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Explore South Korea through a fully funded exchange experience!
Exciting news — the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Exchange Students is now open for applications for the 2025–2026 academic session. This guide provides detailed information about the program, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and the complete application process.
The GKS for Exchange Students is a fully funded scholarship offered by the Korean Government to international students participating in academic exchange programs at partner universities, including Seoul National University (SNU) — Korea’s most prestigious institution.
The program supports both undergraduate and master’s level students and aims to promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange by offering meaningful academic and personal experiences in South Korea.
SNU ISI offers an immersive academic experience taught by distinguished faculty members from SNU and visiting professors. The program covers diverse subjects such as:
Korean and East Asian Studies
Economics and Business
History, Sociology, Politics, and the Arts
Since its launch in 2007, over 2,000 students from around the world have joined SNU ISI, enjoying an enriching combination of academics, cultural immersion, and lifelong friendships.
Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s
Institution: Seoul National University and partner institutions
Host Country: South Korea
Program Duration: One semester (4 months) or one academic year (10 months)
Application Deadlines: Typically September and February (varies by university)
The GKS for Exchange Students provides comprehensive financial support, including:
Living Allowance: KRW 630,000 per month
Settlement Allowance: KRW 200,000 (one-time, upon arrival)
Round-trip Airfare: Reimbursement within set limits
Medical Insurance: KRW 20,000 per month (covered by the host university)
Students can choose from a wide range of disciplines across multiple colleges at SNU, including:
Humanities: Korean, English, French, German, Asian languages, History, Philosophy, Art History
Social Sciences: Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Psychology, Geography
Natural Sciences: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences
Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Computer, Electrical, Chemical, Nuclear, Architecture
Business Administration, Education, Law, Nursing, Music, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Fine Arts, Human Ecology, and many interdisciplinary programs
📌 Note: Certain departments have restrictions (see here).
College of Business Administration: Only open to students majoring in Business or Economics
Korean History, Psychology, and Statistics Majors: Require Korean language proficiency (TOPIK Level 5 or higher)
College of Law: Not open to undergraduate students
Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, and Vocal Music: Have limited or no availability for exchange students
College of Dentistry: Only open to Master’s-level students enrolled in equivalent programs at their home university
Students intending to apply to Music, Fine Arts, Nursing, or MBA programs must consult SNU coordinators for eligibility before applying.
To be eligible for the GKS for Exchange Students 2025, applicants must:
Be fluent in English or Korean
Be citizens of a country that has diplomatic relations with South Korea
Be currently enrolled in at least the second semester of an undergraduate or master’s program at their home institution
Meet minimum GPA requirements:
Undergraduate: 2.5/4.0 or equivalent (approx. 83 percentile)
Master’s: 3.0/4.0 or equivalent (approx. 89 percentile)
📝 Note: First-semester graduate students are not eligible to apply.
Follow these steps to apply:
University Nomination:
Applicants must be nominated by their home university.
A formal nomination letter and complete application package must be submitted via email by the university.
Online Application:
Nominated students will receive a link to complete the online application through the designated SNU coordinator.
Prepare Required Documents:
Certificate of Enrollment from home university
Official Academic Transcript
Letter of Recommendation (from a professor)
Statement of Purpose (English or Korean)
Copy of Passport
For Music, Fine Arts, or PE majors: Portfolio or performance recordings
Submit Online:
All documents must be uploaded to the application system in English or Korean.
Non-English/Korean documents must be translated and certified.
📌 Important: Original or verified copies of all documents must be submitted. Translations must be officially stamped and sealed by a recognized authority.
Study at top Korean universities like SNU
Gain international academic experience in a vibrant, technologically advanced society
Immerse yourself in Korean culture, language, and traditions
Build lifelong connections with students from around the world