The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kenya has officially released the application guidelines for the 2026 Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees (GKS-G), a prestigious academic opportunity designed to support outstanding international students seeking advanced education in the Republic of Korea. The program is widely recognized for fostering academic excellence while strengthening international cooperation through education.
The Global Korea Scholarship serves as a key initiative of the Korean Government aimed at cultivating global leaders by providing access to high-quality graduate education at leading Korean universities. Through this program, selected candidates gain exposure to advanced research environments, innovative academic systems, and diverse cultural experiences that support both personal and professional growth.
For the 2026 cycle, the Embassy track will select seven Kenyan applicants and two Somalian applicants to undertake graduate studies in Korea. Successful candidates will benefit from comprehensive government support while participating in a structured academic pathway that promotes cross-cultural understanding and long-term collaboration between participating countries.
This announcement is particularly relevant to graduates who are seeking to expand their academic credentials internationally while engaging with a globally competitive higher education system. The scholarship reflects the continued commitment of the Korean Government to promote international educational exchange and mutual friendship between Korea and partner nations such as Kenya and Somalia.
Program Overview
The Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees is structured to provide international students with the opportunity to pursue postgraduate education across a wide range of academic disciplines offered by Korean higher education institutions. The program is administered in coordination with the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), which oversees the selection and placement of scholars.
Selected applicants will enroll in graduate-level programs at participating universities in Korea. These institutions are known for their strong academic infrastructure, research output, and commitment to innovation across fields such as engineering, technology, social sciences, natural sciences, business, and the humanities.
Beyond academic training, the scholarship promotes global engagement by enabling scholars to interact with students from various parts of the world. This environment encourages intellectual exchange and supports the development of internationally minded professionals equipped to contribute to their home countries upon completion of their studies.
Number of Available Slots
Under the Embassy track for the 2026 intake:
• Seven positions are allocated to Kenyan applicants.
• Two positions are allocated to Somalian applicants.
These placements reflect a competitive selection process designed to identify candidates who meet the program requirements and demonstrate readiness for graduate-level academic work.
Application Method
The application process for the 2026 Global Korea Scholarship is conducted online. All applicants are expected to follow the outlined procedures carefully to ensure their submissions are considered complete.
Applicants must first create a membership account on the official Study in Korea website. Once registered, candidates are required to complete and submit the online application within the designated application window.
After finishing the online submission, applicants must also send the completed “2026 GKS-G Applicants Information Form.xlsx” via email to [email protected]. This step is mandatory and forms part of the official application requirements.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all documents are submitted accurately and within the specified timelines, as incomplete submissions may not proceed to the next stage of evaluation.
Application and Selection Schedule
All dates and times for the scholarship process are based on Korean Standard Time. Applicants should account for the time difference when planning their submissions and preparing for subsequent stages.
Application Period
The application window opens on 12th February at 11:00 AM and closes on 25th February at 6:00 PM. Candidates are advised to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical challenges.
Announcement of Interview Candidates
The list of shortlisted candidates is expected to be released by 10th March. Only applicants who advance to this stage will receive notification regarding interview arrangements.
Interview Period
Interviews are scheduled to take place between 11th and 13th March. The exact details will be communicated to shortlisted applicants in advance.
Announcement of Final Successful Candidates
Final results are expected by 16th March. Candidates who are selected will receive further guidance regarding enrollment and preparation for study in Korea.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants interested in the Global Korea Scholarship must meet the following criteria:
Nationality
Candidates must be Kenyan or Somalian nationals. Additionally, neither parent may hold Korean nationality.
Age
Applicants must be under 40 years of age and must have been born after 1st September 1986.
Academic Requirements
Candidates are required to meet the academic standards outlined in the official scholarship guidelines. These requirements are detailed in the documents provided by the National Institute for International Education and should be reviewed thoroughly prior to application.
Role and Responsibilities of Scholarship Recipients
While the Global Korea Scholarship is an academic opportunity rather than a traditional employment position, recipients are expected to uphold certain responsibilities throughout the duration of their studies. Scholars effectively serve as academic representatives of their home countries and participants in a broader international education network.
Participation in Graduate Academic Programs
Selected scholars will enroll in graduate degree programs at Korean universities and are expected to engage fully with their coursework, research assignments, and academic evaluations. Maintaining consistent academic performance is an essential component of the scholarship experience.
Compliance with Institutional Regulations
Recipients must adhere to the academic policies and regulations of their host universities as well as the administrative guidelines set forth by the scholarship program.
Engagement in Cultural Exchange
The program encourages scholars to actively participate in cultural activities and initiatives that promote mutual understanding between Korea and their home countries. This includes interacting with local communities and fellow international students.
Representation and Professional Conduct
Scholars are expected to demonstrate professionalism and integrity throughout their academic journey. As participants in a government-sponsored program, they contribute to strengthening diplomatic and educational ties.
Preparation for Academic Advancement
Graduate study often involves rigorous academic work. Scholars should be prepared to adapt to new educational environments, manage research responsibilities, and collaborate with faculty and peers.
Contribution to Global Academic Networks
Upon completion of the program, scholars typically become part of an international alumni network that supports knowledge sharing and professional collaboration across borders.
Application Documentation
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the official guidelines and attached materials to understand the documentation requirements. These resources provide detailed instructions regarding submission procedures, academic expectations, and institutional information.
Available documents include:
• 2026 GKS-G Application Guidelines
• 2026 GKS-G Application Forms
• University Information (General) files
• 2026 GKS-G Applicants Information Form
Careful review of these materials is essential for applicants seeking clarity on program expectations and application preparation.
Additional Information
For comprehensive details about the scholarship, applicants should visit the National Institute for International Education website and consult the official guidelines provided with the announcement. These documents outline important information regarding program structure, participating universities, and academic pathways available to scholars.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to approach the application process with thorough preparation, ensuring that all required materials are complete and submitted within the established timelines.
The Global Korea Scholarship continues to attract applicants from around the world due to its structured academic support and international focus. The 2026 cycle presents a significant opportunity for qualified Kenyan and Somalian graduates to pursue advanced studies while building global academic connections.
As higher education increasingly emphasizes international collaboration, programs such as the GKS-G play a critical role in preparing scholars for participation in a globally interconnected workforce. Through academic training and cross-cultural engagement, recipients are positioned to develop expertise that can contribute meaningfully to their professional fields and home countries.
Individuals interested in this opportunity should begin preparations early, review the official documentation carefully, and ensure adherence to all application procedures outlined by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kenya.
