Verified Fully Funded Korea Scholarships 2026–2027 to Study in South Korea for Free

South Korea continues to attract top international talent with its innovative education system, advanced technology, and dynamic culture. For the 2026–2027 academic year, verified fully funded Scholarships like the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) offer complete coverage—tuition, living expenses, airfare, health insurance, and Korean language training—allowing you to study for free at world-class universities.These government-backed programs emphasize merit and global exchange, with many English-taught options available. Below is a verified overview of key opportunities, focusing on official sources from NIIED,

Study in Korea, and related announcements.Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – The Premier Fully Funded ProgramThe GKS (formerly KGSP), administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education, is South Korea’s flagship fully funded scholarship. It invites outstanding international students for undergraduate, graduate (master’s/PHD), and research programs.Benefits

• Full tuition waiver for the entire degree duration.
• Monthly stipend: KRW 900,000–1,500,000 (approx. INR 57,000–95,000) depending on level.
• Round-trip economy airfare.
• Settlement allowance (KRW 200,000), health insurance, Korean language training (1 year if needed), and additional grants (e.g., research/thesis support).

Eligibility

• Citizenship: From NIIED-designated countries (most countries eligible; parents not Korean citizens; no dual Korean nationality).
• Age: Under 25 for undergraduate (born after March 1, 2001); under 40 for graduate.
• Academics: Strong GPA; good health; English/Korean proficiency (TOPIK scores add points).
• Other: No prior Korean government scholarship recipient (with exceptions).

Application Tracks and Deadlines (2026–2027 Cycle)

• Embassy Track: Apply via Korean Embassy in your country (recommended for multiple university choices).
• University Track: Apply directly to participating universities.
• Undergraduate (GKS-U): Applications opened September 2025; Embassy Track closed around September 30–October 17, 2025 (varies by country/embassy); University Track until October 31, 2025. Online-only via Study in Korea portal (new for 2026!).
• Graduate: Typically opens February–March 2026 (check for exact dates; often around February–June windows).
• Final Results: January–June 2026 depending on track.
• Official Link: Study in Korea – GKS Program (check GKS Notice board for guidelines and forms).

For updates: GKS Scholarship 2026 Official DetailsParticipating UniversitiesTop institutions include Seoul National University (SNU), KAIST, Korea University, Yonsei University, POSTECH, and many others (Type A/B categories; full list in official guidelines).Other Verified Fully Funded OpportunitiesKOICA Scholarship ProgramRun by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), this targets professionals for master’s programs in development fields (e.g., public administration, IT, agriculture).

• Benefits: Full tuition, monthly allowance (KRW 999,000+), airfare, accommodation support, insurance.
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree; work experience; from partner countries.
• Deadlines: Varies by batch/program; 1st batch 2026 often closes around December 2025 (e.g., December 2 for some).
• Application Link: KOICA CIAT Portal

University-Specific Fully Funded ScholarshipsMany universities offer full-ride awards alongside GKS:

• KAIST International Student Scholarship: Full tuition + stipend for undergrad/grad; merit-based.
• SNU Global Scholarships: Often combined with GKS; full/partial coverage.
• Korea University / Yonsei: Merit and need-based full waivers.

Explore via university sites or Study in Korea Scholarships.For more lists: Fully Funded Scholarships in South Korea 2026–2027Application Process Tips

1. Research: Use Study in Korea for programs and universities.
2. Documents: Transcripts, CV, personal statement/study plan, recommendations, passport, TOPIK/TOEFL/IELTS, medical certificate.
3. Submit: Online for most (new for GKS-U 2026); follow track-specific rules.
4. Selection: Multi-round (document review, interviews, NIIED final); prepare for TOPIK bonus.
5. Timeline: Start now—deadlines passed for some UG 2026, but graduate opens soon.

Visa Process (D-2 Student Visa)After selection:

• University issues Certificate of Admission (CoA).
• Apply at Korean Embassy/Consulate: Passport, CoA, scholarship proof, financial docs (even with funding), health insurance.
• Processing: 5–15 days; high success for genuine cases.
• Post-arrival: Get Alien Registration Card; part-time work allowed (after 6 months).

Final Recommendations

• Act Fast: Monitor official sites for graduate openings (Feb–March 2026 likely).
• Boost Profile: TOPIK Level 3+ significantly improves chances.
• Prepare Financial Proof: Scholarships cover most, but show ties and initial funds.
• Official Only: Avoid agents; use NIIED/Study in Korea portals.
• Multiple Tracks: Apply Embassy + University for better odds.

These verified Scholarships make studying in South Korea truly free for talented students. Check Scholarships365.xyz for ongoing updates and guides. Your fully funded Korean journey starts here—apply confidently!