The Kumoh National Institute of Technology (KIT) 2026 K-GKS Master’s Scholarship is closed. KIT participated in the Gyeongsangbuk-do K-Global Korea Scholarship (K-GKS) and could nominate up to 5 Master’s candidates. The KIT application deadline was 17 April 2026, and the published final-scholar announcement date was 15 June 2026. As of 10 October 2026, KIT has not published a 2027 K-GKS call.
Kumoh KIT K-GKS 2026: Current Status
| University | Kumoh National Institute of Technology (KIT) |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | 2026 K-GKS — K-Global Korea Scholarship, Gyeongsangbuk-do |
| 2026 degree level at KIT | Master’s only |
| KIT nomination quota | Up to 5 candidates |
| KIT application deadline | 17 April 2026 |
| Application mode | Original paper application by post or in person; no online K-GKS application |
| Final announcement in official schedule | 15 June 2026 |
| Semester start | September 2026 |
| 2027 K-GKS call | Not yet announced |
| Last verified | 10 October 2026 |
What Is the Gyeongsangbuk-do K-GKS Scholarship?
K-GKS is a regional scholarship programme designed to attract international graduate talent to universities in Gyeongsangbuk-do and encourage scholars to remain in the province after completing their studies.
For 2026, the official guideline offered a Master’s degree route only, with a total provincial programme quota of 12 scholars across participating universities. KIT’s own announcement stated that it could nominate up to 5 candidates.
| Provincial programme level | Master’s degree |
|---|---|
| 2026 provincial quota | 12 scholars |
| Scholarship duration | 1 year Korean-language training + 2 years Master’s degree |
| Eligible fields | Science, engineering and regionally specialised industrial fields offered by participating universities |
| Online / distance programmes | Not eligible |
2026 Participating Universities
| Participating institutions | Kumoh National Institute of Technology; Gyeongkuk National University; Kyungpook National University (Sangju Campus); POSTECH; Daegu University; Yeungnam University |
|---|
2026 Eligibility Requirements
| Required degree | Bachelor’s degree for Master’s admission |
|---|---|
| Degree completion | Required degree had to be obtained by 28 February 2026 under the main rule |
| Academic performance | At least 80% on a 100-point scale, top 20% of class, or accepted CGPA equivalent |
| Accepted CGPA examples | 2.64/4.0; 2.80/4.3; 2.91/4.5; 3.23/5.0 |
| Top-300 exemption | Grade condition exempted for qualifying applicants from universities ranked in the top 300 of the 2026 QS World University Rankings |
| Age | 34 or younger; born after 1 September 1991 |
| Nationality | Applicant and parents/legal guardians could not hold Korean citizenship under the published conditions |
| Health | Applicant had to be mentally and physically fit for the full programme |
| Duplicate application | Applicant could apply to only one K-GKS university and one department |
Applicants who had previously received certain Korean-government degree scholarships or who had studied in disqualifying Korean degree programmes were subject to additional restrictions under the guideline.
2026 K-GKS Scholarship Benefits
| Benefit | 2026 Provision |
|---|---|
| Entry airfare | Economy-class flight ticket at actual expense under programme conditions |
| Monthly allowance — Korean-language stage | KRW 1,240,000 per month |
| Monthly allowance — degree stage | KRW 1,400,000 per month |
| Korean-language training fee | Up to KRW 5.2 million for four quarters |
| Tuition | Up to KRW 5 million; admission fee covered by the university |
Repayment Risk After Early Withdrawal
The guideline states that scholars who withdraw within the first three months after university enrolment can be required to repay the full scholarship amount already received, including airfare, allowances and tuition support.
Korean-Language and TOPIK Requirements
| Standard language period | 1 year |
|---|---|
| TOPIK needed to enter Master’s degree | At least TOPIK Level 3 |
| If TOPIK 3 is not achieved | Language training can be extended once for 6 months; scholar pays 50% of the additional training fee |
| TOPIK 5 or 6 before programme | Eligible for Korean-language programme exemption under the published rule |
| TOPIK 5 or 6 during first 6 months | Remaining language period can be waived and degree study begins in the next semester |
How the 2026 KIT Application Worked
- Review the K-GKS guideline and KIT field list.
- Select one KIT department only.
- Complete the official application forms by computer.
- Prepare degree, transcript and citizenship documents.
- Obtain apostille or consular confirmation where required.
- Prepare one original application package.
- Submit the package by post or in person to KIT.
- Ensure delivery by 17 April 2026.
2026 Selection Timeline
| Stage | 2026 Date |
|---|---|
| KIT application deadline | 17 April 2026 |
| University recommendations to Gyeongsangbuk-do | By 8 May 2026 |
| Gyeongsangbuk-do second-round selection | 9–28 May 2026 |
| Second-round result | 29 May 2026 |
| Medical-examination result deadline | 12 June 2026 |
| Final scholar announcement | 15 June 2026 |
| Programme / semester start | September 2026 |
The guideline states that selection results were transmitted to the participating university rather than directly to individual applicants by Gyeongsangbuk-do.
Three-Year Post-Graduation Gyeongsangbuk-do Obligation
This condition materially distinguishes the regional K-GKS from many other Korean scholarships. Candidates should consider the employment, residence and career implications before accepting a future award.
K-GKS vs KIT Internal Graduate Scholarships
KIT separately advertises internal tuition scholarships for international graduate students. These are not the same as K-GKS.
| Funding Route | Main Difference |
|---|---|
| K-GKS 2026 | Regional government scholarship with airfare, monthly support, language training, tuition and a three-year post-study Gyeongsangbuk-do residency obligation |
| KIT Internal Scholarship Type A | University tuition scholarship that can provide full tuition exemption subject to current university criteria and budget |
| KIT Internal Scholarship Type B | University tuition scholarship that can provide 50% tuition exemption subject to current criteria and budget |
KIT’s broader Global Korea Scholarship information also describes national GKS routes for graduate applicants, including both Master’s and Doctoral study. Those programmes should not be confused with the 2026 regional K-GKS call, which was Master’s-only.
How to Prepare for a Possible 2027 K-GKS Call
1. Confirm that KIT participates again
Do not assume K-GKS participation is automatic each year. Wait for a new KIT notice.
2. Check whether Doctoral study returns
Earlier K-GKS years included Doctoral candidates, but KIT’s 2026 call explicitly excluded Doctoral study. Future degree levels must be verified from the new call.
3. Prepare apostilled academic documents early
The application relies heavily on authenticated graduation, transcript and citizenship records. International authentication can take time.
4. Review the residency obligation before applying
The three-year Gyeongsangbuk-do residence/employment or further-study obligation should be incorporated into career planning—not treated as a minor condition after selection.
5. Monitor both K-GKS and national GKS
KIT can participate in different Korean scholarship routes. Applicants should compare the regional K-GKS with the national Global Korea Scholarship and KIT internal funding when the next calls are released.
Future Applicant Checklist
- 2027 K-GKS call officially published.
- KIT participation confirmed.
- Degree level confirmed.
- Age requirement checked against the new guideline.
- Academic-performance threshold checked.
- Target department confirmed.
- Academic documents apostilled/consular-confirmed where required.
- Citizenship/family documents prepared.
- Korean-language obligations understood.
- Three-year Gyeongsangbuk-do post-study commitment accepted before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kumoh KIT K-GKS 2026 scholarship still open?
No. KIT’s application deadline was 17 April 2026.
Has KIT announced K-GKS 2027?
No official 2027 K-GKS admission notice has been published by KIT as of 10 October 2026.
Could PhD applicants apply in 2026?
No. KIT explicitly stated that the 2026 K-GKS call was for Master’s candidates only and Doctoral study was not available.
How much was the monthly allowance?
The official 2026 guideline lists KRW 1,240,000 per month during Korean-language training and KRW 1,400,000 per month during the degree programme.
How much tuition was covered?
The 2026 guideline provides tuition support up to KRW 5 million, with the admission fee covered by the university.
Was there an online application?
No. KIT required the original document package by post or in person and stated that no online K-GKS application was available.
What TOPIK level is required before starting the degree?
Scholars normally need at least TOPIK Level 3 during the language-training period before entering the Master’s degree programme.
What happens after graduation?
Under the 2026 K-GKS rules, scholars must reside in Gyeongsangbuk-do for three years after graduation and either work in the province or pursue a higher degree at a university there.
Official KIT and K-GKS Sources
| 2026 KIT K-GKS status | Closed |
|---|---|
| Degree level | Master’s only |
| KIT deadline | 17 April 2026 |
| KIT nomination quota | Up to 5 |
| 2027 call | Not yet announced |
| Last verified | 10 October 2026 |
Editorial note: CareerAidHub is not the scholarship provider. Degree levels, quotas, scholarship amounts, application dates and post-study conditions can change. Future applicants should use the new KIT notice and current Gyeongsangbuk-do guideline when a new cycle is announced.
