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. For Nepali students, it represents an extraordinary opportunity to study at a top Korean university with zero tuition cost, a comfortable monthly living allowance, and a full year of Korean language training before your degree program begins.
Nepal is among the 105 Official Development Assistance (ODA) countries eligible for the GKS, and multiple Nepali students are selected every year through both the Embassy and University tracks. If you have a strong academic record and a clear plan for how you want to use a Korean education, this scholarship can change your life.
What the GKS/KGSP Covers
The GKS is a fully funded scholarship covering:
| Benefit | Details | NPR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Full Tuition | 100% tuition waiver for the entire program | Saves NPR 4-12 Lakh/year |
| Monthly Allowance | KRW 900,000 (undergrad) to KRW 1,000,000 (graduate) | NPR 91,800 - 102,000/month |
| Round-Trip Airfare | Economy class Nepal to Korea and back | Saves NPR 1-1.5 Lakh |
| Settlement Allowance | KRW 200,000 upon arrival | NPR 20,400 |
| Medical Insurance | National Health Insurance coverage | Fully covered |
| Korean Language Training | 1 year before degree program | Fully covered |
| Completion Grant | KRW 100,000 upon program completion | NPR 10,200 |
Total value: For a 2-year master's program including the 1-year Korean language training, the GKS is worth approximately KRW 45,000,000-60,000,000 (NPR 46-61 Lakh). This makes it one of the most valuable scholarships available to Nepali students anywhere in the world.
Eligibility for Nepali Students
- Nationality: Nepali citizen (Nepal is among the 105 eligible ODA countries)
- Age: No strict upper age limit for graduate programs (varies by track)
- Academic record: GPA requirements vary by track, but generally a GPA of 2.64/4.0 (80%+) or higher is competitive
- Health: Must be in good health (medical examination required)
- TOPIK: Not required for application, but TOPIK Level 3+ earns 5-10% preference points
- Previous scholarship: Cannot be a former GKS recipient
- TOPIK Level 3: Must be achieved before starting the degree program (during the 1-year language training)
Two Application Tracks
The GKS offers two ways to apply:
Embassy Track
- Apply through the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu
- The embassy conducts initial screening and interviews
- Selected candidates are forwarded to NIIED (National Institute for International Education) in Korea
- NIIED makes final placement decisions
- Deadline: Typically around October for the following year's intake
University Track
- Apply directly to a Korean university that participates in the GKS program
- The university conducts screening and recommends candidates to NIIED
- NIIED reviews and makes final decisions
- Deadline: Typically around October-November
- Allows you to choose a specific university and program
Strategy tip: You can apply through both tracks simultaneously if the deadlines align. This doubles your chances of selection. The Embassy track is generally more accessible for Nepali students who may not have direct connections to Korean universities.
Application Documents
- Completed GKS application form
- Personal statement and study plan
- 2 recommendation letters (academic or professional)
- Academic transcripts and certificates (apostilled or verified)
- Citizenship certificate and passport copy
- TOPIK or IELTS/TOEFL score (if available)
- Health certificate
- Proof of citizenship of both applicant and parents
- All documents translated into English or Korean
The Korean Language Training Year
One of the most unique aspects of the GKS is the 1-year Korean language training before your degree program. During this year:
- You attend intensive Korean language classes at a designated university language center
- Your monthly allowance continues throughout the language year
- You must achieve TOPIK Level 3 by the end of the language year to proceed to your degree
- Some departments require TOPIK Level 4
- If you already hold TOPIK Level 5-6, you may be exempted from the language year and start your degree directly
Important: If you fail to achieve the required TOPIK level after the language year, your scholarship may be terminated. Take the language training seriously — it also dramatically improves your daily life, part-time work opportunities, and career prospects in Korea.
Application Timeline (for 2026 Intake)
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Embassy Track Deadline | October 17, 2025 |
| University Track Deadline | October 31, 2025 |
| Initial Screening | November - December 2025 |
| NIIED Review | January - February 2026 |
| Final Results | March - April 2026 |
| Korean Language Training Begins | September 2026 |
| Degree Program Begins | March 2027 or September 2027 |
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start your TOPIK preparation now: Even a Level 2 at application time earns preference points and shows commitment to Korean studies.
- Write a specific study plan: Generic statements do not work. Name the university, the program, the professors you want to work with, and how the education connects to your career plans and Nepal's development.
- Get strong recommendation letters: Letters from professors who know your work well carry more weight than generic letters from senior faculty who barely know you.
- Demonstrate Korean cultural interest: Mention any Korean language courses, cultural activities, or relevant work experience that shows genuine interest in Korea.
- Maintain a strong GPA: While minimum GPA requirements vary, having 80%+ (or GPA 3.2/4.0) in your previous studies makes you competitive.
- Apply through both tracks: If possible, apply through both the Embassy and University tracks to maximize your chances.
Next Steps
- D-2 student visa process — what you need after receiving the scholarship
- South Korean universities — choose your target university
- Complete South Korea guide — costs, work rights, and life in Korea