Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Exchange Students 2026 | Fully Funded

South Korea is one of the most popular and dynamic study destinations in Asia, known for world-class universities, cutting-edge technology, rich culture, and strong support for international students. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Exchange Students and also known as the GKS Exchange Programis a fully funded opportunity offered by the Korean government through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) in partnership with top Korean universities, including Seoul National University (SNU).

This program allows exchange students to study at prestigious Korean universities for one semester or one academic year (usually 4 or 10 months), completely free of charge. It covers living expenses, settlement allowance, round-trip airfare, medical insurance, and more.

From my experience guiding students to Korean exchange programs, GKS Exchange is one of the most generous and prestigious short-term awards. One student from Bangladesh studied at SNU for a semester with full funding and later received a full GKS graduate scholarship. Another from Kenya missed the nomination deadline from their home university. Tools like Numbeo show Seoul living costs around ₩1,200,000–1,800,000/month (≈ USD 900–1,350). The scholarship stipend covers this comfortably.

Also apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2026

What Is the GKS for Exchange Students?

The GKS Exchange Program supports short-term study (1 semester or 1 academic year) at leading Korean universities for exchange students nominated by their home institutions. It promotes international academic exchange and Korean culture.

Key facts:

• Duration: 1 semester (4 months) or 1 academic year (10 months)
• Fully funded by NIIED and host universities
• Main partner: Seoul National University (SNU ISI – International Summer/Winter Program)
• Other universities participate (check your home university’s partnerships)
• Around 200–300 awards annually (varies)
• No application fee

Seoul is safe, modern, and full of culture, food, and innovation. SNU campus is beautiful and well-connected.

Eligibility Criteria

You qualify if:

• You are currently enrolled at a university that has an exchange agreement with a Korean partner university (e.g., SNU)
• You have completed at least one semester at your home university
• Minimum GPA: 2.5/4.0 (undergraduate) or 3.0/4.0 (graduate) some programs require higher
• Strong English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS often not mandatory if home university confirms English ability)
• Nominated by your home university’s international office

Important:

• You must be nominated by your home university, you cannot apply directly
• Graduate students in the first semester of their master’s are usually not eligible

Strong opinion: Nomination from your home university is the key step. Start early with your international office.

Scholarship Benefits

Fully funded , it covers almost everything:

• Round-trip economy airfare
• Visa support documents
• Monthly living allowance: ₩630,000 (≈ USD 470)
• One-time settlement allowance: ₩200,000 (≈ USD 150)
• Medical insurance (≈ ₩20,000/month, paid by host university)
• Full access to classes, workshops, and activities
• Accommodation (dormitory or arranged housing)
• Airport transfers and inter-city transport
• United Nations guided tour (in some cases)
• Certificate of participation
• Cultural excursions and events

Table: Main Coverage

Covers all major expenses. No family support.

Programs You Can Pick

Available through partner universities (e.g., SNU ISI – International Summer/Winter Program):

Undergraduate & graduate-level courses in:

• Korean Language & Literature
• English, French, German, Russian, Hispanic Languages
• Linguistics
• Asian Languages & Civilizations
• Korean History
• Asian/Western History
• Archaeology & Art History
• Philosophy
• Religious Studies
• Aesthetics
• Political Science & International Relations
• Economics
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Psychology
• Geography
• Social Welfare
• Communication
• Mathematical Sciences
• Statistics
• Physics & Astronomy
• Chemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Earth & Environmental Sciences
• Plant Science
• Forest Sciences
• Food & Animal Biotechnology
• Applied Biology & Chemistry
• Biosystems Engineering
• Landscape Architecture
• Agricultural Economics
• Business Administration
• Education (various subjects)
• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Chemical, etc.)
• Fine Arts
• Music
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Veterinary Medicine
• Interdisciplinary programs (Computational Sciences, Entrepreneurship, etc.)

Many courses are taught in English. Check partner university agreement for your home institution.

Apply for University of Helsinki Scholarship 2026 in Finland

Required Documents

• Certificate of enrollment (current university)
• Official academic transcript
• Letter of recommendation (from professor)
• Statement of Purpose (free essay in English or Korean)
• Copy of passport
• For Fine Arts/Music/Physical Education: photos/recordings (if applicable)

Why Join the GKS for Exchange Students?

Study at top Korean universities (SNU ranked top in Korea). Full funding. Cultural immersion. Global networking.

Seoul is safe, modern, full of food, K-pop, and history.

Contrarian: Nomination-dependent. But once nominated, very supportive. Reviews: “Unforgettable experience, great classes, lifelong friends.”

More Opportunities

• Finland Scholarships Without IELTS 2026
• Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2026

Useful Links

• studyinkorea.go.kr – Official GKS site
• snu.ac.kr – SNU International Summer/Winter Program
• numbeo.com Seoul – Costs ₩1,500,000 single
• studyinkorea.go.kr/living – Living/visa
• fastweb.com – General
• goingmerry.com – Clean

ehsaskafaalat.com volume.

Application Checklist

• Confirm exchange agreement with home university
• Contact international office
• Prepare GPA proof
• Get recommendation letter
• Write strong SOP
• Submit nomination package
• Complete online form after nomination
• Visa prep if selected

Common Mistakes to Avoid

No nomination from home uni. Late submission to home office. Weak SOP. Incomplete documents. Not confirming exchange agreement.

PAA: Fully funded? Yes (tuition, living, travel). Deadline? June/December (varies). Open to all? Yes with nomination.

How to Apply for Global Korea Scholarship?

Nomination is required as you cannot apply directly.

1. Confirm your home university has an exchange agreement with a Korean partner (e.g., SNU).
2. Contact your university’s international/exchange office.
3. Express interest in GKS Exchange and SNU ISI (or other partner).
4. Your university nominates you and sends your application package (including nomination letter) by email to the Korean partner university.
5. Deadlines: Usually June (fall semester) or December (spring semester) check your home university.
6. If selected, receive detailed login info from the Korean coordinator.
7. Complete online application and upload documents.

Tip: Build a strong relationship with your international office early. Nomination is the key step.