Complete Guide to TOPIK - Self Study Package BX0121

TOPIK TEST PREP COURSE

Best Self-Study Course to Prepare for TOPIK Test

GKS-G Scholarship 2026 TOPIK GUIDE
February 2, 2026
Dr. Satish Satyarthi
Study in Korea NIIED KGSP Scholarship

Students with a TOPIK score have higher chances to get NIIED KGSP Scholarship. Prepare for TOPIK with Complete Guide to TOPIK – Self-Study Package.

NIIED has announced the application guidelines of the 2025 Korean Government Scholarship Program for Graduate Degrees.

For the year 2026, there are 2000 seats for GKS graduate scholarship for international students from all over the world who want to pursue Master’s or PhD degree in Korea.

Looking for KGSP Undergraduate Scholarship? Check – GKS Undergraduate 2026

2025 Global Korea Scholarship - Application Guidelines for Graduate Degrees

I. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

○ Global Korea Scholarship is designed to provide international students with opportunities to study at higher educational institutions in Korea in pursuit of academic degrees, which will enhance international education exchange and deepen mutual friendship between Korea and participating countries.

※ As Korean Government Scholarship Programs have been integrated and branded as Global Korea Scholarship in 2010, the name has been changed to GKS (Global Korea Scholarship)

2. PROGRAMS AND UNIVERSITY

■ Degree Programs

Program

Master’s Degree

Doctoral Degree

Research

Period

1 year of Korean language program + 2 years of degree program

1 year of Korean language program + 3 years of degree program

6 months or 1 year


Application Tracks

Quota
Embassy Track University Track Total
General Specialization Sub total
General Overseas Korean/ Adoptee Subtotal General R-GKS Research International Organization R&D Global Network
776 24 800 160 480 5 72 403 80 1,200 2,000
• The R&D and Global Network Programs in the University Track are selected by each university based on their own scholarship selection guidelines and admission criteria. * For details on the selection process, please contact the respective university of the R&D and Global Network programs.

◈ Available Fields of Study and Universities

○ Available Fields of Study

- All academic fields established by the GKS participating universities.

- Applicants can only apply to the universities and departments that are listed in the "University Information‟ file attached under the GKS Notice post in Study in Korea website. (www.studyinkorea.go.kr > Plan your studies > Scholarships > GKS Notice)

- Academic programs offered during evenings (night school), short-term programs, online and distant-learning programs are not applicable in this scholarship program.

○ List of available Universities

Available Universities by Type

Classification Available Universities
Type A

(35 institutions)
Ajou University, Chung-Ang University, Dankook University, DGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology), Dongguk University, Duksung Women's University, Ewha Womans University, GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology), Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Hanyang University (ERICA), Hanyang University (Seoul), Hongik University, Incheon National University, Inha University, KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), KDI School of Public Policy and Management, Konkuk University, Kookmin University, Korea University, Kyung Hee University, NCC-GCSP (National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy), POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology), Sejong University, Seokyeong University, Seoul National University, SeoulTech (Seoul National University of Science and Technology), Sogang University, Sookmyung Women's University, Soongsil University, Sungkyunkwan University, Sungshin Women's University, The Academy of Korean Studies, UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology), University of Seoul, Yonsei University
Type B

(41 institutions)
Baeseok University, Busan University of Foreign Studies, Changwon National University, Cheongju University, Chonnam National University, Chosun University, Chungbuk National University, Chungnam National University, Daegu University, Daejeon University, Dong-A University, Dongseo University, Gyeongkuk National University, Gyeongsang National University, Hannam University, Hoseo University, Inje University, Jeju National University, Jeonbuk National University, Kangwon National University, Keimyung University, Kongju National University, Konyang University, KOREATECH (Korea University of Technology and Education), Kunsan National University, Kyungpook National University, Kyungsung University, Kyungwoon University, Mokwon University, Pai Chai University, Pukyong National University, Pusan National University, Semyung University, Silla University, Soonchunhyang University, Sun Moon University, Sunchon National University, Tongmyong University, University of Ulsan, Wonkwang University, Yeungnam University

Available Universities by Application Track

Embassy Track

Program Available Universities
General Type A or Type B
Overseas Korean*
& Adoptee
* Overseas Koreans refer to ethnic Korean without Korean citizenship. Overseas Koreans include offspring of Korean diaspora or Korean immigrants who live in countries out of the Korean peninsula
※ Embassy Track applicant may choose up to THREE different universities from Type A and B and MUST apply to at least one of the universities from Type B

University Track

Program Available Universities
General General Type A or Type B
R-GKS Type B
Research Type A or Type B
Specialization R&D
(60 departments in 25 institutions)
Ajou University, Cheongju University, Chonnam National University, Dong-A University, Ewha Womans University, Gyeongsang National University, Hannam University, Incheon National University, Inje University, Jeju National University, KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), Keimyung University, Konkuk University, Kookmin University, KOREATECH (Korea University of Technology and Education), Kunsan National University, Kyungpook National University, Pukyong National University, Pusan National University, Seoul Theological University, SeoulTech (Seoul National University of Science and Technology), Sogang University, Sunchon National University, Yeungnam University, Yonsei University
Global Network
(7 departments in 6 institutions)
Ajou University, Gyeongkuk National University, Hongik University, KDI School of Public Policy and Management, Pusan National University, Seoul National University
International Organization Type A or Type B
* Applicants may apply to any department within the General or Specialization programs (degree programs only) under the University Track.

3. QUOTA ASSIGNED BY COUNTRY

◈ Quota for Embassy Track

○ General: 776 scholars from 143 countries or regions.

3. PROGRAM QUOTA

Embassy Track

General: 776 scholars from 143 countries or regions

No. Country/Region Quota
1Afghanistan4
2Albania1
3Algeria3
4Angola1
5Argentina5
6Armenia2
7Australia4
8Austria1
9Azerbaijan5
10Bahamas3
11Bahrain3
12Bangladesh7
13Barbados1
14Belarus2
15Belgium5
16Belize1
17Benin1
18Bolivia3
19Bosnia and Herzegovina1
20Botswana3
21Brazil9
22Brunei4
23Bulgaria8
24Burundi2
25Cambodia12
26Canada6
27Canada (Quebec)1
28Cape Verde1
29Chile4
30China31
31Colombia8
32Costa Rica4
33Cote d'Ivoire4
34Croatia1
35Cuba1
36Czech Republic4
37Denmark4
38Dominican Republic4
39DR Congo2
40Ecuador8
41Egypt7
42El Salvador4
43Equatorial Guinea1
44Estonia1
45Ethiopia10
46Fiji2
47Finland3
48France7
49Gabon2
50Georgia4
51Germany7
52Ghana7
53Greece5
54Guatemala2
55Guyana1
56Honduras4
57Hong Kong2
58Hungary4
59India26
60Indonesia33
61Iran5
62Iraq5
63Ireland1
64Israel3
65Italy10
66Jamaica2
67Jordan4
68Kazakhstan13
69Kenya7
70Kyrgyzstan9
71Laos11
72Latvia1
No. Country/Region Quota
73Lebanon1
74Libya3
75Luxembourg1
76Macedonia1
77Madagascar5
78Malawi2
79Malaysia22
80Mauritania2
81Mauritius1
82Mexico6
83Mongolia13
84Montenegro1
85Morocco6
86Mozambique4
87Myanmar16
88Nepal4
89Netherlands4
90New Zealand1
91Nicaragua2
92Nigeria7
93Norway4
94Oman4
95Pakistan8
96Palestine3
97Panama4
98Paraguay3
99Peru8
100Philippines19
101Poland3
102Portugal1
103Romania4
104Russia16
105Rwanda5
106Saint Vincent and the Grenadines1
107Sao Tome and Principe1
108Saudi Arabia3
109Senegal4
110Serbia4
111Singapore9
112Slovakia1
113Slovenia1
114Somalia2
115South Africa5
116Spain3
117Sri Lanka7
118Sudan2
119Suriname1
120Sweden4
121Switzerland1
122Syria4
123Taiwan4
124Tajikistan5
125Tanzania7
126Thailand16
127Timor-Leste3
128Togo1
129Trinidad and Tobago3
130Tunisia6
131Turkiye11
132Turkmenistan7
133Uganda6
134Ukraine16
135United Arab Emirates2
136United Kingdom7
137United States of America16
138Uruguay1
139Uzbekistan13
140Venezuela2
141Vietnam33
142Zambia2
143Zimbabwe1
Total 776

Overseas Korean/Adoptee: 24 scholars from 8 countries

No. Country Quota No. Country Quota No. Country Quota
1Canada1 4Kyrgyzstan3 7Ukraine1
2Cuba1 5Norway1 8Uzbekistan6
3Kazakhstan7 6Russia4 Total 24

◈ Quota for University Track

University Track

General

General: 160 scholars from 54 countries/ R-GKS: 480 scholars from 56 countries or regions
No. Country /Region Quota
General R-GKS Total
1Algeria134
2Armenia112
3Azerbaijan213
4Bangladesh31720
5Belarus112
6Brazil156
7Brunei123
8Cambodia52126
9Cameroon189
10Central African Republic1-1
11Colombia178
12Costa Rica112
13Egypt358
14Ethiopia31013
15Georgia112
16Germany112
17Ghana-55
18Hungary112
19India54247
20Indonesia106171
21Iran268
22Italy112
23Kazakhstan51823
24Kenya112
25Kuwait1-1
26Kyrgyzstan7310
27Laos437
28Liberia1-1
29Lithuania112
30Malaysia7916
31Mauritania112
No. Country /Region Quota
General R-GKS Total
32Mexico21416
33Moldova112
34Mongolia63743
35Morocco-22
36Myanmar73643
37Nepal426
38Nigeria257
39Pakistan21517
40Peru314
41Philippines164460
42Poland134
43Romania112
44Russia51722
45Rwanda145
46Singapore246
47Slovakia1-1
48Sri Lanka3710
49Sudan112
50Taiwan-11
51Tajikistan224
52Tanzania145
53Thailand61117
54Turkiye257
55Turkmenistan-33
56UAE-11
57Uganda112
58USA-44
59Uzbekistan6612
60Vietnam101222
Total 160 480 640
Applications are available from 149 inviting countries and regions for the embassy and university tracks.

Specialization

R&D: 403 scholars from all countries around the world
No. University Department (Field of Study) Quota
1 Ajou University Intelligence Semiconductor Engineering 8
Computer Engineering 10
2 Cheongju University Mechanical and Aeronautical Systems Engineering 3
3 Chonnam National University Department of Polymer Engineering 3
Department of Materials Science and Engineering 5
4 Dong-A University Health Sciences 15
Computer Engineering 15
5 Ewha Womans University Pharmaceutical Sciences 5
6 Gyeongsang National University Mechanical System Engineering 4
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering3
Materials Engineering and Convergence Technology10
Energy and Mechanical Engineering3
Applied Life Science3
Chemistry3
7 Hannam University Advanced Materials & Chemical Engineering 5
8 Incheon National University Bioengineering and Nano-Bioengineering 3
9 Inje University Nanoscience and Engineering 8
Digital Anti-Aging Health Care8
Smart food & drug: Food & Life Science5
Rehabilitation Science7
10 Jeju National University Mechatronics Engineering 20
Electronic Engineering10
Computer Engineering10
11 KAIST Graduate School of Culture Technology 3
Department of Biological Sciences3
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering3
Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering3
Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Mobility5
Department of Aerospace Engineering3
Department of Chemistry3
12 Keimyung University Pharmacy 20
13 Konkuk University Veterinary Medicine (Veterinary Microbiology & Infectious Diseases) 3
Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Electrical Engineering)3
14 Kookmin University Department of Mechanical Engineering 15
Department of Electronics Engineering15
15 KOREATECH School of Electrical, Electronics and Communication Engineering 10
Department of AI Convergence5
16 Kunsan National University Chemistry 5
17 Kyungpook National University Agricultural Civil Engineering 5
Mathematics6
18 Pukyong National University Dept. of Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering 10
Dept. of Intelligent Robot Engineering10
Precision Manufacturing / Intelligent Control Systems10
19 Pusan National University Nuclear Systems / Computer Engineering 3
Artificial Intelligence / Info Convergence10
Biomedical Convergence Engineering3
Information Convergence Engineering3
20 Seoul Theological University Department of IT Convergence 10
Department of Mechanical Design and Robot Engineering3
21 SeoulTech Department of Data Science 3
Department of Materials Science and Engineering10
Department of Electrical and Information Engineering16
Department of Environmental Engineering6
22 Sogang University Computer Science and Engineering 3
Food Science and Technology3
Pharmacy3
23 Sunchon National University Advanced Components and Materials Engineering 3
Chemical Engineering3
24 Yeungnam University Department of Materials Science and Engineering 5
25 Yonsei University Medical Science 3
Electrical and Electronic Engineering3
Total (25 universities) 403
Global Network: 80 scholars from all countries around the world
No. University Department (Field of Study) Quota
1 Ajou University International Development and Cooperation 10
2 Gyeongkuk National University Department of Educational Technology 6
3 Hongik University Design Management 6
Arts & Cultural Management 3
4 KDI School of Public Policy and Management Global Cooperation program 25
Master of Public Policy
Master of Development Policy
Master of Public Management
5 Pusan National University International Logistics & Port Management 20
6 Seoul National University Dept. of Public Administration (Global Public Administration Major) 10
Total (6 universities) 80

4. ELIGIBILITY


○ Nationality

- All applicants must hold citizenship of NIIED designated countries that are invited to take part in the GKS program.

- Applicants’ parents (or legal guardians) must hold citizenship from another country other than Korea. If applicants or their parent hold dual citizenship (one who has both Korean citizenship and citizenship of another country), such applicant is NOT eligible to apply.

-Applicants and their parents who had previously held Korean citizenship must submit documentation issued by the Korean government that proves their renunciation of Korean citizenship.

-If an applicant’s citizenship is changed during the selection process, he or she will be excluded from the evaluation. (Not applicable to R&D and Global Network program)

- For Overseas Korean applicants (Embassy Track) holding Japanese citizenship, if their parents hold „Permanent Residency Permit‟ within Japan while holding Korean citizenship, they are exceptionally eligible to apply.

-Applicants from all countries around the world can apply to R&D program, International Organization program.

○ Level of Education -

All applicants must have obtained the required degree (as specified below) or must be expected to graduate by July 31, 2025.

Program

Minimum Level of Education

Notes

Degree

Master’s

Bachelor‟s Degree

Doctoral

Master‟s Degree

Research

Post-Doctorate

Doctoral Degree

Exchange Professor

Master‟s Degree

Must be currently teaching at a university as a professor

Program for Education, Science, Culture, or International Cooperation Professionals

Master‟s Degree

Must be a professional in a field of Education, Science, Culture, or International Cooperation

※ Applicants who are expected to graduate by July 31, 2026 can also apply for the program with a certificate of expected graduation and grades for all completed semesters at the time of application. Such applicants must submit their official graduation certificate (or diploma) and final academic transcript to GKS Center, NIIED by July 31, 2026. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of your acceptance.

○ Grades

- Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of the entire curriculum from the previous degree program * must meet one of the conditions below;

*For example, previous degree for a doctoral degree program applicant is a master’s degree program

  • CGPA must be above 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5 or 3.23/5.0
  • Score percentile should be 80% or above on a 100-point scale or be ranked within the top 20% within one's class.

*Applicants must submit an academic transcript with CGPA or ranking information.

* If a transcript does not provide CGPA in any one of the accepted GPA scales (4.0, 4.3, 4.5, 5.0 or 100 point scale), then the applicant must submit a transcript converted into one of the above GPA scales as a supplementary document.

*Applicants who are expected to graduate must submit their grades for all completed semesters at the time of application

○ Age

- Must be under 40 years of age (born after September 1, 1986)

- Academic professors in one of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipients* who are under 45 years of age (born after September 1, 1981) are eligible to apply.

* DAC List of ODA Recipients on 2025 flows (www.oecd.org)

○ Language ability 

- Applicants who are expected to complete the IRTS Korean language program by August 2026 are eligible to apply if they have achieved a TOPIK, TOPIK IBT Level 3 or higher.
※ Accepted certificates include TOPIK results from the 93rd to the 105th exams and TOPIK IBT results from the 1st to the 12th exams. (Applicants who have not yet obtained a valid TOPIK certificate at the time of application may still apply.)

○ Health

- All applicants must be in good health, both mentally and physically, to study in Korea for the full duration of the program.

Restriction

A person who has graduated (or is expected to graduate) from a Korean high school (including international schools in Korea) or a Korean university* is NOT eligible to apply
* In accordance with Article 29 of the Higher Education Act, both undergraduate and graduate programs are included.
  • A person who has graduated from an online curriculum from a Korean high school or a Korean university cannot apply
  • A person who is currently in his/her final year at a Korean university cannot apply
A person who has previously received a scholarship from the Korean government is NOT eligible to apply
  • A person who had previously enrolled at a degree program through a Korean government sponsored scholarship program other than the NIIED administered scholarship program cannot apply
three years who have withdrawn from the program or was disqualified from the program prior to enrollment cannot apply
Duplicate Submission
14
  • Embassy track candidates (including reserve candidates) who passed the first round of selection cannot apply again through a university track
  • Embassy track applicants must apply to only ONE program among General, and Overseas Korean/ Adoptee program
  • University track applicants must apply to only ONE program among General, R-GKS, Research, R&D or Global Network program

    * However, applicants recommended by International Organization may apply to only one program among General, R-GKS, Research, R&D, or Global Network under the University track, excluding the research program
  • University track applicants (including applicants recommended by the International Organization) must apply to ONE university and ONE department
Duplicate submissions are not permitted and will be excluded from the evaluation. If identified at any stage of the selection process, the scholarship will be revoked.

◈ Application Method

(Embassy Track) Online application through the Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr)
* After registering membership on the website, proceed with the application process by filling out the required fields and uploading the necessary documents

○(University Track) In person or by post only (unchanged from the previous year)

- (Embassy and University Tracks) If a university requires additional documents (e.g., portfolio), applicants must submit those materials directly to the university

< Applicants must check additional restrictions or eligibility set by each university >

- Please check if there is any additional eligibility set by each university/department

- All GKS scholars should achieve TOPIK level 3 to proceed to their degree program. However, some department of degree universities may have additional requirements (e.g., TOPIK level 4) for enrollment. Please be mindful about these requirements set by each university/department. If you do not meet these requirements and fail to enroll in the university, your scholarship will be cancelled.

- Please check the enrollment period set by each degree university/department

-Scholars whose Korean language program is delayed (e.g., return after a leave of absence) must check if their degree program is only available to start at a certain period of time. For example, if a specific department or major only allows students to start their first semester in September, relevant scholars may not be able to enroll in the degree program in March.

5. DOCUMENTS TO SUBMIT

List of Documents to Submit

Embassy Track

[Master's = Mas., Doctoral = Doc./ Required = Req., Optional = Opt.]
Type No. Application Documents Mas. Doc. Online application 1st round successful candidates
Documents to complete (Required) 1 (Form 1) Application Form Req. Req. Fill out on system Print the form and have a signature
2 (Form 2) Personal Statement Req. Req.
3 (Form 3) Study Plan Req. Req.
4 (Form 4) Research Proposal
- only applicable for research program applicants
N/A N/A
5 (Form 5) ONE Letter of Recommendation Req. Req. Upload scanned file Original document
6 (Form 6) Letter of Invitation (issued by the research program university) N/A N/A
7 (Form 7) Korean Language Program Exemption Application
only applicable for current academic professor applicants
Opt. Opt. Fill out on system Print the form and have a signature
8 (Form 8) GKS Applicant Agreement Req. Req.
9 (Form 9) Personal Medical Assessment Req. Req.
10 (Form 10) Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information Req. Req.
Certificates (Required)

Must be Apostilled or Consular confirmed
11 Applicant's/Parent(s)' Proof of Citizenship and family relationship Document Req. Req. Upload scanned file Original document
12 Bachelor's Graduation Certificate (or Diploma) Req. Req.
12' Bachelor's Degree Transcript Req. Req.
13 Master's Graduation Certificate (or Diploma) N/A Req.
13' Master's Degree Transcript N/A Req.
14 Doctoral Graduation Certificate (or Diploma) - only applicable for postdoctoral research program applicants N/A
14' Doctoral Degree Transcript - only applicable for postdoctoral research program applicants N/A
15 Certificate of Employment - only applicable for professional under research program N/A
16* Proof of Overseas Korean Document/Proof of Korean Adoptee Document Opt. Opt.
17* Proof of Korean Citizenship Renunciation Document - applicant and his/her parent(s) Opt. Opt. Upload scanned file Original document
18* Proof of Korean War Veteran's Descendant Opt. Opt.
19* Certificate of Employment or certificate of Experience (e.g., faculty member of the International Organization partner university) Opt. Opt.
Other documents (Optional) 20 Score report of valid TOPIK/TOPIK IBT (Original) or English Proficiency Test (copy) Opt. Opt. Fill out on system and upload scanned file - TOPIK: Original
- English Test: Copy
21 Awards and other certificates, etc. (copy) Opt. Opt. Upload scanned file Copy
22 Applicant's Passport (copy) Opt. Opt. Upload scanned file Copy

List of Documents to Submit

University Track

Type No. Application Documents Master's Doctoral Research
Documents to complete (Required) 1 (Form 1) Application Form Required Required Required
2 (Form 2) Personal Statement Required Required Required
3 (Form 3) Study Plan Required Required N/A
4 (Form 4) Research Proposal
- only applicable for research program applicants
N/A N/A Required
5 (Form 5) ONE Letter of Recommendation Required Required Required
6 (Form 6) Letter of Invitation (issued by the research program university) N/A N/A Required
7 (Form 7) Korean Language Program Exemption Application
- only applicable for current academic professor applicants
Optional Optional N/A
8 (Form 8) GKS Applicant Agreement Required Required Required
9 (Form 9) Personal Medical Assessment Required Required Required
10 (Form 10) Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information Required Required Required
Certificates (Required)

Must be Apostilled or Consular confirmed

*Required for relevant applicants
11 Applicant's/Parent(s)' Proof of Citizenship and family relationship Document Required Required Required
12 Bachelor's Graduation Certificate (or Diploma) Required Required Required
12' Bachelor's Degree Transcript Required Required Required
13 Master's Graduation Certificate (or Diploma) N/A Required Required
13' Master's Degree Transcript N/A Required Required
14 Doctoral Graduation Certificate (or Diploma)
- only applicable for postdoctoral research program applicants
N/A N/A Required
14' Doctoral Degree Transcript
- only applicable for postdoctoral research program applicants
N/A N/A Required
15 Certificate of Employment
- only applicable for professional under research program
N/A N/A Required
16* Proof of Overseas Korean Document/Proof of Korean Adoptee Document Optional Optional Optional
17* Proof of Korean Citizenship Renunciation Document
- applicant and his/her parent(s)
Optional Optional Optional
18* Proof of Korean War Veteran's Descendant Optional Optional Optional
19* Certificate of Employment or certificate of Experience
(e.g., faculty members of the International Organization partner university)
Optional Optional N/A
Other documents (Optional) 20 Score report of valid TOPIK/TOPIK IBT (Original) or English Proficiency Test (copy) Optional Optional Optional
21 Awards and other certificates, etc. (copy) Optional Optional Optional
22 Applicant's Passport (copy) Optional Optional Optional

Documentation Requirements

Documents to be submitted by Evaluation Stage

Embassy Track
  • Documents to complete: GKS Applicant Agreement, Application form, Personal Statement, Study Plan, Personal Medical Assessment, Recommendation letter* * Recommendation letter (Download the FORM 5. from the system)
  • Required certificates: Graduation (or expected to graduate) certificate, academic transcript, proof of citizenship, proof of Overseas Korean document, etc.
< Application documents for the FIRST round of selection (Embassy) >
Documents to complete & Required certificates
  • Submission requirements: Documents uploaded to [N1]the Study in Korea System
* Each embassy will determine whether or not to accept submitted documents. All application documents sent to NIIED for the second round of selection must meet the submission requirements for the second round of selection
  • Documents to complete: Applicants fill out on system
* For the recommendation letter, applicants may download Form 5 from the system or use Form 5 included in the application form file attached along with the application guidelines.
The recommendation letter must be completed and signed by the recommender. Applicants must upload a scanned copy of the signed recommendation letter to the system.
  • Required certificates: Applicants upload scanned files on system
< Application documents for the SECOND round of selection (NIIED) >
Documents to complete
  • Submission requirements: All forms must be filled in English or Korean with applicant's original handwritten signature
  • All completed documents printed from the system must be submitted with signatures in all designated signature fields.
  • The original letter of recommendation must be submitted.
  • Number of documents to submit: ONE set of original documents
* No need to be apostilled or consular confirmed.

Documentation Requirements

Documents to be submitted by Evaluation Stage

Embassy Track
  • Documents to complete: GKS Applicant Agreement, Application form, Personal Statement, Study Plan, Personal Medical Assessment, Recommendation letter* * Recommendation letter (Download the FORM 5. from the system)
  • Required certificates: Graduation (or expected to graduate) certificate, academic transcript, proof of citizenship, proof of Overseas Korean document, etc.
< Application documents for the FIRST round of selection (Embassy) >
Documents to complete & Required certificates
  • Submission requirements: Documents uploaded to [N1]the Study in Korea System
* Each embassy will determine whether or not to accept submitted documents. All application documents sent to NIIED for the second round of selection must meet the submission requirements for the second round of selection
  • Documents to complete: Applicants fill out on system
* For the recommendation letter, applicants may download Form 5 from the system or use Form 5 included in the application form file attached along with the application guidelines.
The recommendation letter must be completed and signed by the recommender. Applicants must upload a scanned copy of the signed recommendation letter to the system.
  • Required certificates: Applicants upload scanned files on system
< Application documents for the SECOND round of selection (NIIED) >
Documents to complete
  • Submission requirements: All forms must be filled in English or Korean with applicant's original handwritten signature
  • All completed documents printed from the system must be submitted with signatures in all designated signature fields.
  • The original letter of recommendation must be submitted.
  • Number of documents to submit: ONE set of original documents
* No need to be apostilled or consular confirmed. Required certificates
  • Submission requirements
  • Documents written in English or Korean: must be apostilled or consular confirmed
  • Documents written in other languages: documents written in a language other than English or Korean must be submitted together with a certified translation ➁obtain apostille or consular confirmation on either original document or certified translation
* If your country belongs to one of the member countries for the Apostille Convention, submit your 'required certificates' with apostille.
  • Number of documents to submit: ONE set of apostilled/consular confirmed documents
University Track
< Application documents for the FIRST round of selection (University) >
Documents to complete* and Required certificates**
  • Submission requirements: set by each university (e.g., whether they accept photocopies, electronic files, documents without certified translation for the first round of selection)
  • Number of documents to submit: set by each university
* Documents to complete: Application form, Personal Statement, Study Plan, Research Proposal, Letter of Recommendation, Letter of Invitation, Applicant Agreement, Personal Medical Assessment, Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information (Form 1~10)

** Required certificates: Graduation certificate, academic transcript, proof of citizenship, proof of overseas Korean, etc.
All application documents sent to NIIED for the second round of selection must meet the submission requirements for the second round described in the following box
< Application documents for the SECOND round of selection (NIIED) >
Documents to complete
  • Submission requirements: All forms must be filled in English or Korean with applicant's original handwritten signature * No need to be apostilled or consular confirmed.
  • Number of documents to submit: ONE set of original documents
Required certificates
  • Submission requirements
  • Documents written in English or Korean: must be apostilled or consular confirmed
  • Documents written in other languages: ①documents written in a language other than English or Korean must be submitted together with a certified translation ②obtain apostille or consular confirmation on either original document or certified translation
※ If your country belongs to one of the member countries for the Apostille Convention, submit your 'required certificates' with apostille. (Exception) Verification of Documents for Applicants Recommended by UNHCR
- Proof of Citizenship and Family relationship: Refugee Card or Refugee Certificate issued by UNHCR, and identity verification documents for the applicant and their parents
- Graduation Certificate and Academic Transcript: Applicants who are unable to obtain an apostille or consular confirmation for the required documents, a letter of recommendation issued by UNHCR must be submitted
  • Number of documents to submit: ONE set of apostilled/consular confirmed documents
Application documents for the FIRST round of selection
All documents must be submitted in English or Korean
Each embassy/university may add or simplify documentation requirements at their own discretion
* Applicants should check with the embassy/university for detailed information on application submission
The letter of recommendation must be signed and sealed by one recommender who can evaluate the applicant's academic abilities. This letter must be submitted along with the required documents in the first round of selection (university)
However, embassy-track applicants must obtain a recommendation letter using Form 5 (downloaded from the system or from the application form file attached along with the application guidelines), have it completed and signed by the recommender, and then scan and upload it to the system for submission.
* Examples of recommenders include a supervising professor, department head, or specialist in the applicant's field of study. However, applicants recommended by International Organizations must obtain a letter of recommendation from the partner university affiliated with the International Organization.
Successful candidates of the first round must meet the submission requirements for the second round
Application documents for the SECOND round of selection
If any of the required documents are not submitted or if any of the application forms are submitted without applicant's signature, his or her application documents may be excluded from evaluation
All application materials submitted to NIIED will NOT BE RETURNED IN ANY CASE
If a university requires additional documents (e.g., portfolio), applicants must submit those materials directly to the university

◈Requirements for each submitted document

Documents to Submit

Submission Requirement

Proof of Citizenship and Family relationship

- Official certificates such as birth certificate or family register issued by a government that proves family relationship between an applicant and his/her parents and ‚ their citizenship

- If one cannot submit necessary documents due to an absence of their parent(s) – e.g., divorced or deceased – please provide additional documents (e.g., divorce certificate or death certificate) that explains the reason for not submitting their proof of citizenship

※ Chinese applicants can submit a household register or a certificate of kinship. Consular confirmation is required. If the document is written in Chinese, submit a certified translation as well

- If applicants’ or their parents’ citizenship information is not indicated in the above documents, then submit valid passport copies (do not need to be apostilled or consular confirmed) as supplementary documents

- Ethnic group, birth place, or current residency in the submitted documents are not accepted as a citizenship information

- If passport is not available, please submit other government issued document (need to be apostilled or consular confirmed) or a copy of an ID card that clearly indicates citizenship information (does not need to be apostilled or consular confirmed) as supplementary document

※ If supplementary documents submitted in addition to a birth certificate or a family register are not reliable, such application may be put at a disadvantage during evaluation

Certificate of Graduation

- Submit a graduation certificate, degree certificate or a diploma that indicates the date of graduation (or degree acquisition date).

- Applicants who are expected to graduate by July 31st, 2025 can also apply for the program with a certificate of expected graduation including a date of graduation. Such applicants must submit their official graduation certificate (or diploma) and final academic transcript to GKS Center, NIIED by July 31st, 2025. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of your acceptance. (A certificate of attendance is not valid as proof of graduation.)

- Must submit a certificate officially issued by the university of previous degree program (latest degree certificate is mandatory and others are optional)

- Temporary certificates (such as temporary graduation certificates, completion certificates, graduation examination records, or passing certificates) are not considered valid or accepted as official documents.

※ Applicants who graduated from a university in China must submit an English copy of the degree certification report issued by CHIS (www.chsi.com.cn) and an official graduation certificate or degree certificate (Chinese documents must be translated and notarized and submitted with an apostille.)

Documents to Submit

Submission Requirement

Academic Transcript

- Submit an academic transcript officially issued by the graduated university

- Applicants who are expected to graduate by July 31, 2026must submit a transcript that includes all semester grades up to the time of application. In addition, they must submit their final academic transcript to the GKS Center, NIIED, by July 31, 2026, after acceptance. The final transcript must be apostilled or consular-confirmed. Failure to submit the final transcript by the required deadline will result in the cancellation of your acceptance.

- If the CGPA is not indicated in one of the acknowledged GPA scales (4.0, 4.3, 4.5, 5.0 or 100 point scale), submit a transcript converted into one of the above GPA scales as a supplementary document

- A converted transcript is only valid when the relevant university officially confirmed the document (this supplementary document does not need to be apostilled or consular confirmed, but should be submitted in an original document with university’s authentication)

- A transcript converted with a conversion tool such as scholaro.com or wes.org is only acceptable when the relevant university officially confirms the document (does not need to be apostilled or consular confirmed, but should be authenticated by the university)

※ Application without converted transcript may be put at a disadvantage during evaluation

- Transcript indicated with a CGPA for the entire academic curriculum will be accepted even if it does not have GPA per semester/year

- In such case, please put CGPA only and leave the GPA section empty in the application form

※ Academic transcript without a CGPA or without ranking information may be put at a disadvantage during evaluation

-If a transcript of a transferred student that does not include the grades of the previous semester(s), submit an academic record of the previous university as a supplementary document (need to be apostilled or consular confirmed)

Proof of Overseas Korean or Adoptee

- Submit supporting documents such as family register or birth certificate that proves family relationship between an applicant and his/her lineal ascendant

Proof of Korean Citizenship Renunciation

- Submit supporting document issued by the Korean government that indicates details on the definite loss of Korean citizenship and its date. An application or a receipt for renunciation of Korean citizenship is not accepted

Proof of Korean War Veteran’s Descendant

- Certificate that are officially issued by the government that certifies the lineal ascendant of an applicant was a veteran who participated in the Korean War as a foreign military

- Submit supporting documents such as family register or birth certificate that proves family relationship between an applicant and his/her lineal ascendant

Documents to Submit

Submission Requirement

Score Report of Korean or English Proficiency Test

- Submit if necessary (optional)

- Korean: TOPIK

-TOPIK certificates from the 93rd to the 105th and TOPIK IBT certificate from 1st to 6th exam will be recognized as valid certificates

-Submit an original printed copy of TOPIK score report from the official website (topik.go.kr)

- English: TOEFL, IELTS (the expiration date of the certificate must be February 28, 2025 or later) 

-Submit an original printed copy of the test score report from the official website

Other Materials

- Submit if necessary (optional)

- Submit materials such as an award that can prove the applicant’s activities described in the personal statement and study plan. Submit in photocopied documents. (Do not need to be apostilled or consular confirmed)

Passport Copy

- Submit if necessary (optional)

- Submit a passport copy as a supplementary document if the proof of citizenship (family register, birth certificate, etc.) does not clearly indicate citizenship information.

Letter of Recommendation: - - The recommendation should preferably be issued by [N2]professors, department heads, or other relevant individuals at the applicant's university.

(The recommendation letter should be dated within one year of the application deadline.)

- Applicants recommended by the International Organization program (ADB, WB) must submit a recommendation letter from a partner university affiliated with the International Organization * In the case of refugee applicants, a letter of recommendation must be issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

< Items to Note on Apostille (or Consular Confirmation) >

-Required Certificates (refer to ‘List of Documents to Submit’ section) must be apostilled (or consular confirmed)

-If your document is unable to be re-issued, please keep the original and obtain an apostille (or consular confirmation) on a notarized copy

-Simple photocopies or notarized copies of the apostilled (or consular confirmed) documents are NOT accepted. However, a certified true copy (등본 인증) issued by a Korean embassy or a certified true copy issued by a government agency that initially issued the original apostille document are accepted

※ If the document cannot be apostilled or consular confirmed (e.g., because the type of document is not subject to apostille), applicants must obtain a certified true copy (등본 인증) from the apostille issuing government authority or from the Korean embassy on a notarized copy. If the authenticity of the submitted document is unclear, such application may be put at a disadvantage during evaluation

-If an applicant graduated from a third country, he or she may obtain a consular confirmation from the embassy of the relevant country on the graduation certificate and academic transcript

-Required certificates that are issued in digital format must also be apostilled (or consular confirmed)

-If there is an expiration date on an apostilled or consular confirmed document, the validity of the document will be judged based on the date indicated on the authentication. If there is no specific date indicated, the document will be accepted if it was submitted within 2 years from the date of authentication

< Items to Note on Apostille (or Consular Confirmation) >

 Required Certificates (refer to ‘List of Documents to Submit’ section) must be postilled (or consular confirmed)

 If your document is unable to be re-issued, please keep the original and obtain an apostille (or consular confirmation) on a notarized copy

 Simple photocopies or notarized copies of the apostilled (or consular confirmed) documents are NOT accepted. However, a certified true copy (등본 인증) issued by a Korean embassy or a government agency that initially issued the original apostille document are accepted

* If the document cannot be apostilled or consular confirmed (e.g., because the type of document is not subject to apostille), applicants must obtain a certified true copy (등본 인증) from the apostille issuing government authority or from the Korean embassy on a notarized copy. If the authenticity of the submitted document is unclear, such application may be put at a disadvantage during evaluation

 If an applicant graduated from a third country, he or she may obtain a consular confirmation from the embassy of the relevant country on the graduation certificate and academic transcript

 Required certificates that are issued in digital format must also be apostilled (or consular confirmed)

 If there is an expiration date on an apostilled or consular confirmed document, the validity of the document will be judged based on the date indicated on the authentication. If there is no specific date indicated, the document will be accepted if it was submitted within 2 years from the date of authentication

6. SELECTION PROCEDURE AND SCHEDULE

Selection Procedure and Schedule

Selection Procedure

Embassy Track
1st Round of Selection (Embassy)
Recommend Candidates to NIIED (Embassy)
Application documents of recommended candidates arrive at NIIED
2nd Round of Selection (NIIED)
3rd Round of Selection (Embassy Track Candidates)
Final Announcement of GKS Scholars
University Track
1st Round of Selection (University)
Recommend Candidates to NIIED (University)
2nd Round of Selection (NIIED)
Final Announcement of GKS Scholars
Step 1. Embassy/University
Step 2. NIIED
Step 3. University
NIIED

Selection Schedule

Selection Timeline

Application Track 1st Round of Selection (Embassy, University) 2nd Round of Selection (NIIED) 3rd Round of Selection (University) Announcement of Final Successful Candidates (NIIED)
Application Submission Evaluation Document Submission Evaluation
Embassy Track Online Application deadline
(By February 25)
Result Announcement
(By March 16)
Arrive at NIIED
(By April 1)
Result Announcement
(By early May)
Result Announcement
(By June 5)
Final Announcement
(Expected by June 30, 2026)
University Track February ~ April Result Announcement
(By April)
Arrive at NIIED
(By May 1)
Result Announcement
(By early June)
-

○ The University Track schedule has been adjusted to allow unsuccessful first-round Embassy Track applicants to apply again

Selection Timeline with important dates and deadlines

Announcement of
Application Guidelines
(NIIED)
▶ Application Guidelines announced on "Study in Korea" website
(www.studyinkorea.go.kr > Plan your studies > Scholarships > GKS Notice)
Announcement of
1st Round Selection Schedule
(Embassies, Universities)
▶ Announced by each Korean embassy/university
* (Embassy Track) Online application starts on Thursday, February 12, from the Study in Korea website
Application Submission
(Embassies, Universities)
▶ Embassy track: 11am, Thu, February 12 ~ 6pm, Wed, February 25
* All times are based on Korean Standard Time (KST)
▶ University track: Application deadlines are set by each university
▶ Please check the university website
1st Round of Selection
(Embassies, Universities)
Result Announcement of the first round of selection.
▶ Embassy: Check results via "My Page" on Study in Korea on Tuesday, March 17 (KST)
▶ University: set by each university
Recommend Successful
Candidates to NIIED
(Embassies, Universities → NIIED)
Successful candidates' applications and related documents arrive at NIIED
▶ Embassy Track: by April 1
▶ University Track: by May 1
2nd Round of Selection
(NIIED)
Announcement of successful candidates of the 2nd round
(www.studyinkorea.go.kr > Plan your studies > Scholarships > GKS Notice)
▶ Embassy Track: early May
▶ University Track: early June
3rd Round of Selection
(Universities)
Embassy Track applicants who pass the 2nd round of selection will be reviewed by three universities which they initially applied to
▶ Result Announcement: by June 6 (KST)
- Check results via My Page on the Study in Korea website
Notify Applicant's
Choice of University
(Successful Candidates → NIIED)
Embassy Track applicants who pass the 3rd round selection should notify their final choice of university to NIIED
▶ Notification deadline: by 6pm on Friday, June 12 (KST)
▶ Method: Successful candidates must log in to the Study in Korea website to submit their final university choice
Announcement of
2026 GKS-G Scholars
(NIIED)
The final successful candidates will be announced
(www.studyinkorea.go.kr > Plan your studies > Scholarships > GKS Notice)
▶ Expected announcement date: late June
▶ NIIED informs the final result to Embassies and Universities through official documents

7. APPLICATION AND EVALUATION

◈ Application Period

- Please check the website of each embassy/university

※ Applicants who did not pass the first round of embassy track * may apply to a university track**

** Such applicants must check if they can meet the application deadline at the desired university

* Successful candidates (including reserve candidate) of the embassy track cannot reapply to a university track.

◈ Items to Note when filling out the Application Form

[Both Embassy Track and University Track]

- Applicants must put the official name of the university/department they are applying to ※ Applicants can only apply among the universities and departments listed in the “University Information” file. If an incorrect department is written on an application, such application may be disqualified in the evaluation

- Applicant’s English name MUST match the name on their passport

※ Any discrepancy in applicant’s name (family, given, middle name) will cause a delay in visa processing

- Applicants must check the completeness and authenticity of all application documents

- Application documents must be submitted in the order of the “Application Checklist.” which itself should be the front cover of each set of application documents. Please number and label each document on the top right corner

(e.g.)

                                                          11. Bachelor’s Graduation Certificate (Consular confirmed)

- All documents should be submitted as a A4 sized (or letter sized) documents ※ If a document is smaller than A4 sized (or letter sized) document, attach it on a blank A4 sized paper.

If a document is larger than a A4 size document, fold the document into a A4 size


[Embassy Track]

- Embassy track applicants must check the following when filling in desired universities

*Applicants can choose up to THREE different universities

※ Applicants cannot choose three different departments from a single university

*Of the chosen universities, at least one university must be from Type B universities

※ If applicants fill out a Type A university in a Type B section, their application may be excluded from evaluation

- Please be reminded that if applicants choose all three universities among highly competitive universities, even if they pass the second round of selection, some can fail* from all three universities in their final round of selection

* 2019(39), 2020(52), 2021(53), 2022(57), 2023(52), 2024(86 candidates)

[University Track]

- University track applicants should list ONE university on their application

■ Evaluation

◈ Main Points of Evaluation

- Review of Qualification: Selection committee will conduct document examination (citizenship, level of education, academic grades, etc.) and verify whether an applicant is qualified for the program

- Review of Competency: Selection committee will evaluate each applicant’s competency through document examination and oral interview*

* There is no oral interview in the second round of selection at NIIED

- Vacancies: In both embassy and university track, if vacancies occur in the second round of selection at NIIED due to insufficient number of recommended candidates or due to the candidate’s ineligibility, candidates from other countries may fill the vacancy

- Authenticity Check: If necessary, NIIED may inquire about the facts within the application materials to the relevant governments and universities

◈ Additional Points

- Applicants who hold a TOPIK level 3 or above will be given additional points (10% of the total allocated points)

- Direct descendants of Korean War veterans who participated in the Korean War as a foreign military will be given additional points (5% of the total allocated points)

- Applicants to science and engineering departments will be given additional points (5% of the total allocated points)

Test

Points

TOPIK

TOEFL iBT

IELTS

100%

Level 5, 6

-

-

90%

Level 4

114 and above

8.0 and above

80%

Level 3

95 and above

7.0 and above

70%

Level 2

72 and above

6.0 and above

60%

Level 1

42 and above

5.0 and above

* The total score is based on the language proficiency score distribution criteria used by each institution.

* If multiple score reports are submitted, only the highest score will be recognized. Only certificates valid as of February 28, 2026, are accepted.


◈ Evaluation Preference


- Overseas Koreans

- Applicants from low-income families or underprivileged background

- Applicants who applied for a natural science and engineering department in a Regional (Type B) university.

- Applicants who are current academic professors in a natural science and engineering department or in an ODA recipient country listed in APPENDIX B.

- Applicants who submit a high score of English proficiency test (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS)

- Postdoctoral Research Program applicant in a natural science and engineering department.

8. FINAL ANNOUNCEMENT

 ◈ Announcement of Final Successful Candidates


* Each university will notify Embassy Track applicants of by Friday, June 5.[N5] the 3rd round results individually.

* If a candidate disqualifies from all three universities in the third round of selection, he or she will be excluded from the final selection.

* Embassy Track applicants who pass the 3rd round selection should notify their final choice of university to NIIED via My Page on the Study in Korea website by 6pm, June 12, 2026 (KST).

* One cannot revise the university after the final decision is made

 *Among the successful candidates of the second round (university track) or the third round (embassy track), those who newly achieved TOPIK level 5 or 6 should send their TOPIK certificate to NIIED via email by 6pm, June 12, 2026.

 *NIIED will classify those who have obtained TOPIK level 5~6* as those who enter degree program. All other successful candidates will take the Korean language program

* TOPIK certificates from the 93rd to the 105th and TOPIK IBT certificate from the 1st and the 12th exam will be recognized as valid certificates

 *NIIED will notify the list of final successful candidates to embassies and universities and post the final announcement on the Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr) by late June

* Final results for Embassy Track applicants will be available on Study in Korea (My Page).

* Final Successful Candidates will receive invitation letters and guidance on entry from NIIED


■ Important Notes for Successful Candidates 

◈ Final Successful Candidates’ withdrawal

- If a final successful candidate wishes to withdraw from the program after the final announcement, he or she should submit a signed letter of scholarship renunciation (free form) to the embassy/university that conducted the first round of selection

- Once a scholarship is renounced, it cannot be reversed. Final Successful Candidates who renounce their scholarship before the enrollment cannot reapply for the GKS program for the next three years.

※ The repeated case of renunciation will cause a decrease in the number of country quota in the future

◈Graduation Certificate

- Applicants who are expected to graduate by July 31st, 2026 can also apply for the program with a certificate of expected graduation. Such applicants must submit their official graduation certificate (or diploma) and final academic transcript to GKS Center, NIIED by July 31st, 2026. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of your acceptance. Please send hard copies to NIIED to the address below:

GKS Center (Selection Dept. of 2025 GKS-G) 191 Jeongjail-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13557, Rep. of Korea

※ Selected GKS scholars should prepare multiple copies of apostilled or consular confirmed graduation certificate before their entry to Korea. Scholars need to submit their authenticated certificate to the degree university (for an issuance of Standard Admission Letter), to the embassy (for visa issuance), and to the Korean immigration office (for a renewal or an update of their status of residence in Korea)

- GKS scholars who wish to proceed to their degree program after the Korean language program may need to return to their home country for a certificate reissuance if the required documents are not prepared in advance.

- All application materials submitted to NIIED will NOT BE RETURNED IN ANY CASE.

(Application documents must be archived at NIIED for a minimum of 5 years)

Final Successful Candidates residing in Korea

- Final successful candidates who have Korean residence visa (D-4, D-2, etc.) may not be able to receive a new visa for their Korean language program or degree program in Korea*

* To avoid any visa related issues, after the final announcement, final successful candidates who are residing in Korea should contact the Immigration office immediately to inquire about a new visa. Your inquiry should entail the necessary procedure and required documents in obtaining a new visa

- Entry airfare will NOT be provided to newly selected scholars who are residing in Korea at the time of the final announcement

Check applicable Laws and Regulations

- Final successful candidates must fully familiarize themselves with immigration and residency laws, academic regulations of NIIED and each academic institution

Academic regulations of each University

Refer to university website

Visa and Immigration

www.immigration.go.kr

www.hikorea.go.kr

◈ Entry Support to Korea

- Each university will purchase economy class one-way flight tickets on behalf of the selected scholars

- If a scholar purchases the flight ticket due to unavoidable circumstances, the airfare will be reimbursed by the university after entering Korea

- On applicants’ initial arrival to Korea, any domestic travel fees within a GKS scholar’s home country

- Entry airfare or visa application support will NOT be provided to scholars who enter Korea from a country other than the scholar’s own country of citizenship

- The round trip airfare will not be provided to GKS scholars selected in China and Czech Republic in accordance with the agreement made between Korean government and the governments of two countries

9. SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

■ Scholarship Period ◈ Master’s Degree Program: 3 years

- 1 year of Korean language program + 2 years of degree program

◈Doctoral Degree Program: 4 years

- 1 year of Korean language program + 3 years of degree program

Research Program: 6 months or 1 year

◈ Global Network Program: within 2 years

- Master‟s degree program within 2 years

◈ Important Notes regarding Scholarship Period

- Research program scholars and scholars who obtained TOPIK level 5 or 6 will be exempt from a Korean language program

- Those who receive TOPIK level 5 or 6 within the first 6 months of the Korean language program will be exempt from the remaining 6-month language program and must start their degree program in the following semester (March 2025)

■ Scholarship Benefits

Scholarship

Airfare

Tuition

Korean Language Training Fee

Study Incentive

Recipient

All GKS Scholars

GKS Scholars in Degree Program

GKS Scholars in Korean language Program

All GKS Scholars

Benefits

Economy class flight ticket (actual expense)

NIIED: up to 5 million KRW

University: amount that exceeds 5 million KRW, Admission fee

5.2 million KRW (four quarters)

Korean language program: 14,400,000 KRW per year

Graduate Degree program: 16,560,000 KRW per year

Research Program: 20,880,000 KRW per year

※ GKS Scholars who will be initially exempted from the Korean language program with TOPIK level 5 or 6 will be given Korean Proficiency Grants. However, this does not apply to GKS scholars in the Global Network Program, Research Program, current academic professors enrolled in a 100% English-taught program, or IRTS Korean Language Program scholars who achieve TOPIK/TOPIK IBT Level 3 or higher

◈ Important Notes regarding Scholarship Benefits

- If a GKS scholar withdraws from the scholarship within the first 3 months after the enrollment to their university, one MUST return the full scholarship amount that he or she has received after being selected as a GKS scholar (entry airfare, settlement allowance, monthly allowance, tuition, etc.)

- Even if 3 months have passed since entering Korea, if the scholarship status changes, part of the already paid scholarship can be refunded or can be deducted from the next payment

- Korean Language Training Fee and Korean Proficiency Grants are not provided to GKS scholars in Research program

- Korean Language Training Fee is not provided to GKS scholars in Global Network program

- Korean language training fee are not provided to current academic professors who apply for an exemption from Korean language training in a 100% English-taught program

OTHER NOTES 

◈Applicants are responsible for any disadvantages caused by errors in the application or submitted documents, including mistakes in completing the application form or missing required documents.

◈ The reasons for passing or failing at each stage of the screening process will not be disclosed.

◈ The student is solely responsible for any visa rejection. If the visa is not issued within the designated entry period, the acceptance may be canceled.

◈ Announcements for each selection round will be posted on the GKS Notice board of the Study in Korea website and will not be communicated individually to applicants.

- However, recommending organizations (embassies or universities), NIIED, or other relevant parties may contact applicants directly for confirmation or guidance. Therefore, please check your email regularly.

Learning Korean

www.sejonghakdang.org

Korean Portal

www.korea.net

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

www.mofa.go.kr

Visa and Immigration

www.immigration.go.kr , www.hikorea.go.kr

Higher Education in Korea

www.academyinfo.go.kr


Check the guidelines carefully for further information such as the eligibility requirements, required documents and directions to submit the application.

The deadline will be decided by each office that accepts the application documents, i.e. the Korean Embassies or selected universities. Please make sure to check their separate announcement for the deadlines.

Wish you all the best!

      • Hello my name is joseph and I come from ivory coast, i would like to get a maximun information about NIIED scolarship and i’m very interested about that opportunity to study in South korea.
        actually i study in India and will get my final result of my bachelor in 1 month and i would like to applied for my master degree for the period February 2018,but it a distance bacelore that why i would like to know if it is possible for me to applied for NIIED scholarship

  • hi!
    first of all , i’m not a new bachelor .. i mean i have started my studies here in my country last year but i really wonder if i could continue studying in korea because this was my dream since i was too young and i guess my education qualifies me to do so since i study english as a future teacher
    so please can you tell me if i have the chance to realize my dream or at least . have i another way to be there soon

    thank you

  • hi my name is seemab and i have done bs (hons) in political science. can i apply for ms political science??? its my dream to study here . plz guide me to apply for this scholarship?? and also tell me the deadline for the scholarship??

  • Hello, I wanted to ask, if is it possible or not to apply for the KGSP scholarship and for example some other scholarship but in the USA or the UK at the same time? Or I can apply for only this scolarship? I do know that I can’t apply for other scholarships in Korea, but I haven’t found anything about other countries…

    • You can apply for as many scholarships as you want, in Korea or anywhere else. It’s just that you can’t avail more than one scholarships at the same time. So if you get selected for two or 3 scholarships, you will have to choose one.

  • Hello, I wanted to ask if I can send my application to the embassy as PDF Or should I printed it and delivered it to the embassy?

  • Hello. It is really very good chance for us to study in South Korea. And, I also want to apply for this scholarship. I have a bachelor’s diploma in English teaching. But I don’t have IELTS degree. Can I apply for this scholarship?

    • salom Nafisa agar grant dasturida qatnashmoqchi bo`lsangiz koreys tilidan yoki ingliz tilidan til sertifikatingiz bo`lsa grantni qo`lga kiritishingiz ehtimoli yuqori bo`ladi. agar sizda bunday sertifikatlar bo`lmasa olgandan so`ng ariza topshirishingizni maslahat beraman. Chunki bu sertifikatlarsiz yutish ehimolingiz yo`q.

    • Dear sir,
      Am ready to apply for global korean scholarship for my wife. I have some doubts please resolve my doubts.
      1 -where do i submit the application ?
      Is it possible in chennai.
      2 -How is the last date of application ?
      3 -can i go with my wife for dependent visa ?(sent procedure )

      ashkerkps@gmail.com

  • I really really want to be granted this scholarship. Korean has always been a country I like among all the other countries I hope I can be accepted thanks.

  • How do you know why you weren’t selected at the first stage? For clarification sakes. I applied for GKS 2019 and I submitted all that was required as an embassy track applicant but I didn’t even make the first round of selection. How do I know where I’ve gone wrong because I carefully put together all the application and documents required and I met all the requirements. I’m so confused

  • Hi, I’m from Timor-Leste.

    I just want to know how I can apply for master degree in Communication and media, because right now I’m working in government at secretary estate for social communication. thank you for your response, my email jaldroaldo@yahoo.com

  • Hello
    I’m Janson KAMOLE from DRC. I’ve applied through the embassy track for the master’s program. I’ve been contacted for the interview in march 2019. Unfortunately I haven’t passed the interview up to now.
    Can I still rely on that

  • I’m confused about the GPA. I’m interested in the Graduate program. It is above 80% or 90%. My gpa is above 80% but not 90. Am I not allowed to apply?

  • I am in my final year, I won’t be having my results till June next year when I will apply for master’s for kgsp. What marks of mine would be considered?

  • is there any scholarships for those who are studying korean language as a major in one of the countries mentioned above ? i mean scholarships for studying korean language itself?

  • Hi. I am lao. I just finished my high school this year that’s why I want to apply this scholarship to study in korea.so how can I apply it and I hope you will advice me more ???????? thank you

  • Good day! I just found out about this scholarship today and I am very interested in applying for this, if it’s still possible that I can catch up? Could someone walk me through the process? I’ll leave my email down below. Thank you!

  • hola.
    para el siguiente año estoy interesada en estudiar en mi pais Mexico,
    voy a estudiar turismo.
    mi pregunta es.
    pues inscribirme ahora o puede ser despues de terminar la universidad en mi pais?
    y en que universidades puedo aplicar para estudiar una licenciatura ( turismo )

  • iam a Tanzanian Lady holder of BAED(Bachelor of Arts with Education and currently a high school teacher but interested and ready to purse the masters degree, but the stumbling block is finance, hence the need of scholarship. i need your guidance as iam ready to start early next year

  • Hello. When announced Korean government sholarship for Graduate students for 2020. Because semester will start soon. Please give me any inform about it.thanks

  • Hello, I am interested in applying for the 2020 KGSP, but, do not see the application yet for Graduate Students. I have a Bachelors in Economics & Policy (University of WA – USA) and currently am enrolled in one year Mandarin language study at Beijing Normal University (Beijing). Would like to pursue Korean language study and graduate school in Seoul. Would appreciate some advice. – Thanks Tristan Kular

  • Goodmorning dear NIIED team! I want to apply for the graduate scholarship, but I already have a diploma from Korean University (Soonchunhyang) and I did not participate in any KGSP programs before. Can I apply for graduate school even if I have a Korean diploma? If not is there any other possible way? Thank you for your prompt reply!

  • Hello. I have been working for two years and it is almost impossible for me to go back to my university to get academic references as I am in a different city at the moment. Can I use references written by my superiors?

  • My name is Michael Oppong mensah, a Ghanaian national who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Akan with Linguistics and so very much interested in the scholarship to pursue my masters degree program in the same field of Linguistics but i need clarification with respect to the scholarship offer to study in south korea and the brochure.

  • Hello, this is Amaha Neway from Korea’s grateful country, Ethiopia. I have a deep sentiment to Korea’s culture and technological transformation. There is strong attachment between Ethiopia and South Korea. I also feel Korea is my second home that is why I have decided to study my PhD in South Korea. My background is Sociology and Social Work and I have great interest to study Sociology.

  • Is the probability to get in higher when applying over the embassy?
    I am currently in Korea, so would apply directly over the university but if applying over the embassy gets me higher chances I might consider going back to apply.

  • I currently live in China but I am a Haitian citizen and there doesn’t seem to be a korean embassy or consulate in Haiti how can I apply then?

  • What is the difference between the University Track applicants and the Embassy Track applicants? Are you allowed to pursue a masters degree for both?

  • I am from Bangladesh. I want to apply. But, How can I apply? I don’t know what is the prosses of registration.
    Please, reply soon….

  • Which website provides information on the names of those that passed the document review process and qualified for the 1st round of selection?

  • Due to curfew in Delhi and lockdown in the entire country I have not been able to submit my offline application in MHRD

  • Olá eu mechamo Maria Eduarda eu amo eve site e eu quero muito esse bolsa na Coreia eu posso menscrever?
    Muito obrigado.

  • Will the KGSP Undergraduate Scholarship be available for Undergraduates In September 2020 despite the Coronavirus?.

  • Yo aún no termino la universidad
    Y quisiera estudiar la universidad ahí, entonces no podría aplicar para la beca?

  • hello i’m from Philippines and i’m very interested in this program. i just wanna ask what diploma should i use if ever i will apply in this program. the high school diploma or senior high school diploma?

  • To whom it may concern,

    I would like to know the date when the GKS 2021 application be open?

    Thank you,

    Vivian Alvarado

  • Hello, thanks for your sharing.
    I’m interested to apply for Master degree next year.
    Just want to confirm, under the application form, Research Proposal is not required. I just need to go through the normal application process with embassy and NIIED, without contacting any supervisor right?

  • Thank you for the well written post. I was wondering if we are eligible to apply to KGSP for Master’s if we already have another Master’s degree. Like, going to Korea for a second one.

    Would that somehow make my application look better or worse? Thank you in advance.

  • The Instruction said that,we can apply with hope certificate of our last semester result,but can we notarize our unfinished Transcript.I hope you will clarify this for me.Thank you(to whom ever it concerns)……@TOPIC GUIDE TEAM

  • Hello Sir. I and my parents have Cuban citizenship, but we are Guatemalan residents. Can I apply for a master’s scholarship program?
    Thanks.

  • hello,
    Concerning the grade, my university do not have grade average but they have already provide me an explanation of their system. Nevertheless, what should I put in the GPA section in the form 1?

  • Hello sir… there was written that your recently university semester but i m in my last year of high school and my result gonna come after this scholarship form so what should i fill there?

  • ¿como puedo enviar la solicitud es posible desdé Nicaragua como puedo aplicar? es posible solicitar una beca KGSP después de graduarse en una escuela secundaria

  • Am I eligible to apply for GKS if my parents hold dual citizenship (US/Korea) and I am a US citizen only? Thank you in advance.

  • Hello, I actually have a doubt or can say that I am confused. Is it possible for me to choose any university from type A to pursue master’s in CSE ( computer science and engineering ) through this scholarship program?

  • I am intereted to apply it. I have completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. Can I apply for any of these disciplines mentioned above?

  • Sir, i would like to know if i fails to get topik level 3 at the end of my language course, is it possible for me to conduct my degree program?

  • Q. I am expected to graduate from my degree program in March 2023. Am I eligible to
    apply for this program?
    A. No. Applicants must have obtained the previous degree or must have officially graduated from the degree program at the time of application and should be able to submit the official graduation (degree) certificate. The recognized date of degree acquisition (or the date of graduation) is February 28, 2023. Applicants who are expected to graduate after February 28, 2023 cannot apply for 2023 GKS-G program. This also applies to the current GKS scholars who are in their final semester.

    This is in new faqs, so does this mean the students in 7th semester and 8th semester are not eligible to apply for GSK G 2023?

  • Hello. I would like to ask about your 2023 GKS-G Available Departments(Korea University) file. For International Studies, the column “Univ track available program” is written as N/A, but on the remarks it is said to be “Only Embassy Track Available.” Can you explain about this further? Thank you.

  • Hello Topik Guide!

    If I got admitted to PhD in Korea thru GKS, while currently being enrolled in another PhD program in another country (not-Korea), will I be allowed to continue the first PhD while being a GKS scholar?

    In fact, I only have to write the final thesis and I don’t have to earn credits or attend classes. Plus, I’m not receiving any economic support from the university of my first PhD.

    Would that be permitted under GKS rules? Considering also the fact that I would have to go from 1 year of mandatory langiage school first.

  • Hello Sir/Ma’am,
    Could you please clear my doubt, is R-GKS means Regional university gks or program, can a candidate from natural science or engineering department could apply through R-GKS, is it valid for India? i will be very grateful if you could reply me.
    Thank you

  • Hello! I have a question that I have completed my bachelor degree from distance learning college. Am I eligible to apply for the scholarship?

  • hi sir,
    do you know where to find the per university’s student capacity? some universities shared that but i couldn’t find all of them.

  • Dear Mr or Mrs,
    I am a pupil who studies in Uzbekistan. I am interested in studying in South Korea. Can I take a GKS scholarship without IELTS or TOPIC?

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