The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025, also known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is an incredible opportunity for international students, including Nigerians and other Africans, to pursue higher education in South Korea. This fully funded scholarship is designed to foster global exchange and strengthen international ties between South Korea and participating countries.
The GKS 2025 offers scholarships for both undergraduate and associate degree programs and is open to students from various academic backgrounds. Whether you’re aspiring to study sciences, arts, engineering, or any other field, the GKS has a place for you.
The Global Korea Undergraduate Scholarship (GKS) covers all living and study expenses in South Korea, giving students the opportunity to enhance their skills and capabilities on an international stage. This scholarship allows students to study for free in one of Asia’s most advanced educational systems. The 2025 GKS Undergraduate Scholarship also strengthens Korea’s relationships with various countries by fostering cultural exchange and international cooperation. This global networking opportunity is invaluable for students as they build connections that will benefit their future careers.
Each year, numerous top-tier Korean universities participate in the GKS program, offering a wide range of study options, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and research programs. This makes GKS one of the most prestigious scholarship programs worldwide. Through this initiative, the South Korean government actively promotes its culture, values, and, most importantly, the Korean language. With a commitment to excellence in education, South Korea boasts cutting-edge technology, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking scenery, making it an attractive destination for international students.
In addition to its advanced education system, South Korea provides numerous employment opportunities, making it easier for graduates to find jobs after completing their studies. Moreover, several other scholarships are available to international students, reducing the financial burden of studying abroad.
The GKS Undergraduate Scholarship offers two main application tracks:
- Embassy Track: Students apply through the South Korean Embassy in their home country, which will handle nominations.
- University Track: Students apply directly to a participating Korean university.
With 367 fully funded scholarships available for 2025 (87 for the Embassy Track and 280 for the University Track), this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for students aiming to study in South Korea for free at prestigious institutions.
If you’re seeking a fully funded scholarship for higher education in a top global institute, the 2025 Global Korea Undergraduate Scholarship is an ideal pathway to achieving your academic and career goals.
Key Benefits of the GKS 2025 Undergraduate Scholarship
- Full Tuition Coverage: The scholarship will cover all tuition fees throughout your study period in South Korea.
- Settlement Allowance: A one-time settlement payment upon arrival in Korea to help students adjust to their new environment.
- Monthly Stipend: A monthly allowance to cover living expenses, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without financial worries.
- Research Allowance: For students engaging in research projects, additional financial support is provided.
- Round-trip Airfare: The Korean government covers the cost of round-trip economy-class tickets for international travel.
- 1-Year Korean Language Course: Before beginning academic courses, students will undertake a fully funded one-year intensive Korean language program to help them immerse themselves in the culture and educational system.
- Medical Insurance: Health insurance is provided for all students during their stay in South Korea.
- Additional Benefits: These include coverage for the Korean language proficiency test (TOPIK) fees, printing costs for dissertations, and a completion grant after finishing the program.
Scholarship Details and Academic Programs
- Degree Levels:
- Undergraduate Degree Program: 4-6 years of study, depending on the course, plus 1 year of the Korean language course.
- Associate Degree Program: 2-3 years of study, plus 1 year of the Korean language course.
- Total Scholarships Offered: For 2025, the GKS is offering 367 fully funded undergraduate scholarships, distributed as:
- Embassy Track: 87 scholarships
- University Track: 280 scholarships
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Global Korea Undergraduate Scholarship (GKS) 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a citizen of one of the NIIED-designated countries, with no dual or Korean citizenship.
- Applicants must have completed or be expected to graduate from high school. Those applying for bachelor’s degrees can also apply if they are currently in or have completed an associate degree program.
- A high school GPA of 80% or above (equivalent to a CGPA of 2.64/4.0) is required.
- Applicants must be under 25 years of age.
- Good physical and mental health is mandatory.
- Students must submit proof of language proficiency in English or Korean (TOPIK or other certificates), though IELTS is not mandatory.
How to Apply for GKS 2025
There are two ways to apply:
- Embassy Track:
- Applicants must submit their applications through the Korean Embassy in their home country. The embassy will shortlist and recommend candidates to NIIED for final selection.
- University Track:
- Students can apply directly to participating Korean universities. The university will recommend the candidates to NIIED for the final decision.
For more detailed information on how to apply, including deadlines and required documents, please visit the official GKS website.
Required Documents for Application
- GKS 2025 Application Form
- Proof of Citizenship and Family Relationship
- High School Graduation Certificate and Academic Transcripts
- Study Plan and Personal Statement
- One Letter of Recommendation
- GKS Applicant Agreement Form
- Personal Medical Assessment
- (Optional) Proof of Korean Citizenship Renunciation, English Proficiency Certificates, or Other Awards and Certificates
Be sure to carefully check the specific deadlines for either the Embassy Track or University Track, as they vary from country to country.
Why Study in South Korea?
South Korea boasts some of the world’s top universities and is renowned for its high-quality education system, rich culture, and technological advancements. Studying in Korea provides international students with the opportunity to gain globally recognized degrees, develop a professional network, and experience one of the most advanced and culturally rich countries in the world. With no need for IELTS, the GKS 2025 provides a unique and accessible pathway to higher education for students across the globe.
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to study in South Korea! For more details, application guidelines, and further assistance, visit the GKS official site.
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