Global Korea Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded)

Global Korea Scholarship 2025: List of Eligible Countries and How to Apply

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025 is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarship programs offered by the South Korean government. Aimed at fostering international education exchange and strengthening ties with participating countries, GKS provides opportunities for students worldwide to pursue undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and research programs at top Korean universities. If you’re wondering whether your country is eligible for this incredible opportunity, this article provides a comprehensive guide to the list of eligible countries for GKS 2025, along with key details to help you

What is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

The Global Korea Scholarship, previously known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is designed to attract talented international students to South Korea. In 2025, the program will offer approximately 367 undergraduate seats and 1,820 graduate seats, covering tuition, airfare, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and a year of Korean language training. With two application tracks—Embassy Track and University Track—GKS ensures flexibility for applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Who is Eligible for GKS 2025?

Before diving into the list of eligible countries, it’s essential to understand the general eligibility criteria:

• Nationality: Applicants and their parents must not hold Korean citizenship.
• Age: Undergraduate applicants must be under 25 (born after March 1, 2000), while graduate applicants must be under 40 (born after September 1, 1985) as of the application deadline.
• Education:
  • Undergraduate: Must have completed high school or an associate degree.
  • Graduate: Must hold a bachelor’s degree (for master’s) or a master’s degree (for doctoral programs).
• GPA: A minimum score of 80% or a GPA of 2.64/4.0 (or equivalent) is required.
• Health: Applicants must be in good physical and mental health.

List of Eligible Countries for GKS 2025

The GKS program designates specific countries as eligible based on diplomatic relations and educational exchange agreements with South Korea. While the exact list may vary slightly each year, the following is a comprehensive overview of eligible countries for GKS 2025, based on historical data and typical participation patterns. Note that the final list will be confirmed in the official guidelines released by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) on www.studyinkorea.go.kr.

Africa

• Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Asia

• Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen.

Americas

• Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Europe

• Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine.

Oceania

• Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

Special Notes

• All Countries for Certain Tracks: The Research & Development (R&D) and Global Network tracks for graduate programs are open to applicants from all countries, not just those listed above.
• Exclusions: Korean nationals and dual citizens with Korean citizenship are ineligible, regardless of their country of residence.

How Many Seats Are Available?

• Undergraduate Program: 367 seats (87 via Embassy Track, 280 via University Track).
• Graduate Program: 1,820 seats, distributed across General (669), Research (5), R&D (300), and Global Network (80) categories.

Each country’s quota varies. For example, Embassy Track typically allocates 1-2 seats per country, while University Track depends on the chosen institution.

How to Apply for GKS 2025

The application process differs based on the track you choose:

Embassy Track

1. Contact Your Local Korean Embassy: Check the embassy’s website or contact them directly for the exact application timeline.
2. Submit Documents: Include the application form, personal statement, study plan, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and proof of citizenship (e.g., passport or birth certificate).
3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates may undergo an interview.
4. University Selection: You can apply to up to three universities from the GKS list.

University Track

1. Choose a University: Select one university from the GKS-approved list (available in the “University Information” file on the official website).
2. Apply Directly: Submit your application through the university’s online portal, adhering to their specific deadlines (usually October-December 2024 for undergraduates, March-May 2025 for graduates).
3. Documents: Similar to the Embassy Track, but sent directly to the university.

Key Deadlines

• Exact dates vary by embassy and university, so monitor announcements closely.

Why Choose GKS 2025?

Studying in South Korea offers unparalleled benefits:

• World-Class Education: Access to top universities like Seoul National University and Yonsei University.
• Full Funding: Covers tuition, living expenses (900,000 KRW/month for undergraduates), airfare, and more.
• Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in K-pop, K-drama, and a blend of tradition and modernity.
• Career Opportunities: Boost your resume with a degree from a globally recognized system.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Start Early: Prepare documents like transcripts and recommendation letters well in advance.
• Check Eligibility: Confirm your country’s status and quota via your local Korean embassy or the official GKS website.
• Language Skills: While not mandatory, a basic knowledge of Korean (e.g., TOPIK Level 1-2) can strengthen your application.
• Tailor Your Statement: Highlight your academic goals and how studying in Korea aligns with them.

Final Thoughts

The Global Korea Scholarship 2025 is a golden opportunity for students from eligible countries to study in one of the world’s most innovative nations. With over 150 countries typically included, chances are your country is on the list. Visit www.studyinkorea.go.kr for the latest updates, application guidelines, and the official list of eligible countries once released. Don’t miss your chance—start preparing today to secure your spot in this life-changing program!