The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 is South Korea’s flagship government scholarship, and it is one of the most searched fully funded opportunities among Pakistani students. If you want a master’s or PhD in Korea, now is the right time to start preparing. This guide explains the GKS graduate timeline, eligibility, the two application tracks and how to build an application that stands out.
What is the Global Korea Scholarship?
GKS, formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is funded by Korea’s Ministry of Education and run by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). It supports undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and research students at designated Korean universities. Awardees usually begin with a Korean-language year before starting their degree.
GKS 2027 graduate timeline
The graduate and undergraduate calls run on different calendars. The undergraduate call usually opens in autumn, while the graduate call opens in late winter. At the time of writing, the 2027 graduate call has not been published, and applicants should wait for the official notice on the Study in Korea website and the Korean embassy. Based on earlier cycles, many guides expect the graduate window around February 2027, with results in the following months. Treat that as a planning estimate, not a confirmed date.
In practice, this gives you about three to four months to prepare, which is enough time if you start now.
Embassy track vs university track
- Embassy track: you apply through the Korean embassy in your country. The embassy screens applicants and recommends candidates to NIIED. You can usually list several Korean universities in order of preference.
- University track: you apply directly to a designated Korean university that participates in GKS. The deadline and documents follow that university’s instructions.
Using both tracks, where the rules allow, increases your chances, but each has its own paperwork and timeline.
Eligibility for GKS graduate applicants
- Citizenship of an eligible country (check that Pakistan or your country is on the official list for the year)
- Age under 40 for graduate programmes
- A bachelor’s degree for a master’s programme, or a master’s degree for a PhD programme, or expected completion before the start date
- A grade average of at least 80 percent, or the equivalent
- Good health and no previous GKS degree scholarship
- Not holding Korean citizenship or having a parent who does
Always check the exact criteria in the official notice, because details can change from year to year.
What does GKS cover?
The scholarship generally covers a round-trip airfare, a monthly allowance, tuition fees, Korean-language training, a research or settlement allowance and medical insurance. Amounts are published in each year’s official notice, so check the current numbers before you plan your budget.
Documents to prepare now
- Completed GKS application form and personal statement
- Study plan or research plan (this is often the most important document)
- Two recommendation letters
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- Passport copy
- Language proof if requested (English or Korean, such as TOPIK)
- Medical documents if the notice requires them
How to apply: step by step
- Follow the official channels. Check the Study in Korea website and your Korean embassy for the 2027 graduate call.
- Shortlist universities and departments. Look at programme language, research areas and supervisor profiles.
- Write your study plan. Explain your goal, your research or study topic and how Korea fits your future career.
- Ask for recommendation letters early. Give your referees a draft CV and a short note on what to highlight.
- Submit the application and documents to the embassy or university, exactly as the notice describes.
- Prepare for the interview, if shortlisted, with clear answers on your goals, field and plans after returning.
How to make your GKS application stronger
Make the study plan specific
Avoid saying you want to learn from Korea’s advanced technology. Name the field, the topic, the method and the department you want, and explain what you will do in the first year.
Connect Korea to your home country
Reviewers value candidates who can explain how their studies will benefit their community or industry after they return.
Show effort in the Korean language
Learning basic Korean before you apply shows commitment. It is not always mandatory, but it can help your profile.
Keep your documents consistent
Dates, names and degree titles must match across your CV, transcripts and application form. Small inconsistencies can cause delays.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using last year’s deadlines and documents instead of the new official notice
- Submitting a generic study plan copied from a template
- Choosing universities only by ranking rather than by field fit
- Leaving recommendation letters until the final week
- Missing the age or grade cut-off because the rule was not checked early
Frequently asked questions
When does GKS 2027 open for graduate students?
The official graduate call has not been published yet. Many sources expect a window around February 2027, but you should confirm on the Study in Korea website and your Korean embassy.
Is GKS fully funded?
Yes, it is a fully funded programme covering airfare, allowance, tuition and insurance, plus Korean-language training. See the official notice for amounts.
Do I need IELTS or TOPIK for GKS?
Requirements depend on the programme. Many English-taught programmes accept English proof, while Korean-taught programmes need TOPIK. Read the notice and the university page carefully. You can also read our guide on fully funded scholarships without IELTS.
What is the age limit for GKS graduate programmes?
Applicants must generally be under 40 years old, but check the official notice for the exact cut-off date.
Next steps
Use the next few months to build a strong profile: finalise your study plan, choose three to five Korean universities, and line up your referees. For ideas on other funded options while you wait for the GKS call, see our country-by-country guide to fully funded master’s scholarships. Hum Scholars can also review your profile and guide your application. Contact us at humscholars.info@gmail.com.
Dates and eligibility rules are updated every year. Please verify all details on the official GKS and Study in Korea websites before you apply.