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.

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

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.

Do 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. See our scholarships in South Korea guide for other funding, and the study in South Korea hub for the bigger picture.