GKS Scholarship 2027: Eligibility, Benefits, Deadline, Application Process

The GKS Scholarship 2027 is one of the most popular fully funded scholarships for international students who want to study in South Korea.

GKS means Global Korea Scholarship. It is a Korean government scholarship programme that invites talented international students to study in Korea and build global academic and cultural networks. The official Study in Korea website describes GKS as a government-invited scholarship degree programme for outstanding students from around the world.

For Nigerian students and other international applicants, GKS can be a strong opportunity because it may cover major study costs such as airfare, Korean language training, tuition and study allowances.

As of July 2026, the official 2027 GKS application guidelines have not yet been released on the Study in Korea notice board. Students preparing for 2027 should use the latest official 2026 guidelines as a guide, then confirm the final 2027 dates and requirements once NIIED publishes them.

Official website: Study in Korea
Official GKS page: GKS Scholarships
Official notice board: GKS Scholarship Notices

What Is the GKS Scholarship?

The GKS Scholarship is a South Korean government scholarship for international students.

It is managed through Korea’s official study portal, Study in Korea, and the scholarship is connected to the National Institute for International Education, also known as NIIED.

The scholarship supports different study levels, including:

• Associate degree
• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree
• Doctoral degree
• Research programme

The programme usually includes Korean language training before the main degree programme, unless the scholar qualifies for an exemption based on the scholarship rules.

Is GKS the Same as KGSP?

Yes, many people still call it KGSP, which means Korean Government Scholarship Programme.

However, the current official name is GKS, meaning Global Korea Scholarship. If you see GKS and KGSP on scholarship blogs, they are usually referring to the same Korean government scholarship programme.

For official information, always search using GKS on the Study in Korea website.

GKS Scholarship 2027 for Undergraduate Students

The undergraduate route is usually called GKS-U.

It is for students who want to study an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in South Korea.

For the 2026 undergraduate cycle, the official Study in Korea notice was published in September 2025 and asked applicants to check the attached application guidelines, required documents and eligible university information.

Based on previous cycles, students preparing for GKS-U 2027 should start checking official updates around September 2026. This is only a preparation estimate, not the final deadline. The real deadline will be confirmed in the official 2027 notice.

Nigerian applicants should also check the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria website when the undergraduate embassy track opens, because the centre has published GKS notices for Nigerian applicants in previous years. For the 2026 GKS-U Embassy Track, the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria notice stated that applications were handled online through the Study in Korea website.

Official Nigeria page to check: Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria

GKS Scholarship 2027 for Graduate Students

The graduate route is usually called GKS-G.

It is for students who want to study master’s, doctoral or research programmes in South Korea.

For the 2026 graduate cycle, NIIED announced that the Korean government planned to invite 2,000 international students through the GKS programme for graduate degrees. The official notice also stated that applicants must apply either through the Korean Embassy in their country of citizenship or directly to one of the designated Korean universities.

For the 2026 GKS-G cycle, the application guidelines were announced in February 2026. This means students preparing for GKS-G 2027 should start checking official notices from February 2027, while preparing documents earlier.

Do not wait until the application opens before gathering documents. GKS applications often require transcripts, certificates, recommendation letters, personal statement, study plan and other supporting documents.

GKS Scholarship 2027 Benefits

The GKS Scholarship is widely known as a fully funded scholarship because it supports many major study costs.

The official Study in Korea page lists scholarship benefits such as:

• Airfare
• Korean language training costs
• Tuition
• Study allowances

Depending on the programme and year, GKS benefits may also include:

• Settlement allowance
• Monthly allowance
• Medical insurance
• Korean proficiency grant
• Degree completion grant
• Research support for selected graduate students
• Printing cost support for thesis or dissertation, where applicable

Students should always check the exact benefit amount in the official guideline for the year they are applying. The benefit structure can change from one cycle to another.

Who Can Apply for GKS Scholarship 2027?

Eligibility depends on whether you are applying for undergraduate or graduate study.

For GKS degree programmes, the official Study in Korea page states that applicants and both parents must hold non-Korean citizenship. It also lists age, education level and GPA requirements for graduate programmes, including a minimum academic record of at least 80% from the most recent academic programme.

General eligibility may include:

• Applicant and parents must not be Korean citizens
• Applicant must meet the age limit for the chosen programme
• Applicant must have completed the required previous education level
• Applicant must meet the minimum academic grade requirement
• Applicant must be healthy enough to study in Korea
• Applicant must not be restricted under previous GKS rules
• Applicant must apply through the correct track

For undergraduate applicants, you usually need to have completed or be expected to complete secondary school before the required deadline.

For master’s applicants, you need a bachelor’s degree or expected bachelor’s degree.

For doctoral applicants, you need a master’s degree or expected master’s degree.

GKS Scholarship 2027 Application Tracks

There are two main application tracks for GKS degree programmes.

Embassy Track

Under the Embassy Track, applicants apply through the Korean Embassy or official Korean mission in their country of citizenship.

For Nigerian applicants, this may involve the Korean Embassy in Nigeria or Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria, depending on the instructions for that year.

The Study in Korea GKS page states that degree applicants may submit their application either to the Korean Embassy in their home country or to a GKS-designated university. It also states that Embassy Track applications are done through the Study in Korea website.

University Track

Under the University Track, applicants apply directly to a GKS-designated Korean university.

This track is useful if you already know the university and department you want. However, you must follow the university’s own deadline and document rules.

For graduate programmes, the 2026 official notice stated that applicants could apply either through the Korean Embassy or directly to one of the designated universities.

GKS Scholarship 2027 Deadline

The official 2027 deadlines have not yet been published as of July 2026.

However, students can use the previous cycle to prepare.

For the 2026 undergraduate scholarship, the official application guideline notice was published on September 5, 2025.

For the 2026 graduate scholarship, the official guideline notice was published on February 2, 2026, with updated files later attached.

Based on that pattern, likely preparation windows are:

• GKS-U 2027: start checking from September 2026
• GKS-G 2027: start checking from February 2027

These are not final deadlines. Always confirm from the official GKS notice board before applying.

Official notice board: GKS Scholarship Notices

Courses and Universities Available Under GKS

GKS covers many universities and departments in South Korea.

The official Study in Korea page says the programme includes departments in various fields across more than 80 GKS universities nationwide.

Available fields may include:

• Humanities
• Social sciences
• Natural sciences
• Engineering
• Arts
• Physical education
• Korean studies
• Business-related fields
• Science and technology
• Development and policy-related programmes

However, students cannot choose just any university or course in Korea. They must choose from the official GKS university information file for that application year.

This is very important. A university or department that was available in 2026 may not automatically be available in 2027.

Required Documents for GKS Scholarship 2027

The required documents depend on the year, country, study level and application track.

Common documents include:

• Completed application form
• Personal statement
• Study plan
• Recommendation letters
• Academic certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Applicant’s passport or ID document
• Parents’ proof of citizenship
• Proof of family relationship
• Medical assessment form
• English or Korean language test result, if available
• Awards, publications or certificates, where relevant

For graduate applicants using the online system, the official user guide shows that applicants may need to provide academic performance details, language ability, recommender information, personal statement, study plan, medical self-assessment and supporting documents.

Applicants should prepare scanned copies early. Names, dates and document details must match across certificates, passport and application forms.

How to Apply for GKS Scholarship 2027

Step 1: Visit the Official GKS Website

Start from the official Study in Korea website.

Official website: Study in Korea
GKS page: GKS Scholarships

Do not rely only on unofficial scholarship blogs.

Step 2: Choose Your Study Level

Decide whether you are applying for:

• Undergraduate degree
• Master’s degree
• Doctoral degree
• Research programme

This will determine whether you should follow the GKS-U or GKS-G guideline.

Step 3: Read the Official 2027 Guidelines

When the 2027 guideline is released, read it carefully.

Check:

• Eligible countries
• Quota
• Age limit
• Grade requirement
• Available universities
• Available departments
• Required documents
• Embassy track rules
• University track rules
• Deadline

Step 4: Choose Embassy Track or University Track

Do not apply through both tracks unless the official guideline clearly allows it.

Choose the track that fits your situation.

Embassy Track may give you more university choices, while University Track may be better if you are targeting one specific university or programme.

Step 5: Prepare Your Documents

Start preparing early. Some documents may need notarisation, apostille, consular confirmation or official translation, depending on the year’s guideline.

For Nigerian applicants, names on WAEC/NECO, university certificates, transcript, passport and birth documents should be consistent.

Step 6: Complete the Online Application

The official Study in Korea page says Embassy Track applications are submitted online through the Study in Korea website, while University Track applications are submitted directly to a GKS-designated university.

Application portal: Study in Korea

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

Do not wait until the final day. Online systems can become slow when many applicants are submitting at the same time.

If you are applying through a university, follow the university’s deadline. If you are applying through the embassy track, follow the embassy or Korean Cultural Centre deadline for your country.

Tips for Nigerian Applicants

Nigerian students should be extra careful with document preparation.

Before applying, check:

• Whether Nigeria is listed for the year
• Whether the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria has posted instructions
• Whether the application is online only
• Whether hard copies are required
• Whether WAEC, NECO or university transcripts need extra verification
• Whether your passport will remain valid
• Whether your preferred university accepts your course background

Also, do not pay anyone who promises automatic selection. GKS is competitive, and selection is based on official review.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants lose strong opportunities because of avoidable mistakes.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Applying through unofficial links
• Waiting until the final week
• Using old guidelines without checking the new one
• Choosing a university not listed for that year
• Submitting incomplete documents
• Uploading unclear scanned copies
• Writing a weak personal statement
• Ignoring recommendation letter rules
• Mixing up Embassy Track and University Track
• Assuming 2026 requirements will be exactly the same in 2027

A good GKS application takes time. Start early and follow the official guideline line by line.

Official GKS Scholarship Links

Use these links for accurate information:

• Official Study in Korea website: https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/
• Official GKS page: GKS Scholarships
• Official GKS notice board: GKS Scholarship Notices
• Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria: https://ngr.korean-culture.org/en

These links are enough for most applicants. Avoid websites that ask for payment before showing application details.

Conclusion

The GKS Scholarship 2027 is a major opportunity for international students who want to study in South Korea with strong financial support.

It covers undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and research routes, depending on the official guideline for the year. Benefits may include airfare, tuition, Korean language training and study allowances.

As of July 2026, the official 2027 GKS guidelines have not yet been released. Students should monitor the Study in Korea website and the GKS notice board for updates. Undergraduate applicants should start checking from around September 2026, while graduate applicants should start checking from around February 2027.

For Nigerian applicants, also check Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria for country-specific instructions.

FAQs About GKS Scholarship 2027

What is GKS Scholarship 2027?

GKS Scholarship 2027 is the Global Korea Scholarship for international students who want to study in South Korea under Korean government support.

Is GKS the same as KGSP?

Yes. KGSP was the older name many people still use. The current official name is GKS, which means Global Korea Scholarship.

Is GKS Scholarship fully funded?

Yes, GKS is generally known as a fully funded scholarship because it may cover airfare, tuition, Korean language training and study allowances. Applicants should confirm the exact benefits in the official 2027 guideline.

When will GKS Scholarship 2027 open?

The official 2027 dates have not been released yet. Based on previous cycles, undergraduate applications may open around September 2026, while graduate applications may open around February 2027.

Can Nigerians apply for GKS Scholarship 2027?

Yes, Nigerians usually appear among eligible applicants, but candidates must confirm Nigeria’s quota and application instructions when the 2027 guideline is released.

Where can I apply for GKS Scholarship?

Applicants should apply through the official Study in Korea website for Embassy Track or directly to a GKS-designated university for University Track, depending on the official guideline.

What is the official GKS website?

The official website is Study in Korea: https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/

What is the difference between GKS-U and GKS-G?

GKS-U is for undergraduate degrees, while GKS-G is for graduate degrees such as master’s, doctoral and research programmes.

Do I need IELTS for GKS Scholarship?

IELTS may help if you are applying to a programme that requires English proficiency, but the exact requirement depends on the university, department and yearly guideline.

Can I apply for both Embassy Track and University Track?

Applicants should follow the rule in the official guideline for that year. Do not apply through multiple tracks unless the guideline clearly permits it.