funded scholarship, Indian students must meet specific criteria. You need good academic records and must be within the set age limit bracket. Furthermore, you must enroll in one of the universities listed with the GKS program. This article aims to help Indian students understand how to apply for the GKS Scholarship. Don't miss this chance to study abroad!

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 2026 is 78, which includes 50 University Track and 28 Embassy Track.

GKS Scholarship 2026 Important Dates

Missing a deadline means waiting for another full year. The application timeline for GKS is strict. Below is the tentative schedule for the 2026 academic year (Graduate Cycle), which usually begins in February.

Note: Dates are subject to change. Always check 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 2026, 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.

Related Blog: Cost of Living in South Korea

GKS Scholarship Eligibility for Indian Students

Global Korea Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded scholarship for Indian students. To study in South Korea. To be eligible, you must meet the following core requirements:

• Nationality: You and both of your parents must hold Indian citizenship. Dual citizens with South Korean nationality are strictly prohibited from applying.

• Academic Performance: You must have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 80% or higher on a 100-point scale or be ranked in the top 20% of your class.

• Age Limits:

  • Undergraduate: Must be under 25 years of age (born after March 1, 2001).

  • Graduate (Master's/PhD): Must be under 40 years of age (born after September 1, 1986).

• Health: You must be in good physical and mental health for the duration of the program.

• Educational Background:

  • For Master's programs, you must hold a Bachelor's degree.

  • For Doctoral programs, you must hold a Master's degree.

  • Applicants must have obtained their required degree by July 31, 2026.

Types of GKS Scholarship Program

There are two types of GKS scholarship programs for Indian students.

1. Embassy Track
2. University Track

Embassy Track GKS Scholarship

To apply through Embassy Track, you need to download the application form from the official website of Korean Embassy in New Delhi. You need to submit the application form along with the required documents. You'll get selected for the interview conducted by the embassy. Shortlisted candidates will be recommended to the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) in South Korea.

University Track GKS Scholarship

Under this type of scholarship, you apply directly to participating Korean universities that offer GKS scholarships. You have to be eligible to apply for admission to the university. Universities recommend selected candidates to the NIIED. Note that you can apply for 1 university at a time.

How to Apply for GKS Scholarship 2026?

Now, you have understood the eligibility, benefits and type of scholarships. It’s time to understand the process of applying for the Global Korea Scholarship program. A student can apply for this scholarship in two ways

• University Track- Application directly to a participating Korean university.
• Embassy Track- Application through the Korean Embassy in India

In both cases, the application process is different from each other. 

The application process for the GKS scholarship 2026 will start in the month of February 2026. 

Required Documents to Apply for GKS Scholarship

• Proof of Indian citizenship
• Academic certificates
• Academic Transcripts
• A score of English language proficiency test or the Korean Proficiency Test
• Copy of Passport

These are the list of documents which are common for every application. Below, we have mentioned a detailed list. Do check it out.

Selection Process

The GKS Scholarship is merit based scholarship. It meaning 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 mentioned information that will help you to understand this well.

Top Universities Accepting GKS Scores

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 their track preference. Below is the complete categorization of participating universities to help you make an informed decision for your 2026 application.

Type A Universities (General & National)

No.	University Name
1	Ajou University
2	Andong National University
8	Chung-Ang University
14	Dankook University
16	Dongguk University
18	Duksung Women's University
19	Ewha Womans University
21	Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
23	Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
25	Hanyang University
26	Hanyang University ERICA
29	Incheon National University
30	Inha University
34	KAIST
36	KDI School of Public Policy and Management
39	Konkuk University
41	Kookmin University
42	Korea University
45	KyungHee University (Grad. School of Pan-Pacific)
51	POSTECH
55	Seokyeong University
56	Seoul National University
57	Seoul National University of Science and Technology
59	Sogang University (Grad. School of Int. Studies)
60	Sookmyung Women's University

Type B Universities (Regional)

No.	University Name
3	Busan University of Foreign Studies
4	Changwon National University
5	Cheongju University
6	Chonnam National University
7	Chosun University
9	Chungbuk National University
10	Chungnam National University
11	Daegu University
12	Daegu Catholic University
13	Daejeon University
15	Dong-A University
17	Dongseo University
20	Gangneung Wonju National University
22	Gyeongsang National University
24	Hannam University
28	Hoseo University
31	Inje University
32	Jeju National University
33	Jeonbuk National University
35	Kangwon National University (Chuncheon)
37	Keimyung University
38	Kongju National University
40	Konyang University
43	KOREATECH
44	Kunsan National University
46	Kyungsung University
47	Kyungpook National University
48	Mokwon University
49	National Korea Maritime & Ocean University
50	Pai Chai University
52	Pukyong National University
53	Pusan National University
54	SEMYUNG UNIVERSITY
58	Silla University
61	Soonchunhyang University

This is all about the GKS scholarship for Indian students. As mentioned earlier, this scholarship is a perfect financial aid to all those students who either want to apply for a fully funded scholarship for their higher studies in abroad. This covers the expenses of travel, tuition fees, health insurance, and other essential things.

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.