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How to Apply for GKS Graduate Scholarship 2026 Through Embassy and University Track

GKS Graduate Scholarship 2026 Complete Information on How to Apply

The GKS Scholarship was previously known as the KGSP and is a completely free scholarship that allows you to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in Korea. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) graduate is a fully funded scholarship for master’s, doctoral, and research programs that allows you to study in South Korea. The application process is explained in detail here:

Also Check: Global Korea Scholarship Graduate Program 2026

1. Understand the GKS Program and Check Your Eligibility

What Will You Get in the Scholarship?

This scholarship is fully funded, meaning your tuition fees, airfare, monthly pocket money, health insurance, and Korean language training are all included in it.

Program Duration

  • Master's Degree: 3 years (1 year Korean language + 2 years degree program)
  • Doctoral Degree: 4 years (1 year Korean language + 3 years degree program)
  • Research Program: 6 months or 1 year

General Eligibility Rules

  • Nationality: Neither you nor your parents should be Korean citizens. You must be from a country that is on the GKS list of NIIED (National Institute of Education of Korea).
  • Age: Generally, you must be under 40 years old as of September 1. Professors from developing countries may be under 45 years old.
  • Education Level:
    • For Master's: You must have a bachelor's degree or be about to complete your bachelor's degree before September 1.
    • For Doctoral: You must have a master's degree or be about to complete your master's degree before September 1.
  • Important: If you have completed high school, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral studies in Korea, you will generally not be eligible.
  • Academic Performance: Your previous degree must have a GPA (grade point average) of 80% or higher. Guidelines detail what this would be on different scales (e.g. 2.64 out of 4.0, 2.80 out of 4.3, etc.).
  • Health: You must be mentally and physically healthy enough to study in Korea for the entire duration of the scholarship.

Additional Benefits

  • You may receive additional points if you have a TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) level 3 or higher.
  • Descendants of Korean War veterans may also receive additional points.
  • English language certificates (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) may also receive additional points.

Also Check: How to Do MBBS and Become a MBBS Doctor in South Korea

2. Choose an Application Track

There are two main ways to apply for a GKS Graduate Scholarship:

Embassy Track

  • Path: You apply through the Korean Embassy in your country.
  • Universities: You can apply to three different universities from the list provided by NIIED.
  • Competition: This track is usually more competitive because more people apply through this path.
  • Selection Process: Interview and selection by embassy → Selection by NIIED and university review → Final selection.

University Track

  • Path: You apply directly to a Korean university on the list of NIIED.
  • Universities: You can apply to only one university.
  • Competition: For some universities, this track may be less competitive than the Embassy Track, but it depends on the university’s quota.
  • Selection Process: University review and recommendation to NIIED → Final selection by NIIED.

Also Check: DAAD Scholarship Program 2026

Which Track to Choose?

Decide based on your preferred universities, your country’s quota, and the nature of the competition. If you have a specific university in mind, the University track may be better. If you want to increase your chances by applying to three universities, the Embassy track may be better.

3. Application Timeline (General)

The GKS application dates may vary slightly from year to year and for each track. However, here is a general outline:

  • Announcement: Announcements are usually made in February/March for graduate programs (starting in September).
  • Application Submission (First Round - Embassy/University): Dates vary, but usually end in March.
  • Embassy/University Screening and Interview: March-April.
  • NIIED Review (Second Round): April-May.
  • University Review (Embassy Track Only - Third Round): May-June.
  • Final Result Announcement: Late June/early July.
  • Admission in Korea: Late August/September.

Very Important Tip: Always check the official GKS application guidelines and the latest notices from the Korean embassy in your country or the Korean university of your choice for the exact dates and requirements. This information is usually available on the Study in Korea website or the official websites of the embassy/university.

Also Check: Fully Funded Scholarships for USA and UK 2025-2026

4. Collect the Required Documents

This is a very important step, as the application may be rejected if any document is missing or incorrect. A certified translation of documents in any language other than Korean or English is required. Required certificates must be apostille or consular certified.

Commonly Required Documents

  • GKS Application Form: Download the official form from the Study in Korea website.
  • Personal Statement: (Personal Statement - see suggestions below)
  • Study Plan: (see suggestions below)
  • Research Proposal (for Doctoral/Research Programs): Describe your research interests and methodology.
  • Letter of Recommendation: Typically one or two letters from professors or academic advisors.
  • Letter of Invitation (for Research Programs Only): From a professor at a Korean university.
  • GKS Applicant Agreement
  • Personal Medical Assessment

Permission to Use Your Personal Information

You will have to sign a paper stating that you are allowing your personal information to be used for the scholarship.

Proof of Your Citizenship and Family Relationship

For this, you will have to submit copies of your and your parents' birth certificates, family registers (which list all your family members), or their passports. If, God forbid, one of your parents is deceased or is absent for some reason, you will have to show additional documents related to them (such as a death certificate or divorce certificate).

Graduation Certificate (Bachelor's or Master's)

Submit the original certificate or transcript of your degree. If your degree is not yet complete and you are about to complete it soon, submit an expected graduation certificate and your most recent mark sheet (transcript) from your university. You must submit your original degree and full transcript by the deadline specified by NIIED (usually July 31).

Academic Records (Transcript)

Submit all academic records (including marks and grades) from your Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree. This should clearly state your CGPA (Grade Point Average).

If your university’s grading system is different from the one given on the GKS form, you will need to obtain an official certificate from your university that states how your grades are calculated on the GKS scale.

Korean or English Language Proficiency (If Applicable)

If you have taken and passed the Korean language test (TOPIK), or if you have scored well in an English language test (such as TOEFL or IELTS), be sure to submit a copy of the certificate (this is not required, but it may give you extra points).

Awards and Other Certificates

If you have received any awards or certificates in your studies or other activities, include them.

Copy of Passport

Submit a copy of your passport.

Photos

Submit passport-sized photos.

Important Notes for Submitting Your Application (Important Things)

In the first round (to the embassy or university):
The requirements for sending photocopies of documents or computer-generated files may vary. Be sure to check with the embassy or university you are applying to for this information.

In the second round (to NIIED):
If you are successful in the first round, NIIED will generally require the following documents:

  • For the Embassy Track: You must submit one set of original documents (with an apostille or consular stamp) plus three sets of photocopies.
  • For the University Track: You must submit only one set of original documents (with an apostille or consular stamp).

Authentication of Documents

All required certificates must either be stamped with an "Apostille" or authenticated by a consular officer. If the original documents do not have these stamps, or are only authenticated by a notary public, or by another government agency, they will not be accepted.

Translations

If any of your documents are in a language other than Korean or English, be sure to attach a certified translation. The "Apostille" or consular stamp can be applied to the original document or to its certified translation.

Also Check: How to do MBBS and Become a MBBS Doctor in Germany

5. Write a Strong Personal Statement and Study Plan

These two sections are very important because they give you the opportunity to better explain your aspirations, your goals, and your qualifications for the scholarship.

Easy Tips for Writing a Personal Statement

  • Your Purpose: Clearly state why you want to study in Korea, why you chose the GKS Scholarship, and how it connects to your studies and future dreams.
  • Your Educational Journey: Tell us about your previous studies, especially mentioning the subjects, achievements, and experiences that are important for the scholarship.
  • People or Events that Have Influenced You: Write about people or events that have helped you improve your studies and personality.
  • Extracurricular Activities: If you have done community service, participated in a club, or held a job, mention them to show your skills and dedication.
  • Write the Real Thing: Be honest in what you say, write what is in your heart, and avoid writing general or clichéd things.
  • Number of Pages: It is usually 3 single-spaced pages.
  • Check for Errors: Make sure there are no grammatical or spelling errors. Have someone else read it to make sure there are no errors.

Easy Tips for Writing a Study Plan

  • Preparation Before Going to Korea: Describe in detail what preparations you will make before going to Korea, especially to learn the Korean language and understand their culture. Describe how you will study on your own, what cultural activities you will participate in, and what your initial goals are in Korea.
  • While Studying in Korea:
    • Study Objectives: State the specific objectives of your studies, what subjects you will study, and what research area you will be doing. For Master's or Doctorate students, state what research you will be doing each semester/year and how you will do it.
    • Research Focus: If you are doing research, state which professor at which Korean university or in which research area you would like to work.