GKS Scholarship 2025 India – Everything Indian Students Need to Know
Are you dreaming of studying in South Korea on a fully-funded scholarship? The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025 – also popularly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) – is one of the most prestigious and sought-after Korean scholarships for Indian students. Whether you are looking for a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a research program in South Korea, the GKS scholarship covers almost every major expense, making it a golden opportunity for ambitious Indian students.
At RG International – the Best Overseas Consultancy in Surat and Gujarat – we have helped hundreds of students secure admissions and scholarships across Europe, the UK, the USA, and now South Korea. As the best consultant for South Korea in Surat and best consultancy for South Korea in Gujarat, we guide you through every step of the GKS application process.
Read on to explore eligibility, benefits, application steps, required documents, timelines, and how RG International – your trusted study abroad consultants in Surat – makes the entire process seamless for you.
What is the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025?
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is a prestigious scholarship program initiated by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under South Korea’s Ministry of Education. Its primary aim is to attract outstanding international students to South Korea, promote academic exchange, and strengthen Korea’s global educational ties.
The GKS 2025 is open to students from select countries, including India, and covers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs at top-ranked Korean universities.
| Key Fact | The GKS Scholarship is 100% government-funded and covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, Korean language training, and more – making it the most comprehensive Korean scholarship for Indian students. |
Types of GKS Scholarships Available for Indian Students in 2025
1. GKS Undergraduate Scholarship (Bachelor in South Korea)
Designed for Indian students who have completed their 12th grade (HSC) and wish to pursue a full 4-year bachelor’s degree in South Korea. This is also called the Bachelor in Finland equivalent in the Korean context.
- Duration: 1 year Korean language training + 4 years undergraduate program (5 years total)
- Eligibility: Completed 12th grade with good academic standing
- Age Limit: Under 25 years as of March 1, 2025
2. GKS Graduate Scholarship (Master in South Korea)
Perfect for students who have completed their bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue a master’s or doctoral program in South Korea.
- Duration: 1 year Korean language training + 2 years master’s / 3 years doctoral
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree for master’s; master’s degree for doctoral
- Age Limit: Under 40 years as of March 1, 2025
3. GKS Research Scholarship
For scholars and professors who wish to conduct short-term research at Korean universities under collaborative academic programs.
GKS Scholarship 2025 Benefits – What Does It Cover?
The Global Korea Scholarship 2025 is one of the most comprehensive fully-funded scholarships available to Indian students for study in South Korea. Here is a detailed breakdown of all benefits:
| Benefit | Details |
| Full Tuition Fee | 100% tuition covered by Korean government |
| Monthly Stipend (Master’s) | KRW 900,000/month (~INR 56,000/month) |
| Monthly Stipend (Undergraduate) | KRW 800,000/month (~INR 50,000/month) |
| Round-trip Airfare | Economy class airfare to/from India covered |
| Medical Insurance | Full medical insurance during study period |
| Korean Language Training | 1-year intensive Korean language course (fully funded) |
| Settlement Allowance | KRW 200,000 upon arrival in Korea |
| Research Allowance | KRW 240,000/year for graduate research expenses |
| Completion Allowance | KRW 100,000 on successful program completion |
| Dissertation Printing Fee | Up to KRW 500,000 for doctoral students |
| Korean Proficiency Bonus | Extra KRW 100,000/month for TOPIK Level 5 or 6 holders |
No service bond, no repayment required. This is a pure grant scholarship from the South Korean government.
GKS Scholarship 2025 Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
Before you start your application for the Korean Government Scholarship 2025, ensure you meet the following eligibility criteria:
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate: Minimum 80% in 12th grade (PCM/PCB/Commerce/Arts)
- Graduate (Master’s): Minimum GPA of 2.64/4.0 or 80% equivalent in graduation
- Doctoral: Minimum GPA of 2.64/4.0 in master’s degree
- Strong academic record in relevant field of study
Nationality & Age Requirements
- Must be an Indian citizen (not holding Korean citizenship)
- Undergraduate: Below 25 years as of March 1, 2025
- Graduate/Doctoral: Below 40 years as of March 1, 2025
Health Requirements
- Must be in good physical and mental health
- A medical certificate from a recognized hospital is required
Language Requirements
- No Korean language proficiency required at the time of application
- TOPIK score is NOT mandatory for GKS – Korean language training is provided upon arrival
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) may be required for English-medium programs
Need help with IELTS? Visit our IELTS Coaching page – RG International is one of the top IELTS coaching providers in Surat and Gujarat
Top Korean Universities Accepting GKS Scholarship Students in 2025
The GKS Scholarship gives you access to some of South Korea’s finest universities. Here are some of the top institutions participating in the GKS 2025 program:
| University | QS Ranking & Notable Programs |
| Seoul National University (SNU) | Top 30 globally | Engineering, Medicine, Business |
| Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) | Top 60 globally | STEM, AI, Computer Science |
| Yonsei University | Top 80 globally | Business, Social Sciences, Humanities |
| Korea University | Top 80 globally | Law, Economics, Engineering |
| POSTECH | Top 100 globally | Science & Engineering |
| Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) | Top 100 globally | Engineering, Business |
| Hanyang University | Top 150 globally | Architecture, Engineering |
| Ewha Womans University | Top 250 globally | Arts, Sciences, Education |
| Sogang University | Business, Mass Communication, Theology |
| Pusan National University | Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine |
As the best consultant for South Korea in Surat and Gujarat, RG International helps you shortlist the best universities based on your academic profile, interests, and career goals. Visit our Study in South Korea page for more details on Korean universities and programs.
How to Apply for GKS Scholarship 2025 – Step-by-Step Application Process
The GKS application 2025 follows a specific process. Here is a complete step-by-step guide to help Indian students navigate through it successfully:
Step 1: Choose Your Application Route
There are two routes to apply for the GKS Scholarship:
- Embassy Route: Apply through the Korean Embassy in New Delhi, India
- University Route: Apply directly to a GKS-participating Korean university
The Embassy Route generally has a higher success rate for Indian students. RG International, as the best study abroad consultants in Surat, recommends the Embassy Route for most Indian applicants.
Step 2: Research Universities & Programs
Shortlist 3 universities from the GKS-eligible university list. Choose programs that align with your academic background and career aspirations. Our course finder tool can help you explore suitable programs.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents well in advance (see the complete document checklist below).
Step 4: Write Your Personal Statement & Study Plan
Your Study Plan is one of the most critical documents in your GKS application. It should clearly outline your academic background, research interests, future goals, and why you chose South Korea. As expert study abroad consultants in Surat, RG International provides personalized SOP and Study Plan writing support.
Step 5: Submit Application to Korean Embassy
Submit your complete application package to the Korean Embassy in New Delhi by the stipulated deadline (typically February-March each year for the following academic year).
Step 6: Embassy Screening & Interview
The Korean Embassy screens applications and shortlisted candidates are called for an interview. RG International conducts mock interview sessions to prepare students thoroughly.
Step 7: NIIED Selection
The National Institute for International Education (NIIED) reviews embassy-nominated candidates and makes the final scholarship selection.
Step 8: University Placement & Visa
Successful candidates are placed in their preferred universities. The Korean student visa (D-2) application follows. Our student visa consultants in Surat handle the entire visa process for you.
GKS Scholarship 2025 – Complete Document Checklist for Indian Students
Important: All documents not in English or Korean must be officially translated. RG International assists with document collection, translation coordination, and verification.
Academic Documents
- 10th Mark Sheet (Matriculation Certificate)
- 12th Mark Sheet / Degree Certificate (as applicable)
- Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
- Graduation Certificate (for graduate applicants)
Personal & Identity Documents
- Valid Indian Passport (minimum 18 months validity)
- Birth Certificate
- Passport-size photographs (as per Korean Embassy specifications)
Application-Specific Documents
- Completed GKS Application Form (downloaded from NIIED website)
- Personal Statement / Self-Introduction Letter
- Study Plan (Research Proposal for doctoral applicants)
- 2 Recommendation Letters (from academic professors/supervisors)
Medical & Health Documents
- Medical Certificate from a recognized hospital (GKS prescribed format)
- Personal Medical History Statement
Optional (Strengthens Application)
- IELTS / TOEFL Score Card (for English-medium program applicants)
- TOPIK Score Certificate (if applicable – earns bonus stipend)
- Certificates of awards, publications, research experience, extracurricular activities
GKS Scholarship 2025 – Important Dates & Timeline for Indian Students
The GKS application timeline for the 2025-2026 academic year is as follows (approximate dates – always verify with the official NIIED website and Korean Embassy India):
| Stage | Approximate Timeline |
| NIIED Announces GKS 2025 Guidelines | November – December 2024 |
| Application Forms Available | December 2024 – January 2025 |
| Application Submission Deadline (Embassy Route) | February – March 2025 |
| Korean Embassy Screening & Interviews | March – April 2025 |
| NIIED Final Selection Announcement | May – June 2025 |
| University Placement Notification | June – July 2025 |
| Korean Language Training Begins | September 2025 |
| Undergraduate/Graduate Program Begins | March 2026 (Spring Intake) |
| Pro Tip | Start your GKS preparation at least 6-8 months before the application deadline. RG International – Best Overseas Consultancy Surat – recommends beginning as early as August-September for the following year’s application. |
Why Choose RG International – Best Consultant for South Korea in Surat & Gujarat?
RG International is the best overseas consultancy in Surat and Gujarat, with a proven track record of placing students in top universities across South Korea, Europe, the UK, the USA, and more. Here’s why we are the best abroad education consultant in Surat and the preferred study in South Korea consultants in India
Our GKS-Specific Services
- Free profile evaluation and GKS eligibility assessment
- University shortlisting from GKS-approved university list based on your profile
- Complete application form filling and review
- Study Plan / Personal Statement / SOP writing and editing
- Recommendation letter guidance and formatting
- Korean Embassy interview preparation and mock sessions
- Document verification, translation coordination, and attestation support
- Student visa (D-2) application support – we are leading student visa consultants in Surat
- Pre-departure orientation and cultural briefing on South Korea
- Post-arrival support through our alumni network
Our Expertise Across Destinations
Beyond South Korea, RG International is your one-stop solution for global education. We are recognized as:
Frequently Asked Questions – GKS Scholarship 2025 for Indian Students
Q1: Is the GKS Scholarship fully funded for Indian students?
Yes! The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025 is a fully-funded scholarship that covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, medical insurance, Korean language training, and more. Indian students who receive this scholarship have virtually zero out-of-pocket education costs.
Q2: Do I need to know Korean to apply for the GKS Scholarship?
No, you do not need Korean language proficiency at the time of application. The GKS includes a mandatory 1-year Korean language training program upon arrival in South Korea. However, if you already hold TOPIK Level 5 or 6, you receive an additional monthly stipend bonus.
Q3: Can I apply for GKS through RG International in Surat?
Absolutely! RG International is the best consultant for South Korea in Surat and Gujarat. We provide end-to-end GKS application support including profile evaluation, document preparation, SOP writing, interview preparation, and visa assistance. Contact us at rginternational.org to book a free consultation.
Q4: What is the GKS Scholarship stipend amount in Indian Rupees?
The GKS monthly stipend for master’s students is KRW 900,000 per month, approximately INR 56,000-60,000 per month (depending on exchange rates). Undergraduate students receive KRW 800,000/month (~INR 50,000/month). This is sufficient to cover living expenses in most Korean cities.
Q5: How many Indian students receive the GKS Scholarship each year?
India receives a limited quota of GKS scholarships each year (usually 60-80 slots for all levels combined). Competition is intense, which is why working with experienced study in South Korea consultants in India like RG International significantly improves your chances.
Q6: Is IELTS required for GKS Scholarship?
IELTS is not a mandatory requirement for GKS itself, but it may be required by specific Korean universities for English-medium programs. RG International – best IELTS coaching in Gujarat – can help you prepare for IELTS if required.
Q7: Can I study any subject under GKS Scholarship?
Yes, the GKS Scholarship is open to all fields of study offered by GKS-participating Korean universities, including engineering, medicine, business, arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and more.
Q8: What makes South Korea a good study abroad destination for Indian students?
South Korea offers world-class universities, cutting-edge research facilities, a safe and student-friendly environment, vibrant culture, and excellent post-graduation job opportunities in global companies like Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and SK. Visit our Study in South Korea page to learn more.