How to Apply for GKS Scholarship from Nepal (2026 Guide)

If you are a Nepali student dreaming of pursuing higher education abroad without the burden of massive tuition fees, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is your golden ticket. Formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), the GKS is one of the most prestigious and generous fully-funded scholarships in the world.

At EVEC, we specialize in helping Nepali students secure this highly competitive award. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down exactly how you can apply for the GKS from Nepal in 2026, what the requirements are, and how to maximize your chances of selection.

What is the GKS Scholarship?

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is an initiative by the South Korean government (NIIED) designed to provide international students with opportunities to conduct advanced studies in undergraduate and graduate programs at higher educational institutions in the Republic of Korea.

What Does the GKS Cover?

The GKS is truly fully-funded. If selected, you will receive:
* 100% Tuition Coverage: Full tuition fees for your entire degree.
* Monthly Allowance: KRW 900,000 (Undergraduate) to KRW 1,000,000 (Graduate).
* Airfare: Round-trip economy class ticket from Kathmandu to Seoul.
* Language Training: 1 year of mandatory Korean language training (fully paid).
* Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage during your stay.
* Settlement Allowance: A one-time payment of KRW 200,000 upon arrival.

GKS Application Tracks in Nepal

Nepali students can apply for the GKS through two distinct pathways. You cannot apply through both tracks simultaneously; you must choose one.

1. Embassy Track

You apply directly through the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu.
* Pros: You can choose up to 3 different universities.
* Cons: Highly competitive. You are competing against all top applicants from Nepal.

2. University Track

You apply directly to a specific participating Korean university.
* Pros: Often slightly less competitive than the Embassy track, especially for regional universities.
* Cons: You can only apply to one university. If rejected, you have no backup options.

[!TIP]
EVEC’s Advice: If you have exceptional grades and a very strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), the Embassy track offers more flexibility. If you have a specific research interest and have already connected with a professor at a regional university, the University track is excellent.

Eligibility Requirements for Nepali Students

To be eligible for the 2026 GKS intake, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of Nepal. (Applicants who hold Korean citizenship are ineligible).
• Age:
  • Undergraduate: Must be under 25 years of age.
  • Graduate: Must be under 40 years of age.
• Health: Must be in good mental and physical health to study in Korea for the full duration of the program.
• Grades: Must maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, 3.23/5.0, or score in the top 20% of your class.

Step-by-Step Application Process (2026 Intake)

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents Early

The timeline for GKS is strict. Begin preparing these documents at least 3 months in advance:
* Application Form (NIIED template)
* Personal Statement (SOP)
* Study Plan
* Two Letters of Recommendation (from teachers/professors)
* GKS Applicant Agreement
* Personal Medical Assessment
* Proof of Citizenship (Citizenship certificate translated to English and notarized)
* Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates (Must be apostilled or consular authenticated)

Step 2: Choose Your Track and Universities

Research universities thoroughly. If applying via the Embassy track, ensure you select at least one university from “Type B” (regional universities) to increase your chances.

Step 3: Submission and Interviews

Submit your physical documents to the Embassy in Kathmandu (or mail them to the university). If shortlisted, you will be called for an interview.

Want expert help preparing for the GKS interview? Our counselors at EVEC run mock interview sessions based on past GKS questions.

How EVEC Can Help You Win the GKS

Applying for the GKS is incredibly stressful. A single missing stamp or poorly translated document will result in instant disqualification.

If you want to Study in South Korea from Nepal, our dedicated GKS preparation team at EVEC provides:
1. SOP Brainstorming and Editing: We help you craft a narrative that aligns with NIIED’s goals.
2. Document Verification: We ensure every transcript and citizenship translation meets the strict consular authentication standards.
3. University Selection Strategy: We use historical data to match your profile with the universities most likely to accept you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to know Korean to apply?
A: No, prior knowledge of Korean is not mandatory, but holding a TOPIK certificate will give you extra points during the evaluation phase.

Q: Is IELTS mandatory for GKS?
A: While not strictly mandatory by NIIED, having a strong IELTS score (6.5+) significantly boosts your application, as it proves your ability to handle academic coursework.

Q: When does the application open?
A: The graduate track typically opens in February, and the undergraduate track opens in September. Always check the official Study in Korea website for exact dates.

Ready to start your GKS journey?
Don’t wait until the deadline is a week away. Book a free consultation with EVEC today and let’s start preparing your winning application!