Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Graduate 2026

About This Scholarship

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Graduate program is the South Korean government's premier initiative to attract brilliant international minds. Designed to foster global leaders, GKS fully funds Master's and PhD programs across leading South Korean universities. It is highly comprehensive, covering full tuition, airfare, settlement allowances, medical insurance, and a monthly living stipend. To ensure deep cultural integration, the scholarship includes a mandatory, fully funded 1-year Korean language program before your degree begins.

Scholarship Benefits & Coverage

• Tuition Fee: 100% Tuition Waiver (up to 5 Million KRW/semester; excess covered by university).
• Monthly Stipend: 1,000,000 KRW per month (approx. PKR 200,000 / USD 750).
• Settlement Allowance: 200,000 KRW (One-time payment upon arrival).
• Airfare: Economy class return ticket (Pakistan <-> Korea).
• Medical Insurance: Fully covered (National Health Insurance).
• Language Training: 1-Year fully funded Korean Language Course (Mandatory unless TOPIK 5/6 holder).
• Research Support: 210,000 - 240,000 KRW per semester (for thesis/research costs).
• Degree Completion Grant: 100,000 KRW (One-time upon graduation).

Eligibility Criteria

• 1
  Nationality: Pakistani citizens (and other NIIED designated countries).
• 2
  Age Limit: Must be under 40 years of age as of September 1, 2026 (Born after Sep 1, 1986).
• 3
  Academic Merit: Cumulative GPA must be above 80% (or 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5) OR Top 20% of the class.
• 4
  Health: Must be in good health (Personal Medical Assessment required).
• 5
  Degree Holding: Must hold a Bachelor's degree (for Master's) or Master's degree (for PhD) by August 31, 2026.
• 6
  Exclusion: Students who have previously studied in Korea on a GKS scholarship are generally ineligible (unless re-applying for a higher degree with TOPIK 5+).

How to Apply – Step by Step

1. 1

   Track 1 (Embassy Track): Apply to the Korean Embassy in Islamabad. (Quota: Approx. 6-7 seats). You can choose 3 universities.

2. 2

   Track 2 (University Track): Apply directly to ONE designated Korean University. (Quota: Approx. 10-15 seats).

3. 3

   Step 1: Download guidelines from 'Study in Korea' website (Notice board).

4. 4

   Step 2: Fill the GKS Application Forms (Personal Statement, Study Plan, Recommendation Letters).

5. 5

   Step 3: Attest all documents (Degrees/Transcripts) from HEC and MOFA (Embassy track often requires Apostille/Consular confirmation).

6. 6

   Step 4: Submit hard copies to the Embassy or University (Online submission is now available for some tracks, check guidelines).

Required Documents

• GKS Application Form (Personal Statement + Study Plan)
• Two Letters of Recommendation (from Professors)
• Attested Transcripts & Degrees (HEC + MOFA)
• Applicant's Proof of Citizenship (Passport/CNIC)
• Parents' Proof of Citizenship (Passport/CNIC - Critical)
• Medical Assessment Form
• Awards/Certificates (Optional but recommended)

Frequently Asked Questions