09-07-2025, 10:12 AM
GKS 2026: The Global Korea Scholarship Is Now Open and It's Going Digital 🇰🇷
![[Image: gks-scholarship-2026-global-korea-schola...C343&ssl=1]](https://i0.wp.com/gksscholarship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/gks-scholarship-2026-global-korea-scholarship-2026-apply-now.png?resize=580%2C343&ssl=1)
GKS 2026: The Global Korea Scholarship is now open and it's going digital is the biggest news trend today for international students seeking to study in South Korea. The highly anticipated application period for the 2026 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for undergraduate students has been officially announced, and it comes with a major, game-changing update: a new online application system. This shift from physical document submission to a digital platform streamlines the process for thousands of prospective students worldwide. With a limited number of spots available, this is not just a call to apply but a race against time, and all the news and trends are focused on how applicants can best navigate this new, highly competitive landscape.
A New Online Era: The End of Paperwork 💻
The most significant news surrounding the 2026 GKS is the launch of the new online application system. This is a monumental change from previous years, where students had to physically submit their documents to a Korean embassy in their home country or mail them directly to a Korean university. The new digital platform is hosted on the official Study in Korea website, making the entire process more accessible and efficient for applicants globally. This shift is a clear indication that the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), which manages the scholarship, is embracing technology to simplify the application process and attract more top talent.
The online portal allows applicants to fill out the application form, upload required documents, and track their application status in one centralized location. This change is a huge relief for many who have previously faced the logistical challenges of sending documents via mail. However, applicants are strongly advised to check with their local Korean embassy or consulate, as some Embassy Track applications may still require physical submission.
Key Dates, Quotas, and Eligibility 📅
With the application period officially announced, a significant news trend is the scramble for information on key dates and requirements. For undergraduate programs, the application period runs from September 15 to October 31, 2025. The results for undergraduate scholars will be announced in January 2026. For graduate programs, the application period typically opens later, in January or February.
The 2026 GKS undergraduate program will select a total of 280 scholarship recipients from 71 countries. These spots are divided between the Embassy Track and the University Track. The Embassy Track, which allows applicants to apply to three different universities, has a total quota of 150 scholars. The University Track, which is more specialized and allows applicants to apply to only one university, has a quota of 130 scholars.
Eligibility requirements for undergraduate applicants are also a hot topic. Applicants must be under 25 years old as of March 1, 2026, and must have a high school diploma or be on track to graduate. They and their parents must be foreign nationals. It's also important to note that a strong academic record is crucial, with applicants needing a GPA of 80% or higher or a rank in the top 20% of their class.
What The Scholarship Covers 💰
The benefits of the GKS are extensive, which is why it remains one of the most competitive scholarships in the world. The scholarship is fully funded and covers a wide range of expenses, including:
The Road Ahead: Tips for a Successful Application 🚀
As the application window is now officially open, many articles and guides are trending online, offering tips for a successful application. Prospective students are being advised to:
#GlobalKoreaScholarship #GKS2026 #StudyinKorea #Scholarship #GKS #SouthKorea #Education #InternationalStudents #ScholarshipNews
GKS 2026: The Global Korea Scholarship is now open and it's going digital is the biggest news trend today for international students seeking to study in South Korea. The highly anticipated application period for the 2026 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for undergraduate students has been officially announced, and it comes with a major, game-changing update: a new online application system. This shift from physical document submission to a digital platform streamlines the process for thousands of prospective students worldwide. With a limited number of spots available, this is not just a call to apply but a race against time, and all the news and trends are focused on how applicants can best navigate this new, highly competitive landscape.
A New Online Era: The End of Paperwork 💻
The most significant news surrounding the 2026 GKS is the launch of the new online application system. This is a monumental change from previous years, where students had to physically submit their documents to a Korean embassy in their home country or mail them directly to a Korean university. The new digital platform is hosted on the official Study in Korea website, making the entire process more accessible and efficient for applicants globally. This shift is a clear indication that the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), which manages the scholarship, is embracing technology to simplify the application process and attract more top talent.
The online portal allows applicants to fill out the application form, upload required documents, and track their application status in one centralized location. This change is a huge relief for many who have previously faced the logistical challenges of sending documents via mail. However, applicants are strongly advised to check with their local Korean embassy or consulate, as some Embassy Track applications may still require physical submission.
Key Dates, Quotas, and Eligibility 📅
With the application period officially announced, a significant news trend is the scramble for information on key dates and requirements. For undergraduate programs, the application period runs from September 15 to October 31, 2025. The results for undergraduate scholars will be announced in January 2026. For graduate programs, the application period typically opens later, in January or February.
The 2026 GKS undergraduate program will select a total of 280 scholarship recipients from 71 countries. These spots are divided between the Embassy Track and the University Track. The Embassy Track, which allows applicants to apply to three different universities, has a total quota of 150 scholars. The University Track, which is more specialized and allows applicants to apply to only one university, has a quota of 130 scholars.
Eligibility requirements for undergraduate applicants are also a hot topic. Applicants must be under 25 years old as of March 1, 2026, and must have a high school diploma or be on track to graduate. They and their parents must be foreign nationals. It's also important to note that a strong academic record is crucial, with applicants needing a GPA of 80% or higher or a rank in the top 20% of their class.
What The Scholarship Covers 💰
The benefits of the GKS are extensive, which is why it remains one of the most competitive scholarships in the world. The scholarship is fully funded and covers a wide range of expenses, including:
- Round-trip airfare ✈️
- Full tuition fees (up to a certain amount per semester)
- A monthly living allowance of 900,000 KRW
- A mandatory one-year Korean language training 🗣️ (unless the applicant already has a TOPIK Level 5 or 6)
- Medical insurance
- Settlement and research allowances
The Road Ahead: Tips for a Successful Application 🚀
As the application window is now officially open, many articles and guides are trending online, offering tips for a successful application. Prospective students are being advised to:
- Carefully read the official guidelines on the Study in Korea website.
- Gather all required documents well in advance, as some may take time to process.
- Craft a compelling personal statement and study plan that clearly outlines their academic goals and reasons for choosing South Korea.
- Secure strong recommendation letters from teachers or professors.
- Check the list of participating universities to ensure their chosen field of study is available.
#GlobalKoreaScholarship #GKS2026 #StudyinKorea #Scholarship #GKS #SouthKorea #Education #InternationalStudents #ScholarshipNews