2027 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) for Undergraduate Studies in South Korea (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the 2027 Global Korea Scholarship for Undergraduate Degrees (GKS-U), a fully funded scholarship offered by the Korean Government to international students who wish to pursue an undergraduate or associate degree in South Korea.

The official application guidelines were published by the GKS Team on September 9, 2026, and the program is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), in collaboration with Korean embassies and participating Korean universities.

For the 2027 intake, Rwanda has been allocated 3 Embassy Track places: 2 General and 1 R-GKS. In addition, the University Track, which includes the UIC program, is open to applicants from all eligible countries.

Applicants may apply through either the Embassy Track or the University Track, depending on the program and university they choose.

1. Scholarship Benefits

Successful GKS scholars receive comprehensive financial support throughout their studies:

• Tuition: NIIED covers up to KRW 5 million per semester. Where tuition exceeds this amount, the host university covers the difference.
• Korean language program fee: KRW 5.2 million per year.
• Airfare: An economy-class flight ticket, based on actual expenses.
• Monthly allowance: Covers living expenses and also includes accommodation, health insurance, Korean proficiency grants, TOPIK application fees, a settlement allowance, and a degree completion grant.
• Degree program support: KRW 14.4 million per year.
• Korean language program support: KRW 13.56 million per year.

Duration of Study

Bachelor's degree scholars typically complete 1 year of Korean language training, followed by 4 to 6 years of degree study, for a total of 5 to 7 years. Applicants who already hold TOPIK Level 5 or 6 may be exempted from the Korean language program.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Nationality: Be a citizen of a country designated for the GKS program. Rwanda is included in the 2027 Embassy Track.
2. Age: Be under 25 years old, meaning born on or after March 1, 2002.
3. Academic qualification:

   • Bachelor's programs: Have graduated, or be expected to graduate, from high school or an associate degree program.

   • Associate degree programs: Have graduated, or be expected to graduate, from high school.

4. Academic performance: Meet at least one of the following:

   • Score 80% or above on a 100-point scale;

   • Rank within the top 20% of the graduating class; or

   • Meet the minimum CGPA equivalent, such as 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5 or 3.23/5.0.

5. Health: Be in good physical and mental health, with no grounds for disqualification from overseas travel.

Who Cannot Apply

• Applicants who have already obtained a bachelor's degree.
• Former GKS degree scholars, and certain applicants who have previously studied in Korea, subject to specific restrictions.
• Applicants who submit applications to multiple prohibited tracks or programs at the same time.

3. Available Fields of Study

All major fields of study are open under GKS-U, including:

• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Entertainment and Sports
• Education
• Medicine
• Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

4. Application Tracks

Track 1: Embassy Track

• General Program: Applicants may select up to three universities, and at least one Type B university must be included among the choices.
• R-GKS Program: Applicants may select up to two Type B universities.

Applicants may choose any program offered by participating GKS universities across the available fields of study, subject to the specific admission requirements of each university and department.

Track 2: University Track (UIC Program)

The University Industry Cooperation (UIC) program offers bachelor's and associate degree opportunities in science and engineering-related fields, delivered through customized curricula and strong industry-university partnerships.

Available programs include:

• AI and Computer Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• AI Software
• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Smart Security
• Environmental Engineering
• Food Science and Nutrition
• Medical Information Technology
• Statistics / Big Data Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Software Convergence
• Mechanical and Electrical Automotive Engineering, among others

Important: Applicants must select only the universities and departments listed in the official GKS University Information File. Requirements such as language test scores vary by university and department.

5. Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

1. GKS Application Form
2. Personal Statement
3. Study Plan
4. Recommendation Letter
5. GKS Applicant Agreement
6. Personal Medical Assessment
7. Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information
8. Proof of citizenship for the applicant and both parents
9. Proof of family relationship
10. High school graduation certificate, or expected graduation certificate
11. High school academic transcript
12. Associate degree certificate and transcript, where applicable
13. Valid TOPIK or English proficiency test score, where applicable
14. Awards and other achievement certificates, where applicable
15. Passport copy

Certification requirements: Depending on the document, certificates may need to be submitted with apostille or consular confirmation. Applicants who pass the first round must submit the required original or certified documents according to the instructions issued by the relevant embassy or university.

6. How to Apply

Embassy Track Procedure

1. Create an account on the official GKS application portal.
2. Complete the online GKS application form.
3. Upload all required supporting documents.
4. Submit the application before the deadline.
5. Applicants who pass the first round proceed to NIIED's second-round evaluation.
6. Candidates who pass the second round are then reviewed by their selected universities in the third round.
7. Final successful scholars are expected to be announced in January 2027.

University Track Procedure

Applicants must apply directly to their chosen university, following that institution's own application method and schedule. The University Track application period generally runs from September to November 2026, though the exact deadline and submission method vary by university.

7. Application Deadlines

8. Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Submit a language score where possible. The guidelines recognize TOPIK, as well as English tests such as TOEFL and IELTS. A valid score can strengthen your file even when it is not strictly required.
• Verify department-specific requirements. Language and academic requirements differ from one university and department to another.
• Choose your field carefully. Changing your field of study after final selection is not permitted.
• Keep a backup option. Embassy Track applicants who fail the first round may still apply through the University Track, provided they meet that university's requirements and deadline.

9. Official Notice and Attached Files

The official notice, "2027 Global Korea Scholarship for Undergraduate Degrees / 2027년 정부초청 외국인 학부 장학생 모집 요강", includes the following downloadable attachments:

• 2027 GKS Application Guidelines (English)
• 2027 GKS-U Application Guidelines (Korean)
• 2027 GKS-U Application Forms
• University Information: Embassy Track (Type A)
• University Information: Embassy Track (Type B), A-C, D-G, H-K, M-Y
• University Information: University Track

Official application and guidelines link: APPLY HERE

Administering institution: National Institute for International Education (NIIED) 191, Jeongjail-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (Zip Code: 13557) Tel: 02-3668-1490 / 1491 | Fax: 82-2-764-1327

Application Support

The GKS is highly competitive, and weak documents are one of the most common reasons strong candidates are rejected. If you need professional assistance with your Personal Statement, Study Plan, recommendation letter, document certification, or online submission, support is available.

Call or WhatsApp: +250 784 868 557

Begin early, confirm your university and department choices against the official University Information File, and make sure every document is complete well before the September 30, 2026 deadline.