2026 GKS Global Korea Scholarship for Undergraduate Degree – For Indian Students

The 2026 GKS Scholarship for Indian Students offers an exceptional opportunity for Indian high school graduates to pursue undergraduate studies in South Korea. Sponsored by the Korean Government, this fully funded scholarship aims to foster international exchange and deepen mutual friendship between Korea and participating countries.

What is the GKS Scholarship?

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is designed to provide international students with opportunities to study at higher educational institutions in Korea. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and other allowances, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their academic pursuits.

Important Dates

• Application Period:
  
  • Embassy Track: September 15 – 30, 2025
  • University Track: September 15 – October 31, 2025.
• Application Submission: All applications must be submitted online via .
• Selection Results: Final results will be announced in January 2026

To explore flexible learning options, check out our guide on the Best Online Korean Course to improve language skills from home.

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 the Korean Embassy in New Delhi. You must submit the application form along with the required documents. Candidates will then be selected for an interview conducted by the embassy. Shortlisted candidates are 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. Applicants must be eligible to apply for admission to the chosen university. The universities then recommend selected candidates to NIIED. Note that you can apply to only one university at a time.

DOWNLOAD ALL GKS UG 2026 DOCUMENTS

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

To be eligible for the 2026 GKS Scholarship for Indian Students, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India.
• Age: Applicants should be born after September 1, 2004, and before September 1, 2008.
• Academic Qualifications:
  
  
  • Must have completed or be expected to complete high school by December 31, 2025.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 80% or be ranked within the top 20% of the class.
• Health: Must be in good mental and physical health.
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or Korean is recommended but not mandatory at the time of application

Application Process

The 2026 GKS Scholarship for Indian Students can be applied through two tracks: Embassy Track and University Track.

1. Choose the Application Track

There are two application tracks:

• Embassy Track: Apply through the Korean Embassy in India.
• University Track: Apply directly to a participating Korean university.

2. Prepare Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Application form (available on the Study in Korea website).
• High school transcripts and certificates.
• Proof of English or Korean language proficiency (if available).
• Letters of recommendation.
• Medical certificate.
• Passport copy.
• Any other documents specified by the chosen track.

3. Submit Application

• Embassy Track: Submit the application and documents to the Korean Embassy in India.
• University Track: Submit the application and documents directly to the chosen Korean university.

4. Interview and Selection

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Final selection will be based on academic performance, interview results, and other criteria set by the selection committee.

For students seeking formal credentials, our Korean Language Diploma Courses in India 2025 Guide offers complete insights.

FINAL ANNOUNCEMENT – 2026 GKS Global Korea Scholarship for Undergraduate Degree

Candidates who pass TOPIK level 5 or 6 will start their degree program directly, while others will first undergo a Korean language program. Invitation letters and guidance on entry are provided by NIIED.

○ Announcement of Final Successful Candidates

• (Embassy Track) Universities should notify each candidate of the result of the third round by December 26, 2025.

※ Candidates who fail from all three universities in their final round of selection will be disqualified from the program.

※ Embassy Track applicants who pass the 3rd round selection should notify their final choice of university to NIIED via the online application system on the Study in Korea website by Friday, January 2, 2026.

※ All dates and times are based on Korea (Seoul) Standard Time. Embassy track applicants who pass the 3rd round of selection cannot change their university choice after final admission is confirmed.

• NIIED will classify those who have obtained TOPIK level 5~6 as those who enter the degree program. All other successful candidates will be arranged for a Korean language program.

※ TOPIK PBT certificates from the 90th to the 103rd exam, TOPIK IBT certificates from the 1st to the 10th exam will be recognized as valid certificates. Certificates from the 84th to the 97th exam will also be recognized as valid.

• Among the successful candidates of the second round (university track) or the third round (embassy track), those who newly achieve TOPIK level 5 or 6 should send their TOPIK certificate to NIIED via email by Friday, December 26, 2025.
• NIIED will notify the list of final successful candidates to embassies and universities by Friday, January 9, 2026.
• The list of final successful candidates will also be announced on Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr).
• Final Successful Candidates will receive invitation letters and guidance on entry from NIIED.

Important Notes Regarding Successful Candidates

Selected students must comply with all visa, immigration, and academic regulations. Withdrawal from the program requires official renunciation and cannot be reversed. Graduates must prepare apostilled or consular-certified certificates for university admission, visa issuance, and immigration.

If you’re also interested in studying abroad, learn about the MEXT Scholarship 2025 and how it can support your academic journey in Japan.

○ Final Successful Candidates’ Withdrawal

• If a final successful candidate wishes to withdraw from the program after the final announcement, he or she should submit a signed letter of scholarship renunciation (free form) to the embassy/university that conducted the first round of selection.
• Embassy or university should request NIIED a scholarship renunciation through an official document. Only then, the scholarship will be officially renounced.
• Once a scholarship is renounced, it cannot be reversed. Final Successful Candidates who renounce their scholarship cannot reapply for the GKS program in the future. If renunciation is repeated, the relevant countries may lose their GKS quota in future years.

○ Certificate of Graduation

• Successful candidates are required to prepare multiple copies of apostilled or consular confirmed graduation certificates before their entry to Korea. Scholars may need to submit their authenticated certificate to their degree university (for issuance of Standard Admission Letter), to an embassy (for visa issuance), and to Korean immigration office (for status of residence updates).

※ This prevents scholars from returning to their home country to retrieve additional copies needed for Standard Admission Letter issuance after finishing the Korean language program.

○ Final Successful Candidates Currently Residing in Korea

• Candidates with a Korean residence visa (D-4, D-2, etc.) may not be able to receive a new visa for their Korean language or degree program.
• To avoid visa-related issues, these candidates should contact the Immigration office immediately after the final announcement to inquire about the new visa procedures.
• Entry airfare will NOT be provided to newly selected scholars residing in Korea at the time of the final announcement.

○ Check Applicable Laws and Regulations

• Final successful candidates must familiarize themselves with immigration and residency laws, as well as academic regulations of NIIED and the respective universities.

Academic Regulation of Universities: Refer to each university website.
 Visa and Immigration: www.immigration.go.kr | www.hikorea.go.kr

Period of Scholarship

The scholarship duration varies based on the degree program:

○ Bachelor’s Degree Program: 5–7 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.

○ Important Notes Regarding Scholarship Period

• Applicants who submitted TOPIK level 5 or 6 will be exempt from Korean language training.
• Those who achieve TOPIK level 5 or 6 within the first 6 months of the Korean language program will be exempt from the remaining language program and must start their degree program in September 2026.

Prepare effectively with our expert MEXT Scholarship Tips to enhance your chances of selection.

Scholarship Benefits

GKS Scholarship Benefits Include:

• Monthly Allowance: All-inclusive subsidy covering living expenses, health insurance, Korean proficiency grants, TOPIK application fees, settlement allowance, and degree completion grants.
• TOPIK Exemption: GKS scholars exempted from the Korean language program with TOPIK level 5 or 6 will receive Korean proficiency grants automatically.

Important Notes Regarding Benefits:

• Entry airfare will NOT be provided to scholars residing in Korea at the time of the final announcement.
• Domestic travel fees in the scholar’s home country and international travel insurance for the trip to Korea are not covered.
• Entry airfare or visa application support will not be provided for scholars entering Korea from a country other than their country of citizenship.
• GKS scholars who withdraw within the first 3 months after enrollment must return the full scholarship amount received.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Korean Universities for 2026 GKS-U Program: Refer to Appendix B and C.
• Global Korea Scholarship Center, NIIED: gksniied@korea.kr

Address:
GKS Center, NIIED (Selection Department of 2026 GKS-U)
191, Jeongjail-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do (13557) Republic of Korea
(우) 13557 경기도 성남시 분당구 정자일로 191, 국립국제교육원 국제장학센터

Other Useful Websites:

• Learning Korean: www.sejonghakdang.org
• Korean Portal: www.korea.net
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mofa.go.kr 
• Visa and Immigration: www.immigration.go.kr, www.hikorea.go.kr
• Higher Education in Korea: www.academyinfo.go.kr

Indian students planning for undergraduate studies abroad can refer to our MEXT Scholarship Undergraduate Guide for step-by-step instructions.

TILS – Team International Language School

For Indian students aspiring to apply for the 2026 GKS Scholarship, TILS – Team International Language School offers comprehensive preparatory programs. TILS provides:

• Language Training: Intensive Korean and English language courses to enhance proficiency.
• Application Guidance: Assistance in preparing application documents and understanding the application process.
• Mock Interviews: Simulated interview sessions to prepare candidates for the selection process.

By enrolling in TILS, students can significantly improve their chances of securing the GKS scholarship and embarking on a successful academic journey in South Korea.

To improve your chances for the GKS application, consider enrolling in Korean Language Certification courses available at Team Foreign Languages.

For research applicants, our MEXT Scholarship Research Proposal Tips provide guidance to craft a winning proposal.

FAQ 

1. What is the Korean scholarship for Indian students 2026?
The 2026 GKS Scholarship for Indian Students is a fully-funded program by the Korean government. It allows Indian students to pursue undergraduate studies in South Korea, covering tuition, living expenses, airfare, and language training.

2. Is the GKS scholarship open for 2025?
No, the GKS scholarship for 2025 has already closed. The next intake is for 2026, and students should check eligibility and prepare documents for the upcoming application window.

3. How many seats are there in GKS for Indian students?
The exact number of seats varies each year. Typically, the Korean government allocates around 20–30 seats for Indian undergraduate applicants under the GKS program.

4. How to get GKS scholarship from India?
Applicants can apply via Embassy Track (through the Korean Embassy in India) or University Track (directly to participating Korean universities). Selection is based on academic performance, documents, and interviews.

5. Can I apply for GKS after 12th?
Yes, Indian students who have completed or are about to complete 12th grade can apply for the undergraduate GKS scholarship, provided they meet the age and academic criteria.

6. Is South Korea cheaper than India?
South Korea is generally more expensive than India, especially for living expenses, accommodation, and dining. However, scholarships like GKS help cover most costs for students.

7. What is Indian 1 ₹ in Korea?
As of 2025, 1 Indian Rupee ≈ 15–16 Korean Won (KRW). Exchange rates fluctuate, so it’s advisable to check the current rate before planning finances.

8. Is 1 lakh enough for Korea?
1 lakh INR is roughly 1.5 million KRW, which may cover 3–4 months of basic living expenses in Korea. For a full academic year, students typically need higher funds unless supported by a scholarship.

9. How much is a bottle of water in South Korea?
A standard 500ml bottled water in South Korea costs around 1,000–1,500 KRW (≈ ₹70–₹100). Prices vary depending on convenience stores or supermarkets.

10. How much is a 3-bedroom house in Korea?
A 3-bedroom apartment in Seoul can cost anywhere from 500 million KRW to 1 billion KRW (≈ ₹3–7 crore), depending on location and amenities. Outside Seoul, prices may be significantly lower.