The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), also known as GKS (Global Korea Scholarship), is one of the most sought-after full scholarships for Uzbek students. Dream Grants student Zulfiya M. won KGSP and is now studying at Seoul National University. This guide covers everything you need to know — documents, deadlines, university selection, and how to stand out in the interview.
What KGSP covers: Full tuition at any of 56 designated Korean universities, round-trip airfare, monthly stipend (~1,000,000 KRW / ~$750), health insurance, settlement allowance (200,000 KRW on arrival), Korean language training for 1 year, and accommodation at university dormitory.
To be eligible for KGSP undergraduate:
For graduate KGSP:
You apply through the Korean Embassy in Tashkent. You can list up to 3 Korean universities in order of preference. The Embassy reviews your application and forwards it to the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) in Korea for final selection.
The advantage: the Embassy knows the Uzbek education system and can contextualize your grades. You don't need to contact universities directly.
You apply directly to a participating Korean university. The university nominates its top candidates to NIIED. Competition varies significantly by university — some have very few spots for international KGSP applicants, while others actively recruit.
The advantage: you communicate directly with the university and may get pre-admission before the KGSP decision. The disadvantage: you need to manage the relationship with the university separately.
You list up to 3 universities in preference order. This decision matters — you may end up at your 2nd or 3rd choice. Tips:
The KGSP personal statement is different from a US college essay. It should be more formal, more goal-oriented, and connect clearly to Korea specifically. Include:
The Study Plan is separate and should focus specifically on your academic plans in Korea: courses you intend to take, professors or labs you're interested in, research areas, and what you will do in the Korean language preparation year.
Avoid this common mistake: Many Uzbek students write generic Study Plans that could apply to any university or country. Admissions reviewers notice. Be specific about which professors at your target universities are doing relevant work, and why Korea specifically is the right place for your goals.
Embassy Track applicants typically have an interview at the Korean Embassy in Tashkent. The interview is conducted in English (or Korean if you speak it). Prepare for:
The key to a strong interview: be specific and genuine. Interviewers can tell when students have memorized answers versus when they've genuinely thought about their goals. Know your own story well enough to talk about it naturally.
Begin preparing documents. Get official transcripts and diploma. Arrange medical exam.
Application period opens. Submit complete application to Korean Embassy in Tashkent by deadline.
Embassy-level review and interviews. Shortlisted candidates invited for interview.
NIIED final selection. Successful applicants notified.
Korean language program begins at designated university.
Undergraduate or graduate degree program begins.
If you're selected, you'll receive notification through the Embassy. You'll then:
The one-year Korean language program at a designated language institution is mandatory. After successfully completing it (and passing TOPIK Level 3+), you begin your degree program.
Dream Grants has helped multiple students win KGSP. We'll review your documents, help with your study plan and personal statement, and prepare you for the interview.
Get Free KGSP Consultation →See also: Top 10 Scholarships for Uzbek Students · How to Write a Personal Statement · Parents' Guide to Study Abroad