Korean Government Scholarship Program

Prior to starting their degree studies, KGSP scholars are required to take one year of intensive language studies at a designated language institute. All scholars are required to obtain at least level 3 (intermediate) in the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) before they can continue to their degree studies.[6] According to NIIED, TOPIK level 3 allows the individual to "perform basic linguistic functions necessary to use various public facilities and maintain social relationships."[7]

The normal duration for the language program is one year, but it can be waived, shortened or extended depending on the scholar's TOPIK results. Scholars who have previously obtained a TOPIK level of 5 or 6 (advanced) are exempted from the language program, and are required to start their studies immediately. If a scholar obtains TOPIK 5 or 6 within the first six months of the language program, then they are required to start their studies at the beginning of the next semester, reducing their time at the language institute by six months. Additionally, scholars who fail to achieve TOPIK 3 after one year of language studies cannot proceed to their degree studies, and must do another six months of language study at their language institute.[8] Students may not leave South Korea during the language program so that they may concentrate on their studies. However, exceptions are made in case of emergencies and family matters .

The language institute is designated by NIIED and cannot be changed.[6] The language institutes include schools like Keimyung University and Dongseo University, and are typically in a different city than the school chosen for the degree program. This gives each scholar the opportunity to explore multiple cities within South Korea.

Those without a resident visa are required to have a D-4 visa to undergo language studies.[9]

During the application process, scholars choose a program and university for their degree program which cannot be changed, barring extreme circumstances. The scholarship program allocates four years for scholars pursuing their bachelor's degree, two years for a master's degree and three years for a PhD. The graduation requirements for each scholar is dependent on their program and university.

Scholars who have TOPIK level 5 or greater are granted an additional 100,000 KRW a month for their monthly allowance during their degree studies. Additional money is given to scholars in postgraduate research based fields.[2]

Those without a resident visa are required to have a D-2 visa to undergo their studies.[9]

In addition to support for tuition, living cost and learning Korean language, below will be covered by the Government of Republic of Korea.

* National health insurance
* Flight ticket between home country and Republic of Korea (once)

As of 2014, citizens from 157 countries are able to apply for KGSP. Note that the list of countries is updated every year, but most countries throughout the world is included.

[10]

As of 2014, 60 universities are designated by NIIED as eligible institutions for postgraduate degree studies.[10]

For those who obtained bachelor's degree from a university in Republic of Korea and who keeps the Korean nationality.

Unlike the "Korean Government Scholarship Program for International Students" which is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate degree studies, this support for Korean people is only available for postgradaute level studies.