Apply for the Korean Government Scholarships 2025/2026 for developing countries and pursue undergraduate or graduate studies in top Korean universities.
The Korean Government Scholarships 2025/2026 are an excellent opportunity for international students from developing countries to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies in South Korea. These scholarships are meant to develop global talent and create strong networks of Korean-friendly leaders around the world.
Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) offers advanced academic opportunities in South Korea to international students. Through this program, it plans to develop future leaders and strengthen global partnerships through education.
Every year, it accepts students from more than 156 countries for the degrees at prestigious Korean institutions.
Major Points of the KGSP 2025/2026
- Undergraduate Application Dates: Mid-September-October 2024.
- Graduate Applications: Available from mid-February to March 2025.
- Number of Scholarship Students: Over 370 students per year.
- Available Courses: Bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and non-degree research courses.
Qualification Requirements
Nationality
- The applicant and their parents must not be citizens of Korea.
Age Limit
- Undergraduate Applicants: Below 25 years old as of March 1, 2025.
- Graduate Applicants: Below 40 years old as of March 1, 2025.
Academic Background
- Undergraduate Applicants: High school diploma is required.
- Graduate Applicants: Bachelor’s or master’s degree is required.
- Minimum CGPA: 80% or equivalent (e.g., 2.64/4.0, 2.91/4.5).
Health Requirements
- The applicant must be in excellent physical and mental health condition to carry out their studies in Korea.
Selection Tracks
Embassy Track
Application: The applicants shall apply directly to the Korean Embassy of the applicant’s home country. Then, the applicant is further processed by the embassy track.
- Quota: 87 students will include general scholars, overseas Koreans, and Ukrainian students under IRTS.
University Track
Applicants apply directly to one of the designated Korean universities.
- Quota: 280 students, categorized into programs such as University Industry Cooperation (UIC) and associate degree programs.
Scholarship Benefits
Korean Government Scholarship recipients receive several benefits:
- Airfare: Round-trip ticket.
- Tuition Fees: Completely covered by the scholarship.
- Monthly Stipend: Provided for living costs.
- Health Insurance: Fully covered medical insurance.
- Settlement Allowance: Offered upon arrival in Korea.
- Completion Grants: Given on successful graduation.
Application Deadlines
- Undergraduate Courses: Mid-September to October 2024.
- Post-Graduate Courses: Mid-February to March 2025.
Note: These dates may change with every embassy or university.
Countries to participate in
The scholarship is provided to students of 17+ countries, such as, image
Asia: India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines.
Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, South Africa.
Europe: Germany, France, UK, Slovakia.
Americas: USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico.
Fields of study eligibility
The program covers courses offered by 60+ Korean higher education institutions. These include humanities, engineering, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Application Process
Step 1: First Round of Selection
- Submit your application to the relevant Korean Embassy or university.
- Embassies and universities screen applications based on eligibility and documents.
Step 2: NIIED Selection
- The National Institute for International Education (NIIED) reviews and shortlists candidates from the first round.
Step 3: University Admission
- Applicants using the embassy track must earn admission to at least one university participating in the program.
Scholarship Duration and Program
Undergraduate Programs: 1-year Korean language course + 4-year degree.
Master’s Programs: 1-year Korean language course + 2-year degree.
Doctoral Programs: 1-year Korean language course + 3-year degree.