TOPIK for KGSP Scholarship
The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP, also called GKS) is the main government-funded scholarship for international students in Korea. It covers tuition, a monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, medical insurance, and a settlement allowance. TOPIK is not required to apply, but your score directly affects your chances of selection and whether you can skip the mandatory language year.
What KGSP Covers
KGSP is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under Korea's Ministry of Education. The scholarship funds both undergraduate (4 years) and graduate programs (2 years for master's, 3 for doctoral).
- Tuition: Full coverage at the assigned university.
- Living allowance: Approximately 1,000,000 KRW/month (graduate scholars receive slightly more).
- Airfare: Round-trip economy class ticket.
- Medical insurance: National Health Insurance coverage.
- Settlement allowance: One-time payment of 200,000 KRW on arrival.
- Language training: 1 year of intensive Korean at a designated language institute, fully funded.
- TOPIK bonus: Scholars with TOPIK Level 5 or 6 receive an additional 100,000 KRW/month during degree studies.
Two Application Tracks
KGSP has two separate application pathways. You can only apply through one per cycle.
| Track | Apply Through | Timeline | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embassy track | Korean embassy in your home country | Applications open September to October | Higher. Each country has a limited quota. |
| University track | Directly to a participating Korean university | Applications open March to April | Varies by university. Each selects independently. |
The embassy track is generally more competitive because each country receives a fixed number of slots. The university track gives you more control: you apply to a specific university, and that university selects from its own applicant pool. Research which universities participate and what their individual selection criteria are.
TOPIK Requirements at Each Stage
TOPIK affects your KGSP journey at three points: application, entering your degree, and maintaining your scholarship.
| Stage | TOPIK Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Application | None (but strongly recommended) | Having TOPIK 3+ earns bonus points. Many successful applicants submit a TOPIK score. |
| Entering degree program | TOPIK 3+ (undergrad), TOPIK 5+ (Korean-taught graduate) | Must be achieved after the language year. English-taught graduate programs may accept TOEFL/IELTS. |
| Scholarship maintenance | TOPIK 4+ | Required to continue receiving scholarship funding. Must also maintain GPA (usually 2.0+). |
The Language Year
All KGSP scholars without a qualifying TOPIK score complete 1 year of intensive Korean language training before starting their degree. This is fully funded by the scholarship.
- Training takes place at a NIIED-designated Korean language institute. You may be placed at a different university than your degree university.
- Classes run 5 days a week, 4+ hours per day. The pace is fast.
- You must reach TOPIK Level 3 by the end of the language year to proceed to your degree. Scholars who do not reach Level 3 may receive a 6-month extension. Failure after the extension can result in scholarship termination.
- Some universities waive the language year for applicants with TOPIK 4+. TOPIK 5 via the university track almost guarantees a waiver at most participating universities.
Skipping the language year saves a full year. For applicants who already have intermediate or higher Korean proficiency, reaching TOPIK 4 or 5 before applying is worth the effort.
Full KGSP Timeline
The timeline below uses the embassy track as an example. The university track follows a similar pattern but shifts earlier (applications in March to April).
| When | What |
|---|---|
| September to October (Year 1) | Embassy track applications open. Submit TOPIK score, transcripts, study plan, recommendation letters. |
| December to January | First-round results announced. Interviews at some embassies. |
| February to March | Final selection results. University placement confirmed. |
| March (Year 2) | Language year begins at designated language institute. |
| February (Year 3) | Language year ends. Must have TOPIK 3+ to proceed. |
| March (Year 3) | Degree program begins. |
For scholars who skip the language year with TOPIK 4+, the degree program starts in March of Year 2, saving a full year.
Maintaining Your Scholarship
KGSP is not a one-time award. You must meet ongoing requirements to keep your funding.
- GPA: Maintain a minimum GPA, usually 2.0 out of 4.5 (varies by university). Falling below can trigger a warning or termination.
- TOPIK proficiency: Must achieve and maintain TOPIK Level 4 or higher. Scholars who fail to meet this may have their scholarship suspended or terminated.
- Academic progress: Must complete coursework within the standard program duration.
The TOPIK 4 maintenance requirement catches some scholars off guard. Even if you entered with Level 3 from the language year, you need to continue improving your Korean during your degree. Take the TOPIK exam regularly during your studies to ensure you always have a valid score at Level 4 or above.
How to Strengthen Your KGSP Application
- Get the highest TOPIK score you can. TOPIK 3+ at application time distinguishes you from applicants with no Korean proficiency. TOPIK 5+ is a strong signal that you are prepared for Korean-language academics.
- Write a specific study plan. Vague goals do not score well. Name your target university, department, and research area. Explain why Korea and why this program.
- Get strong recommendation letters. Academic references from professors who know your work are more valuable than letters from high-ranking officials who wrote generically.
- Research the university track option. If your embassy is highly competitive (common for applicants from Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Africa), the university track may offer better odds. Check which universities have historically accepted KGSP scholars in your field.
Practice for TOPIK II
Solvi provides free TOPIK II practice for listening and reading with 1,000+ questions from 11 official past exams. Start practicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need TOPIK to apply for KGSP?
No. You can apply without any TOPIK score. However, TOPIK 3+ earns bonus points in the selection rubric and signals your commitment to studying in Korean. Most competitive applicants submit a score.
Can I skip the language year?
Yes. Applicants with TOPIK 4+ may be exempted from the mandatory 1-year language training. TOPIK 5 or 6 almost guarantees a waiver at most universities. This saves a full year and lets you start your degree immediately.
What TOPIK level should I aim for?
The highest you can reach before your application deadline. TOPIK 3 is the minimum that adds meaningful weight to your application. TOPIK 5 is the sweet spot: it qualifies you for the language year waiver, the monthly stipend bonus, and strong preference in university-track selection.
Related: University Admission · Scoring & Levels · Test Schedule · Study Timeline
Last updated: March 28, 2026