Scholarship Overview
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is one of Asia's most prestigious and comprehensive scholarship programs funded by the Korean government. The program offers full financial support for international students from over 160 countries to pursue undergraduate, Master's, and doctoral degrees at top Korean universities completely free.
GKS provides complete financial coverage including full tuition waiver (up to ₩5,000,000 per semester), generous monthly living stipend (₩1,000,000-₩1,500,000), round-trip airfare, settlement allowance, medical insurance, one-year Korean language training, research support, and completion grant. Myanmar students can apply through two tracks: Embassy Track (via Korean Embassy in Yangon) or University Track (directly to Korean universities).
What Makes GKS Special?
GKS is funded directly by the Korean Government through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education. Unlike many scholarships, GKS includes mandatory 1-year Korean language training before degree programs, provides settlement allowance upon arrival, offers research support for graduate students, and gives completion grants. Scholars join a global network of 7,000+ GKS alumni worldwide with strong career prospects in Korea and internationally.
Scholarship Details
Scholarship Name
GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) - Korean Government Scholarship Program
- GKS-U: Undergraduate Degree Program (Associate & Bachelor's)
- GKS-G: Graduate Degree Program (Master's & PhD)
- Embassy Track: Application through Korean Embassy
- University Track: Direct application to Korean universities
University/Organization
NIIED (National Institute for International Education) - Ministry of Education, South Korea
Study at over 60 participating Korean universities including Seoul National University (SNU), Korea University (KU), Yonsei University, KAIST, POSTECH, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Hanyang University, Ewha Womans University, and many more prestigious institutions across South Korea.
Category
Funded by the Korean Government through the Ministry of Education and managed by NIIED. One of the most competitive and sought-after scholarships in Asia with thousands of applicants annually competing for limited spots.
Eligible Majors
Note: Almost all academic fields are eligible. However, medical and dentistry programs have limited availability. Korean language proficiency is NOT required at application - 1 year language training is provided!
Degree Level
Associate Degree (2-3 years)
3-4 years total: 1 year Korean + 2-3 years degree
₩1,000,000/monthBachelor's Degree (4 years)
5 years total: 1 year Korean + 4 years degree
₩1,000,000/monthMaster's Degree
3 years total: 1 year Korean + 2 years Master's
₩1,140,000/monthPhD/Doctoral Degree
4 years total: 1 year Korean + 3 years PhD
₩1,400,000/monthMaximum Duration: Undergraduate - 5 years | Master's - 3 years | PhD - 4 years (all including 1-year Korean language training)
Location
🇰🇷 South Korea (All Major Cities)
Study at any participating university across Korea. Popular choices include:
- Seoul: Seoul National University (SNU), Korea University, Yonsei University, Hanyang University, SKKU
- Daejeon: KAIST, Chungnam National University
- Pohang: POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology)
- Busan: Pusan National University, UNIST
- Other Cities: Kyungpook National University (Daegu), Chonnam National University (Gwangju)
Application Process: Embassy Track allows you to select 3 university preferences. University Track requires direct application to ONE specific university. Final placement depends on university admission decisions.
Academic Period
Application Period Opens
September 15, 2025
Both Embassy and University Track applications open
Embassy Track Deadline
September 30, 2025 (23:59 KST)
Submit to Korean Embassy in Yangon
University Track Deadline
October 31, 2025 (23:59 KST)
Submit directly to chosen university
First Round Results
October 17 (Embassy) / November 14 (University)
Embassy/University selection results announced
NIIED Review Process
November - December 2025
National Institute reviews applications
Final Results
January 9, 2026
Final scholarship recipients announced
Arrival in Korea
August - September 2026
Begin Korean language training program
Graduate Program (GKS-G): Applications typically open in February-March with results in June-July. Check official website for exact dates.
Scholarship Coverage
Monthly Living Stipend
₩1,000,000 - ₩1,400,000
Undergraduate: ₩1,000,000 | Master's: ₩1,140,000 | PhD: ₩1,400,000 per month (Korean language: ₩1,070,000/month)
Full Tuition Coverage
Up to ₩5,000,000/semester
100% tuition waiver. If tuition exceeds ₩5M, university covers the difference
Round-Trip Airfare
Economy Class
Myanmar → Korea (at start) and Korea → Myanmar (at completion)
Korean Language Training
1 Year Mandatory
Intensive Korean language program at designated institutions (₩12,840,000/year value)
Settlement Allowance
₩200,000 (One-time)
Upon arrival in Korea for initial setup and expenses
Medical Insurance
Full Coverage
Korean National Health Insurance for entire scholarship duration
Research Support (Graduate)
Extra Funding
For thesis printing, academic materials, field research, and publications
Completion Grant
₩100,000 (One-time)
Awarded upon successful program completion
Korean Proficiency Bonus
Additional Grant
Extra support for scholars achieving TOPIK Level 5 or 6
📊 Total Scholarship Package Value
₩60,000,000 - ₩80,000,000+
Estimated total value (approximately $45,000-$60,000 USD) depending on program length. This is a COMPLETE package - no additional financial support needed!
Living Cost Reality: The monthly stipend (₩1,000,000-₩1,400,000) is sufficient to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses in Korea. Many students can save money!
Eligibility Requirements
🎯 Academic Requirements
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For Undergraduate: Completed or expecting to complete high school by December 31, 2025 with cumulative GPA of 80% or higher
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For Master's: Bachelor's degree (or will graduate by July 31, 2026) with GPA 80% or above
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For PhD: Master's degree (or will graduate by July 31, 2026) with GPA 80% or above
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Must rank in top 20% of class or have cumulative grade of at least 80% on 100-point scale (or equivalent)
👤 Age Requirements
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Undergraduate: Must be born after March 1, 2001 (under 25 years old as of March 1, 2026)
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Graduate (Master's/PhD): Must be under 40 years old
🌍 Nationality & Citizenship
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Both applicant AND both parents must NOT hold Korean citizenship
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Must be Myanmar national with Myanmar citizenship
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Cannot be previous GKS scholarship recipient
🗣️ Language Proficiency
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Korean Language: NOT required! GKS provides mandatory 1-year Korean language training
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English Language: TOEFL/IELTS scores recommended but not mandatory (helps strengthen application)
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If you already have Korean proficiency (TOPIK Level 3+), you may be exempted from language training
🏥 Health Requirements
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Must be in good health, both physically and mentally (medical examination required if selected)
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Applicants with disabilities but in good health are eligible to apply
📄 Required Documents
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GKS Application Form (Form 1-6) - Download from studyinkorea.go.kr, completed in English or Korean
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Personal Statement - Typed statement explaining motivation, study plan, and goals (max 2 pages)
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Study Plan (Graduate applicants) - Detailed research proposal or study plan
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Two Recommendation Letters - From teachers, professors, or supervisors (on official letterhead)
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Academic Transcripts - Official transcripts from all schools attended (notarized, with English translation)
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Graduation Certificate/Diploma - Or certificate of expected graduation (notarized, with English translation)
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Proof of Citizenship - Copy of passport and parents' citizenship documents
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Language Proficiency Certificates - TOEFL/IELTS or TOPIK (if available, recommended)
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Applicant Agreement - Signed agreement form
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Other Documents - Certificates of awards, publications, work experience (if applicable)
Critical: All documents must be apostilled or notarized and translated to English or Korean. Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified. For embassy track, consular confirmation is REQUIRED for second-round candidates!
Application Deadline
Embassy Track Deadline (Undergraduate)
23:59 Korean Standard Time (KST)
Submit to Korean Embassy in Yangon
⏱️ Time Remaining (Until September 30, 2026)
Don't wait until the last minute! Start preparing now.
📋 Important Deadlines Timeline
- September 15, 2025: Applications open for both tracks
- September 30, 2025 (23:59 KST): Embassy Track deadline (Undergraduate)
- October 31, 2025 (23:59 KST): University Track deadline (Undergraduate)
- February-March 2026: Graduate program applications open (exact dates TBA in January 2026)
URGENT: Late submissions will NOT be accepted under ANY circumstances. For Embassy Track, submit in person or by mail to Korean Embassy in Yangon. Allow extra time for courier/postal delays!
How to Apply
Choose Your Track: Embassy vs University
Embassy Track: Apply through Korean Embassy in Yangon, select 3 university preferences, more flexible. University Track: Apply directly to ONE specific university, requires university-specific motivation letter. Choose based on your strategy!
Visit Official Website →Prepare All Required Documents (Start 2-3 Months Early)
Gather transcripts, diplomas, recommendation letters, personal statement, and proof of citizenship. Get all documents apostilled/notarized and translated to English or Korean. This takes time - don't underestimate it!
Download and Complete Application Forms
Download official GKS application forms (Form 1-6) from studyinkorea.go.kr. Fill out carefully in English or Korean. Double-check all information - errors can lead to disqualification!
Download Forms →Write Compelling Personal Statement & Study Plan
Write a 2-page personal statement explaining your motivation, goals, why Korea, and why this program. For graduate students, prepare detailed study/research plan. Be specific, genuine, and realistic!
Submit Application Package
Embassy Track: Submit to Korean Embassy in Yangon by September 30, 2025. University Track: Submit directly to chosen university by October 31, 2025. Keep copies of everything!
Wait for First Round Results
Embassy Track results: October 17, 2025. University Track results: November 14, 2025. If you pass, proceed to NIIED review. If selected for embassy track, prepare consular-confirmed documents for second round.
Final Selection & University Placement
NIIED conducts final review (November-December). Universities make final admission decisions. Final results announced January 9, 2026. Successful candidates prepare for departure to Korea in August-September 2026!
📌 Important Application Notes:
- Completely FREE: GKS application is 100% free. Never pay anyone for application help or "guaranteed admission"
- Embassy Track vs University Track: Embassy Track has 3-step process (Embassy → NIIED → University). University Track has 2-step (University → NIIED)
- Consular Confirmation Required: For embassy track second-round candidates, documents must be consularly confirmed
- Expected Graduates: Can apply with certificate of expected graduation, but MUST submit official graduation certificate by December 31, 2025
- Check Spam Folder: All notifications sent via email - check regularly!
Pro Tips for Success
Choose Your Track Strategically
Embassy Track: Better if you want flexibility (3 university choices) or unsure which university. University Track: Better if you have specific university/professor in mind. Consider Myanmar quota for each track before deciding!
GPA Matters - Aim for Excellence
Minimum requirement is 80%, but successful applicants typically have 85-90%+ GPA. If your GPA is borderline, compensate with strong personal statement, awards, extracurriculars, or leadership experience.
Personal Statement is CRITICAL
Your 2-page personal statement can make or break your application. Be genuine, specific about why Korea and this program, explain how it connects to your goals. Avoid generic statements - show you've researched Korean education and culture!
Get Documents Apostilled Early
Apostille/notarization process in Myanmar can take 2-4 weeks. Start early! All academic documents need apostille or notarization plus English/Korean translation. Don't leave this to last minute!
Strong Recommendation Letters
Choose recommenders who know you well academically or professionally. Letters should be specific about your strengths, achievements, and potential. Generic letters hurt your chances. Provide your recommenders with your CV and goals!
Highlight Achievements & Leadership
Include all academic awards, competitions, volunteer work, leadership positions, and extracurricular activities. GKS values well-rounded students. Create a compelling CV that showcases your unique strengths!
Show Genuine Interest in Korea
Demonstrate knowledge of Korean culture, education system, and why studying in Korea specifically is important for your goals. Avoid applying just because it's free - show genuine interest and long-term vision!
Connect with GKS Alumni
Contact current GKS scholars from Myanmar or join GKS alumni groups on Facebook. They provide invaluable insights about application process, university life, and interview tips. Learn from their experiences!
Need Help?
🌐 Study in Korea Official Website
Official GKS information, application forms, guidelines, and university list
Visit Website →🏛️ Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Myanmar
For GKS Embassy Track applications and Myanmar-specific inquiries
Contact Embassy →🎓 NIIED (National Institute for International Education)
Managing organization for GKS scholarship program
Visit NIIED →Ready to Apply for GKS Scholarship 2026?
Applications open September 15, 2025. Start preparing your documents NOW to maximize your chances of success!