GKS Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide for Nepali Students

What is the GKS Scholarship?

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is one of the most generous fully funded scholarships in the world. Offered by the Korean government through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), GKS covers absolutely everything: full tuition, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, settlement allowance, medical insurance, and a full year of Korean language training.

For Nepali students, GKS represents an extraordinary opportunity to receive a world-class education at zero cost. Nepal is a GKS partner country, meaning Nepali citizens are eligible to apply every year.

GKS Benefits Breakdown

• Undergraduate: Full tuition for 4 years + 1 year language training. Monthly allowance: ₩900,000 (approx. NPR 95,000/month).
• Graduate (Masters): Full tuition for 2 years + 1 year language training. Monthly allowance: ₩1,200,000 (approx. NPR 125,000/month).
• Graduate (PhD): Full tuition for 3-4 years + 1 year language training. Monthly allowance: ₩1,500,000 (approx. NPR 160,000/month).
• All levels: Round-trip airfare, settlement allowance of ₩200,000, medical insurance, research allowance for thesis.

Application Timeline for Nepal

The GKS application cycle for Nepali students typically follows this schedule:

1. February: Application announcement released by the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu
2. March: Application submission deadline (Embassy track)
3. April-May: Document screening and written exams (undergraduate applicants)
4. May-June: Interviews at the Korean Embassy
5. July-August: Embassy forwards nominations to NIIED in Seoul
6. September-November: NIIED reviews and matches scholars with universities
7. December-January: Final results announced
8. March-April: Scholars arrive in Korea for language training

Required Documents

The GKS application requires extensive documentation. Here is the complete list:

• Application form (NIIED format)
• Personal statement (describing your background, motivation, and goals)
• Study plan (the most important document — detailed plan of what you want to study and why)
• Two recommendation letters (from professors or employers who know you well)
• Official academic transcripts and certificates (all levels: SLC/SEE, +2, Bachelor's, Master's as applicable)
• Proof of citizenship (Nepali citizenship certificate)
• Valid passport
• TOPIK score certificate (if available — not required but strengthens application)
• English proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL — for English-taught programs)
• Health certificate from an approved medical facility
• Proof of parent's nationality (to confirm non-Korean parentage)

How to Write a Winning Study Plan

The study plan is the single most important document in your GKS application. The selection committee uses it to evaluate your academic direction, motivation, and fit with Korean education. Here are our tips based on years of helping successful GKS applicants:

• Be specific: Instead of "I want to study engineering," write "I want to study renewable energy systems, specifically photovoltaic technology, building on Korea's leadership in solar cell research at institutions like KAIST and SNU."
• Connect to Korea: Explain why Korea specifically is the right place for your studies. Reference Korean research strengths, companies, or technology relevant to your field.
• Show Nepal relevance: Explain how your Korean education will benefit Nepal when you return. GKS values scholars who will contribute to their home country's development.
• Be realistic: Your study plan should be achievable within the scholarship period. Outline specific courses, research areas, and skills you plan to develop.

Interview Preparation Tips

For the Embassy track, interviews are conducted at the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu. Common questions include:

• Why do you want to study in Korea specifically?
• Tell us about your study plan in detail.
• How will this degree benefit Nepal?
• What do you know about Korean culture and society?
• What are your career plans after completing your studies?

Key tips: Be genuine and specific. Show that you have researched Korea thoroughly. Demonstrate that your study plan is well-thought-out. If you know any Korean (even basic greetings), use it briefly — it shows commitment.

Embassy Track vs. University Track

GKS offers two application routes. We recommend applying through both to maximize your chances.

Embassy Track: Apply through the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu. There are written exams (for undergrad) and interviews. The Embassy nominates candidates to NIIED. More competitive but open to all eligible Nepali students.

University Track: Apply directly to a Korean university that has GKS allocation. The university evaluates your application and nominates you to NIIED. No Embassy exam, but you need the university to select you over other international applicants. Contacting a potential supervisor professor before applying is crucial for this route.

Get Expert Help

StudyKorea Nepal has helped dozens of Nepali students secure GKS scholarships. We know exactly what the selection committee looks for, we help you write compelling study plans and personal statements, and we prepare you for the Embassy interview. Book a free counseling session to start your GKS journey.