Summary
The Kookmin University GKS Scholarship 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue their Master’s or PhD degrees in South Korea. This scholarship is part of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program, aimed at promoting international cooperation and cultural exchange among outstanding students worldwide.
- 📚 Scholarship Opportunity
Apply for the Kookmin University GKS Scholarship 2026 in South Korea for Master’s or PhD studies. - 🌍 Eligibility
Open to international students from all countries. Applicants must be under 40 years old and meet specific academic qualifications. - 🎓 Program Tracks
Two application routes:- University Track: Apply directly to Kookmin University
- Embassy Track: Apply through your local Korean embassy, with the option to select up to three universities.
- 💰 Financial Benefits
Covers:- Tuition and Entry Fees
- Living Allowance: 900,000 KRW per month
- Airfare: Economy round-trip ticket
- Medical Insurance: 20,000 KRW per month
- Research Allowance: 210,000 KRW (humanities) or 240,000 KRW (engineering/sciences)
- Language Instruction: One year of Korean language courses
- Additional Support: Thesis printing, settlement allowance, and more.
- ⏳ Duration
- Master’s: 1-year language course + 2 years of degree
- PhD: 1-year language course + 3 years of degree
- 📝 Documents Required
- Online Application
- Academic transcripts, degree certificates
- Study Plan, CV, letters of recommendation
- Health evaluation and language proficiency (if available)
- 🏆 Eligibility Criteria
- Both parents and candidate must hold overseas citizenship (non-Korean)
- Minimum GPA of 2.64/4.0
- Preference for science/technology backgrounds and applicants from developing countries
- 📅 Application Deadline
Expected between end February to March 2026. - 📑 How to Apply
Submit applications either via Kookmin University or the Korean Embassy. Ensure all documents meet GKS requirements before submission. - 🏅 Final Selection
After institutional review, the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) conducts a final evaluation. Selected applicants will start by August 2026. - 🌐 Additional Opportunities
Explore other scholarship options like the SIIT Graduate Scholarships (Thailand) and Romanian Government Scholarship 2026.
Designation
- Scholarship Title: Kookmin University GKS Scholarship 2026
- Degree Level: Master’s and PhD
Scholarship Details Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Kookmin University |
| Scholarship Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Nationality | All Nationalities |
| Award Country | South Korea |
| Last Application Date | End of March 2026 |
Research Area
- Various fields of study including social sciences, humanities, engineering, and scientific sciences.
Location
- Kookmin University, South Korea
Eligibility/Qualification
- Must hold non-Korean citizenship (for the candidate and both parents).
- Candidates under 40 years old during the selection period.
- Must have a bachelor’s degree for master’s applicants or a master’s degree for PhD applicants by August 31 of the selection year.
- Minimum GPA of 2.64/4.0 (or 80% overall score).
- Intellectual and physical fitness for extended studies.
- Previous attendees of Korean universities are ineligible.
- Proficiency in English or Korean is preferred.
- Preference for candidates with backgrounds in science and technology or from developing nations.
Description
The Kookmin University GKS Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Economy class round-trip international airfare.
- Full tuition coverage and waived entry fees.
- Monthly living allowance of 900,000 KRW.
- Initial settlement allowance of 200,000 KRW.
- One year of fully paid Korean language instruction.
- Semesterly research allowance based on the field of study.
- Medical insurance support.
- Assistance with thesis and dissertation printing costs.
Duration:
- Master’s: 1-year language course + 2 years of study.
- PhD: 1-year language course + 3 years of study.
How to Apply
- Choose between the University Track (Kookmin University) and the Embassy Track.
- Collect required documents, ensuring compliance with GKS formatting:
- Online application form
- Academic transcript and degree certificates
- Study plan and letters of recommendation
- Valid passport and CV
- Submit your completed application during the official application window (late February to late March 2026).
- The university will review applications, conduct interviews if necessary, and submit recommended candidates to the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) for final assessment.
- Successful applicants will be notified in mid-June.
Last Date for Apply
- 31 March 2026
This scholarship presents a significant opportunity for students looking to enhance their educational experience in Korea while receiving extensive support throughout their studies. For further details and updates, please refer to Kookmin University’s official website.
