GKS Frequently Asked Questions

Same scholarship, different names. KGSP (Korean Government Scholarship Program) was rebranded as GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) in 2010. Some embassies and websites still use KGSP; some use both. They refer to the same programme, administered by NIIED under Korea's Ministry of Education.

Full tuition (NIIED pays up to KRW 5 million, the university covers the rest), economy airfare, the 1-year Korean language programme, and an all-inclusive monthly allowance: KRW 1.2 million for undergraduates and KRW 1.38 million for master's and PhD students during the degree (2027 GKS-U and 2026 GKS-G rates). Since 2026 the settlement allowance and health insurance are paid out of that allowance rather than separately. See our scholarship amount breakdown.

No. Absolutely not. NIIED cross-checks all applications, and anyone who applies through both tracks at once is excluded (or loses the scholarship if it's found later). Choose one track. The only exception: if you fail the embassy first round, you may then apply on the university track. Read our embassy vs university comparison.

A cumulative 80% or above on your previous degree (or high school for undergraduates), or a ranking in the top 20% of your class, or 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5 or 3.23/5.0. NIIED uses its own conversion table. Check the eligibility requirements for details.

No. You don't need Korean to apply — that is why there is a mandatory 1-year Korean language programme. However, a TOPIK certificate counts in your evaluation, and Level 3 or higher earns bonus points (up to 10% in the graduate round). See our Korean language guide.

Only if you have TOPIK Level 5 or 6. Even if you are fluent but lack TOPIK certification, you do the language year. The only other exemptions are for special graduate cases: the research and Global Network programmes, IRTS language-programme graduates with TOPIK 3+, and current professors in 100% English-taught programmes who apply for exemption.

Limited. During the language year, essentially no. During your degree you need a part-time work permit and university approval, and the weekly cap depends on your level and Korean: up to 25 hours for undergraduates and 30 for graduate students if you meet the TOPIK requirement, but only 10–15 hours without it. See our living costs guide.

Yes, via the D-10 job-seeking visa (up to about 2 years). But a widely cited, unofficial figure says only 8.2% of GKS alumni get employed in Korea. It is very difficult. Read our after graduation reality check.