South Korea has quietly become one of Asia’s strongest study destinations — top universities, a powerful tech and engineering economy, and a culture Sri Lankan students increasingly love. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) makes it genuinely affordable: it’s fully funded, and you apply right here through the Korean Embassy in Colombo.
Scholarship coverage, quotas, and deadlines change every cycle. The details below are general guidance only — always confirm current requirements and dates on the official Study in Korea (GKS) portal and with the Korean Embassy in Sri Lanka before applying.
What GKS covers
The Global Korea Scholarship (formerly the Korean Government Scholarship Program, KGSP) is funded by the Korean government and is designed to be fully funded. A typical award includes:
- check_circle Full tuition at your Korean university
- check_circle A monthly living stipend (commonly around KRW 900,000 for degree students; higher for research students)
- check_circle Round-trip airfare between Sri Lanka and Korea
- check_circle A one-time settlement allowance
- check_circle Medical/health insurance
- check_circle A one-year Korean-language course before your main degree
Two tracks: Embassy vs University
There are two ways to apply, and you generally pick one:
- check_circle Embassy Track — you apply through the Korean Embassy in Sri Lanka. Good if you want to apply to several universities and go through your home-country mission
- check_circle University Track — you apply directly to a specific Korean university that participates. Good if you're targeting one institution or have already contacted a professor
Pro Counsellor Tip
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For most Sri Lankan applicants, the Embassy Track is the natural starting point — it lets you apply to multiple universities and the selection runs through Colombo. But read both tracks’ rules each cycle: quotas, eligible universities, and document lists differ, and you usually can’t apply through both at once.
"Universities: Type A vs Type B
GKS groups participating universities into Type A (top-ranked, highly competitive, often in Seoul) and Type B (strong universities outside Seoul, usually less competitive). A smart application balances ambition with realism — a Type B university in a smaller city can be both easier to win and cheaper to live in, while still giving you an excellent, fully-funded Korean degree.
Interested in studying in Korea on GKS?
We'll help you choose the right track and universities, prepare your documents, and plan around the Korean Embassy in Colombo's annual GKS timeline.
Discuss GKSDo you need Korean?
Not to apply. GKS funds a full year of Korean-language training before your degree, and many graduate programmes are taught in English. That said, some Korean ability strengthens your application and your daily life, and a genuine interest in Korea reads well — GKS is a cultural-exchange programme as much as a scholarship.
How to be competitive
GKS selection weighs academic results, your study plan, recommendation letters, and your personal statement. The strongest applicants show solid grades, a clear and specific reason for choosing Korea and their field, and a self-introduction and study plan that feel authentic rather than templated. Start months ahead — the document set (including certificates, often apostilled) takes time to assemble.
The bottom line
GKS is one of the most generous government scholarships open to Sri Lankans, covering tuition, living costs, airfare, and a year of language training. Choose the right track, balance Type A ambition with Type B realism, apply through the Embassy in Colombo, and prepare your documents early — the reward is a fully-funded degree in one of Asia’s most dynamic economies.
Next steps
If Korea appeals, bring us your level, field, and academic record. We’ll help you choose your track and universities and build a competitive GKS application around the embassy’s schedule.
Written by
Lanka Scholar Editorial
Lanka Scholar Editorial is the Lanka Scholar counsellor team — senior advisors who place Sri Lankan students into universities across 18 destinations. Articles are reviewed before publication and refreshed when fees, deadlines, or visa rules change.
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