The Korean Government Scholarship, also known as the Global Korea Scholarship, is a fully funded scholarship program for international students, including Pakistani students, to study in South Korea. The scholarship aims to promote international educational exchange and friendship between countries by providing foreign students with the opportunity to study at Korean higher education institutions.
History of the Global Korea Scholarship
The scholarship program was established to promote international educational exchange and friendship between countries by providing foreign students with the opportunity to study at Korean higher education institutions.
In the early years, the scholarship program was small, with only a handful of students selected each year. However, as the program gained popularity and recognition, the Korean government increased the number of scholarships available, expanding the program to include undergraduate students in 2010.
In 2012, the Korean government made a significant investment in the program, increasing the number of scholarships to 1300 and expanding the program to include students from diverse backgrounds and countries. This move was seen as a strategic effort to attract international talent to Korea’s universities and to promote cultural exchange.
In 2014, the scholarship program was rebranded as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), and the application process was streamlined to make it easier for students to apply. The GKS program also introduced a new track, the “University Track,” which allows students to apply directly to a Korean university for the scholarship.
Over the years, the GKS program has continued to grow and evolve, with the Korean government increasing the number of scholarships available and expanding the program to include online courses and distance learning programs. In 2022, the Korean government announced plans to increase the number of scholarships available to 2,200, with a focus on attracting students from developing countries and promoting sustainable development.
Today, the Global Korea Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship programs in the world, attracting students from over 150 countries. The program has supported over 10,000 international students in pursuing their studies in South Korea and has played a significant role in promoting cultural exchange and educational cooperation between Korea and other countries.
The GKS program has also undergone significant changes in recent years, with a focus on diversifying the scholarship recipients and promoting gender equality. The program has also introduced new eligibility criteria, such as language proficiency and academic achievement, to ensure that only the most qualified students are selected.
Despite its many successes, the GKS program has also faced challenges, including a high volume of applications and intense competition. However, the program remains committed to its mission of promoting international educational exchange and friendship, and continues to be a vital part of Korea’s efforts to engage with the global community.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Korean Government Scholarship, Pakistani students must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Under 25 years old for undergraduate, under 40 years old for graduate
- Education: Completion of elementary, middle, and high school curriculum for undergraduate, bachelor’s or master’s degree for graduate
- Language: English or Korean language proficiency
- GPA: 80% or higher
- Physical and mental health
Benefits of Global Korea Scholarship
The scholarship provides various benefits, including:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly living allowance
- On-campus housing
- Medical coverage
- Relocation support
- Research allowance
- Korean language training fee
Application Process
The application process involves submitting original or attested documents to the Korean embassy or domestic university. The required documents include:
- Recommendation letters
- Attested transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Awards and certificates
- Medical assessment form
Deadline
The application deadlines vary depending on the institution and country, but generally fall in September and February for the embassy and university tracks, respectively.
Selection Process
The selection process involves several rounds, with the final announcement in January and June.