National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Korean Ministry of Education
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Graduate Degrees
South Korea's flagship scholarship for international graduate students, with one year of Korean-language study followed by a two-year master's or three-year PhD at a GKS partner university. Thai applicants can go through the Korean Embassy in Bangkok (Embassy Track) or apply directly to a university (University Track).
Application round
The 2026 Embassy Track application was online at studyinkorea.go.kr from 12 February 2026 at 11:00 KST to 25 February 2026 at 18:00 KST (16:00 in Thailand). First-round (embassy) results came in mid-March, originals went to NIIED by 1 April, universities announced their round in early June, and NIIED published the final list on 30 June 2026. University Track applicants post their documents straight to one university on its own schedule.
Next round
NIIED posts the 2027 GKS-G guidelines on the Study in Korea notice board in February each year, with roughly two weeks to apply online, so expect the next window around mid-to-late February 2027. Have your transcripts, degree certificates and recommendation letters ready by January.
The IELTS requirement
GKS has no English requirement of its own. A TOEFL iBT or IELTS score is optional and only adds evaluation points, so you can apply without one; a TOPIK level 3 or higher earns a bigger bonus (10% of the total score). Where IELTS matters is the course itself: if you choose an English-taught master's or PhD, the university applies its usual entry requirement, commonly 6.5 overall, and some ask for the score with your GKS application. Check the University Information file published with the guidelines for your three choices.
Where is your IELTS score now?
Your university sets the IELTS score for this scholarship. Take the free level test to get an estimated band for each skill before you apply.
What it covers
- A monthly allowance: 14,400,000 won a year during the Korean-language year and 16,560,000 won a year on the degree course (about 1.2-1.4 million won a month)
- Tuition: NIIED pays up to 5 million won a semester and the university waives the rest, plus the admission fee
- The one-year Korean-language programme (waived with TOPIK level 5 or 6)
- An economy-class air ticket, a settlement allowance, medical insurance, and grants for Korean proficiency and degree completion
Who can apply
- Thai citizen whose parents are both non-Korean; dual nationals holding Korean citizenship are not eligible
- Under 40: born after 1 September 1986 (under 45 for current university professors)
- A bachelor's degree for the master's, or a master's for the PhD, completed or expected by 31 July of the intake year
- GPA of at least 80% or top 20% of your class, or a CGPA of 2.64/4.0 (3.23/5.0) or higher in your latest degree
- Not a graduate of a Korean high school or university, and not a previous GKS degree scholar
- Thailand quota in 2026: 16 places through the embassy and 17 through universities (6 general, 11 regional R-GKS)
Key facts
- Provider
- National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Korean Ministry of Education
- Where you study
- South Korea
- Study level
- Master's, PhD
- Funding
- Fully funded
- Application round
- Opens February 12, 2026 · Closes February 25, 2026
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We checked these details against the provider's official page on November 1, 2026. Rules and dates change every round, so confirm them there before you apply.
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