IELTS.international

🇰🇷 South Korea — Various South Korean universities

Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

IELTS Requirement & Application Guide

Overall

5.5

Components

L 5 / R 5 / W 5 / S 5

Level

UG, PG, PhD

Deadline

February–March (Embassy) or September–October (University)

Country

🇰🇷 South Korea

Coverage

Full tuition fees, Monthly allowance of KRW 900,000 +5 more

About Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) is South Korea's premier government-funded scholarship for international students. Administered by NIIED, it covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance, return airfare, medical insurance, and includes one year of Korean language training before degree study begins.

Official Website →

IELTS Required

OverallLRWS
5.55555

Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗

Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 71, TOPIK Level 3

Coverage

  • •Full tuition fees
  • •Monthly allowance of KRW 900,000
  • •Round-trip airfare
  • •Settlement allowance of KRW 200,000
  • •Korean language training for 1 year
  • •Medical insurance
  • •Research and thesis support for graduate students

Tips for Meeting the Requirement

  1. 1.KGSP requires IELTS 5.5 overall with 5.0 in each band. While the score threshold is relatively low, the scholarship is highly competitive, so aim for 6.5+ to stand out during the selection process.
  2. 2.Apply through either the Embassy track (February–March) or the University track (September–October). The Embassy track is generally more competitive but offers broader university choices.
  3. 3.Use the one-year Korean language training period strategically — you will study Korean before starting your degree. Focus your IELTS preparation on Academic skills like reading academic texts and writing structured essays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What IELTS score do I need for the KGSP Scholarship?
KGSP requires IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.0 in each component. Only IELTS Academic is accepted. TOPIK Level 3 is an accepted alternative for Korean-taught programmes.
Does KGSP accept TOEFL instead of IELTS?
Yes, KGSP accepts TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 71. TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) Level 3 or above is also accepted as an alternative language qualification.
Can I apply for KGSP without IELTS?
You need either IELTS, TOEFL, or TOPIK Level 3+ for KGSP. The programme includes one year of Korean language training, but you must demonstrate language proficiency at the application stage.

आपको विश्वविद्यालय IELTS आवश्यकता पूरा गर्नुहोस्

भर्नाको लागि Band 6.5, 7.0, वा 7.5 मा पुग्न निःशुल्क साप्ताहिक रणनीतिहरू।

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