Korean Government Scholarship (KGSP) 2026: How to Apply from Nepal

The KGSP covers full tuition, living allowance, airfare and Korean language training. Here is a complete step-by-step guide for Nepali students applying in 2026.

What is the KGSP?

The Korean Government Scholarship Programme (KGSP) — officially known as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) — is one of the most generous scholarship programmes in the world. It is offered by the Korean government to students from 120 partner countries, including Nepal, to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in South Korea.

What the KGSP covers

• Full tuition fees for the entire programme duration
• Monthly living allowance — approx. NPR 75,000–85,000 per month
• Return economy airfare (arrival and departure)
• Settlement allowance upon arrival
• 1 year of intensive Korean language training (TOPIK preparation)
• Medical insurance coverage throughout your stay

Who can apply?

• Must be a Nepali citizen (not holding Korean citizenship)
• Must be in good health — a medical examination is required
• Age limit: under 25 for undergraduate, under 40 for graduate programmes
• GPA equivalent to 2.64/4.0 or above (minimum academic requirement)
• Must not be currently enrolled in a Korean university

How to apply from Nepal — two tracks

There are two ways to apply for the KGSP from Nepal:

• Embassy Track — apply through the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu. You can list up to 3 Korean universities as preferences. This is generally the recommended track for Nepali students.
• University Track — apply directly to a specific Korean university that participates in the KGSP. Requires you to be already in contact with the university.

Step-by-step Embassy Track process

• Step 1 — Download the application form from the Korean Embassy website (usually available December–January)
• Step 2 — Prepare all documents: transcripts, certificates, passport, SOP, 2 recommendation letters, research proposal (for postgraduate)
• Step 3 — Submit your complete application to the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu by the deadline (usually February–March)
• Step 4 — Take the preliminary examination conducted by the Embassy
• Step 5 — Attend the Embassy interview (shortlisted candidates)
• Step 6 — Results announced by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) in June
• Step 7 — Complete Korean language training in Korea before starting your degree

Documents required

• Completed KGSP application form
• Personal statement (SOP) and study plan
• Official academic transcripts and graduation certificates
• 2 recommendation letters from professors or supervisors
• Copy of passport
• Medical examination certificate
• TOPIK score certificate (if available — not mandatory)
• Any published research or awards (optional but strengthens application)