Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Ethiopian Students
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) — fully funded undergraduate, master's, and PhD programs in South Korea for Ethiopian students. Administered by NIIED. Covers tuition, monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, one year of Korean language training, settlement allowance, and medical insurance.
- Provider
- Government of South Korea (NIIED)
- Deadline
- Funding type
- Full Funding
- Host country
- South Korea
- Award
- Full tuition + monthly stipend + round-trip airfare + up to 1 year Korean language training + settlement allowance + medical insurance
- Duration
- 1 year language training + 2 (master's) / 3 (PhD) / 4–6 (undergraduate) years degree study
Eligibility
- Ethiopian citizenship — dual nationals holding Korean citizenship are not eligible
- Age: under 25 for undergraduate applicants; under 40 for graduate (master's / PhD) applicants at the time of application
- GPA of 80% or higher, OR in the top 20% of your graduating class
- Completed (or expect to complete) the prior degree by the program start — high-school diploma for undergrad, bachelor's for master's, master's for PhD
- Good physical and mental health, certified by medical examination
- Two application tracks: Embassy Track (Korean Embassy in Addis Ababa) or University Track (apply directly through NIIED-approved Korean universities)
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a fully funded program offered by the Korean government through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). It supports international students — including Ethiopian citizens — who wish to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees at Korean universities. The program promotes cultural exchange and academic excellence through Korean language training and degree programs.
What the scholarship covers
- Tuition: 100% of university tuition fees for the entire program
- Living allowance: Monthly stipend for living expenses (typically KRW 900,000–1,200,000)
- Airfare: Round-trip international flight tickets
- Korean language training: Up to 1 year at an accredited language institute before degree studies begin
- Medical insurance: Health coverage included in the scholarship package
- Settlement allowance: One-time payment upon arrival
Types of programs
- Undergraduate: 1 year of Korean language training + 4–6 years of bachelor’s studies (depending on the field)
- Master’s: 1 year of Korean language training + 2 years of graduate studies
- Doctoral: 1 year of Korean language training + 3 years of doctoral studies
How to apply
There are two application tracks:
- Embassy Track: Submit your application (hard copy only) to the Korean Embassy in Addis Ababa. Recommended for most Ethiopian applicants.
- University Track: Apply directly through Korean universities approved by NIIED. Each university has its own deadlines.
Applications typically open in February for graduate programs and September for undergraduate programs each year. The screening process involves document review, an interview, and final approval from NIIED in Korea.
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Personal statement and study plan
- Two recommendation letters
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of nationality (for applicant and parents)
- Health certificate from an approved medical facility
All documents must be typed, printed on A4 paper, and submitted with one original and three copies. Passport-sized photos should be glued (not stapled) to application forms.
For Ethiopian students
Ethiopian citizens are fully eligible and the Embassy Track is the most common route. South Korea is increasingly popular for STEM, engineering, and business graduate programs, and the included Korean language year means you don’t need prior Korean proficiency.
Prepare your English credentials (IELTS / TOEFL) with Atenu’s English courses — most degree programs use English or require demonstrated proficiency even when the medium is Korean.
Contact information
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ethiopia
P.O. Box 2047, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Phone: (+251) 11 372 8111–14
Website: Korean Embassy in Ethiopia
Ready to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship?
Visit the official GKS portal for full details, or explore more scholarships for Ethiopian students.
Apply on the official site
We never collect application data — you'll be sent to the sponsor directly.
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