Complete Guide to TOPIK - Self Study Package BX0121

The Only Guide You Need to Pass TOPIK Test

Best Self-Study Material to Prepare for TOPIK Test

Looking for GKS Graduate Scholarship Information? Check here - GKS KGSP Graduate 2022

Study in Korea NIIED KGSP Scholarship

NIIED has announced the application guidelines of the 2024 Korean Government Scholarship Program (Global Korea Scholarship) for Graduate Degrees.

In 2024, Korean Government’s Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program aims to invite international students who wish to purse undergraduate degrees in Korea.

[Embassy Track]
Korean government is inviting 86 international students for GKS Embassy Track.

* <Quota>
- General: 79 scholars
- Overseas Koreans: 7 scholars

To be selected as a GKS grantee, any applicant should successfully pass through the 1st selection process set by the Korean Embassy of his or her country of origin.


[University Track]
Korean government invites 176 international students.*

<Quota>
- Regional University: 86 scholars
- Associate Degree : 30 scholars
- UIC Program: 60 scholars


[Embassy Track & University Track]
Please contact the first ground of selection organizations (embassy or university) to get detailed information regarding the application submission such as application deadline, required documents, interview and etc. Application submission deadline may differ by each embassy or university that conducts the first round of selection.

FAQ will be additionally announced in the third week of September.

Looking for GKS KGSP Graduate Scholarship? Check – GKS KGSP Graduate 2024

Please check the links attached files at the end for the Application Form and University Information !!

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.

PROGRAMS AND TRACKS

◈ Degree Programs

Category

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Period

1 year of Korean language program + 2~3 years of degree program

1 year of Korean language program + 4~6 years of degree program

◈ Application Tracks

Quota

Embassy Track

University Track

Total

General

Overseas Koreans

Sub Total

UIC

Regional University

Associate Degree

Sub Total

79

7

86

60

30

30

176

262

UIC Program under University Track provides customized curriculum and field experience through industry university cooperation focused on the fields of natural science and engineering.

◈ Available Universities and Fields of Study

○ Available Fields of Study

- All fields of study offered by GKS participating universities.

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

- 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 > Scholarships > GKS Notice)

◈ Available Universities and Fields of Study (Divisions)

○ Available Field of Study

- Embassy Track

Program

Classifications

Available University

Quota

General & Overseas Koreans

Type A (24 institutions)

Ajou University, Chung-Ang University, Dongguk University (Seoul), Duksung Women's University, Ewha Womans University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Hanyang University (Seoul), Inha University, Konkuk University, Kookmin University, Korea University, Kyung Hee University, Seokyeong University, Seoul National University, SeoulTech (Seoul National University of Science and Technology), Shinhan University, Sogang University, Sookmyung Women's University, Sungkyunkwan University, Sungshin Women's University, Tech University of Korea, UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology), University of Seoul, Yonsei University

86 Scholars (Bachelor's Degree)

Type B (30 institutions)

Busan University of Foreign Studies, Chonnam National University, Chungbuk National University, Chungnam National University, Daegu University, Daejeon University, Dong-A University, Dongseo 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), Kyungpook National University, National Korea Maritime & Ocean University, Pai Chai University, Pukyong National University, Pusan National University, Semyung University, Silla University, Soonchunhyang University, Sun Moon University, Sunchon National University, Yeungnam University

※ 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 listed under Type B

- University Track

Program

Available Universities

Quota

UIC (10 institutions)

[Bachelor's Degree Program]

Ajou University, Konyang University, Kookmin University, KOREATECH (Korea University of Technology and Education), Pusan National University, Sogang University, Soonchunhyang University, Tech University of Korea

[Associate Degree Program]

Kyungbok University, Yeungjin University

51 scholars (Bachelor's) & 9 scholars (Associate)

Regional (30 institutions)

Busan University of Foreign Studies, Chonnam National University, Chungbuk National University, Chungnam National University, Daegu University, Daejeon University, Dong-A University, Dongseo 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), Kyungpook National University, National Korea Maritime & Ocean University, Pai Chai University, Pukyong National University, Pusan National University, Semyung

University, Silla University, Soonchunhyang University, Sun Moon University, Sunchon National University, Yeungnam University 49 scholars (Bachelor's)

86 scholars (Bachelor's)

Associate (3 institutions)

Kyungbok University, Osan University, Yeungjin University

30 scholars (Associate)


PROGRAM QUOTA

◈ Embassy Track

○ General: 79 scholars from 67 countries

○ Overseas Koreans: 7 scholars from 7 countries

No.

Country

General

Overseas Korean

Total

No.

Country & Region

General

Overseas Korean

Total

1

Afghanistan

1

0

1

35

Mexico

1

1

2

2

Angola

1

0

1

36

Mongolia

2

0

2

3

Azerbaijan

1

0

1

37

Morocco

1

0

1

4

Bangladesh

1

0

1

38

Mozambique

1

0

1

5

Bhutan

1

0

1

39

Myanmar

1

0

1

6

Bolivia

1

0

1

40

Nepal

1

0

1

7

Brazil

1

0

1

41

Nigeria

1

0

1

8

Brunei

1

0

1

42

Pakistan

1

0

1

9

Bulgaria

1

0

1

43

Panama

1

0

1

10

Cambodia

1

0

1

44

Paraguay

1

0

1

11

Canada

1

0

1

45

Peru

1

0

1

12

Chile

1

0

1

46

Philippines

1

0

1

13

Colombia

2

0

2

47

Poland

1

0

1

14

Dominican Republic

1

0

1

48

Russia

1

1

2

15

DR Congo

1

0

1

49

Rwanda

1

0

1

16

Ecuador

1

0

1

50

Singapore

1

0

1

17

Egypt

1

0

1

51

Sri Lanka

1

0

1

18

El Salvador

1

0

1

52

Sudan

1

0

1

19

Equatorial Guinea

1

0

1

53

Sweden

1

0

1

20

Ethiopia

1

0

1

54

Tajikistan

1

0

1

21

Fiji

1

0

1

55

Tanzania

1

0

1

22

Gabon

1

0

1

56

Thailand

1

0

1

23

Ghana

1

0

1

57

Timor-Leste

1

0

1

24

Guatemala

1

0

1

58

Trinidad and Tobago

1

0

1

25

India

2

0

2

59

Turkey

1

0

1

26

Indonesia

2

0

2

60

Turkmenistan

1

1

2

27

Iran

1

0

1

61

Uganda

1

0

1

28

Japan

1

0

1

62

Ukraine

1

1

2

29

Jordan

1

0

1

63

Uruguay

1

0

1

30

Kazakhstan

1

1

2

64

Uzbekistan

1

1

2

31

Kenya

1

0

1

65

Venezuela*

1

0

1

32

Kyrgyzstan

1

1

2

66

Vietnam

4

0

4

33

Laos

1

0

1

67

Yemen

1

0

1

34

Malaysia

1

0

1

Total

79

7

86

* Korean embassy in Venezuela may select an applicant from Guyana or Suriname based on local circumstances.

 ※ 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.


◈ University Track

○ University Industry Cooperation (UIC) Program: 60 scholars 

 ※ UIC Program is open to all countries around the world  

Category

University

Department

Quota

Bachelor's Degree

(8 Universities)

Ajou University

Software Engineering

10

Konyang University

Department of Cyber Security

6

Department of Medical Artificial Intelligent

Kookmin University

School of Software

School of Software

7

School of Artificial Intelligence

Tech University of Korea

Department of Mechatronics Engineering

6

Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH)

School of Mechanical Engineering

6

School of Computer Science and Engineering

Pusan National University

Mechanical Engineering

6

Industrial Engineering

Computer Science and Engineering

Nanoenergy Engineering

Nanomechatronics Engineering

Optics and Mechatronics Engineering

Biological Sciences

Sogang University

Electronic Engineering

4

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Soonchunhyang University

AI and Big Data

6

Internet of Things

Medical IT Engineering

Information Security Engineering

Computer Software Engineering

Associate

Degree

(2 Universities)

Kyungbok University

Big Data

5

Yeungjin University

Computer Information

4

AI Convergence Mechanical Engineering

Total (10 Universities)

60


○ Regional Universities and Associate Degree Program: 64 scholars from 6 regions

○ Regional Universities Program: 86 scholars from 72 countries

No.

Country

Quota

No.

Country

Quota

1

Afghanistan

1

38

Moldova

1

2

Angola

1

39

Mongolia

2

3

Azerbaijan

1

40

Morocco

1

4

Armenia

1

41

Mozambique

1

5

Bangladesh

1

42

Myanmar

2

6

Bhutan

1

43

Nepal

1

7

Belarus

1

44

Nigeria

1

8

Bolivia

1

45

Panama

1

9

Brazil

1

46

Pakistan

2

10

Brunei

1

47

Panama

1

11

Bulgaria

1

48

Paraguay

1

12

Cambodia

2

49

Peru

1

13

Canada

1

50

Philippines

2

14

Chile

1

51

Poland

2

15

Colombia

1

52

Russia

1

16

Dominican Republic,

1

53

Rwanda

1

17

DR Congo

1

54

Senegal

1

18

Ecuador

1

55

Singapore

1

19

Egypt

1

56

Sri Lanka

1

20

El Salvador

1

57

Sudan

1

21

Equatorial Guinea

1

58

Sweden

1

22

Ethiopia

1

59

Tajikistan

2

23

Fiji

1

60

Tanzania

1

24

Gabon

1

61

Thailand

1

25

Georgia

1

62

Timor-Leste

1

26

Ghana

1

63

Trinidad and Tobago,

1

27

India

2

64

Turkey

1

28

Indonesia

2

65

Turkmenistan

1

29

Iran

2

66

Uganda

1

30

Japan

5

67

Ukraine

1

31

Jordan

1

68

Uruguay

1

32

Kazakhstan

1

69

Uzbekistan

1


33

Kenya

1

70

Venezuela

1

34

Kyrgyzstan

1

71

Vietnam

1

35

Laos

1

72

Yemen

1

36

Malaysia

1

Total

72 Countries

86


ELIGIBILITY

○ Nationality  

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

Ÿ

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.

Ÿ

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.

Ÿ

If an applicant‟s citizenship is changed during the selection process, he or she will be excluded from the evaluation. (Not applicable to UIC applicants).

 

○ Level of Education

Bachelor‟s degree program is for applicants who graduated (or are expected to graduate) from a high school or from an associate degree program Associate degree program is for applicants who graduated (or are expected to graduate) from a high school.

  • Applicants who have a Bachelor’s degree cannot apply. Applicants who have associate degree can only apply to a Bachelor’s program.
  • Applicants who are expected to graduate must first submit a certificate of expected graduation at the time of application. If such applicants pass the final round of selection, they must submit a graduation certificate (or a degree certificate) by December 31, 2023.
  • Japanese nationals who are projected to graduate by March 31, 2024, are eligible to apply for this opportunity. Please ensure that you provide a certificate of expected graduation wit h your application. If accepted, you must submit your final transcript and graduation certificate by March 31, 2024. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of your acceptance.
  • Applicants who submit their provisional graduation certificate will be considered as applicants who are expected to graduate.

○ Grades

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

1. Score percentile should be 80% or above on a 100-point scale or be ranked within the top 20% within one‟s class

2. CGPA must be equal to or above 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5 or 3.23/5.0

※ Previous degree program for Associate degree program applicants: high school program.

※ Previous degree program for Bachelor‟s degree program applicants: high school program or associate degree program.

If an applicant holds a transcript that does not provide CGPA information or is unable to convert his or her grades into any one of the accepted GPA scales (4.0, 4.3, 4.5, 5.0, or 100 point scale), then the applicant must submit additional documents officially issued by their respective school/university describing the institution‟s grading system.

Applicants who are expected to graduate should calculate the most recent CGPA at the time of application.

Age 

- Must be under 25 years of age (born after March 1, 1999).

All applicants must have no grounds for disqualification (e.g., criminal history) for overseas travel.

○ 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) or who has graduated (or is expected to graduate) from a Korean associate degree program is NOT eligible to apply.

  • A person who graduated from an online curriculum arranged by a Korean school/university cannot apply.
  • A person who is currently in their final year at a Korean high school or Korean university cannot apply.

○ A person who had previously received a scholarship for a degree program from the Korean government is NOT eligible to apply.

  • A previous (or current) GKS scholar who are currently in, have completed, or graduated from a GKS associate degree program.
  • A previous GKS scholar whose scholarship was cancelled after their enrollment.
  • A person who had previously received a scholarship for their degree program from another Korean government agency other than NIIED.

※ (Exception) Former GKS scholar whose scholarship was forfeited due to a scholar‟s failure to achieve TOPIK level 3 or above after completing Korean language program may be deemed eligible to re-apply if a scholar submits a valid TOPIK certificate of level 5 or above.

○ Former GKS degree program applicants who has withdrawn from the program or was disqualified from the scholarship after being selected as GKS scholars in recent three years cannot apply.

○ Duplicate Applicants

  • Embassy track applicants who passed the first round of selection (including backup candidates) cannot apply again through a university track.
  • Embassy track applicants must apply to only one program between General program and Overseas Koreans program.
  • University track applicants must apply to only one program among UIC, Regional University, and Associate Degree programs. Each applicant must apply to ONE university and single department.
  • If an applicant applied to more than one track/program/university, his or her application will be disregarded in the evaluation and the scholarship will be cancelled if found afterward.

Applicants must check additional restrictions or eligibility set by each degree 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 for any specific 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 March, relevant scholars may not enroll in the degree program in September.


APPLICATION AND SELECTION

◈ 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 2023 GKS-U Scholars

University Track

1st Round of Selection (University)

Recommend Candidates to NIIED (University)

2nd Round of Selection (NIIED)

Final Announcement of 2023 GKS-U Scholars


Step 1. Embassy/University

Step 2. NIIED

Step 3.  University



○ Selection Schedule

Track

1st Round of Selection

2nd Round of Selection

3rd Round of Selection

Final Successful Candidates

Application Submission

Document Examination

Oral Interview

Document Examination

Oral Interview

Embassy Track

Application Deadline (set by each embassy)

Result Announcement (announce by October 13)

Result Announcement (by October 20)

Applications Arrive at NIIED (by November 3)

Result Announcement (by late November)

Result Announcement (by December 15)

Final Announcement (by early January)

University Track

Application Deadline (close after October 21. specific date will be set by each university)

Result Announcement (set by each university)

Result Announcement (by November 10)

Applications Arrive at NIIED (by November 10)

Result Announcement (by mid December)


○ Selection Timeline

Announcement of Application

Guidelines

(NIIED)

Application Guidelines are announced on "Study in Korea" (www.studyinkorea.go.kr)

Announcement of

1st Round Selection Schedule

(Embassies, Universities)

Announced by each Korean embassy/university.

- Each embassy/university will release their 1st round selection schedule and application details on their website by mid September

Application Submission (Embassies, Universities)

Deadline will be set by each Korean embassy and university.

Embassy: set by each embassy.

University: set by each university but not earlier than October 20.

1st Round of Selection

- Document Examination

(Embassies, Universities)

Result Announcement of document examination.

- Embassy: announce by October 13.

* Applicants who failed to pass the embassy track may apply again through a university track - University: set by each university.

(Selection Timeline continued)

1st Round of Selection

- Oral Interview

(Embassies, Universities)

Result Announcement of the first round of selection.

Embassy: conduct oral interviews and announce the result by October 20.

University: conduct oral interviews and announce the result by November 10.

Successful Candidates of the 1st Round

(Embassies, Universities → NIIED)

Successful candidates' applications and related documents will arrive at NIIED.

Embassy Track: by November 3.

University Track: by November 10.

2nd Round of Selection (NIIED)

Successful candidates of the 2nd round will be announced on "Study in Korea" website.

Embassy Track: by late November

University Track: by mid December

Submission of Official Medical Examination

All second round successful candidates of both embassy and university track - Submission deadline: by December 15

3nd 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 December 15

Universities will inform the list of successful candidates to NIIED.

Universities will inform the result to successful candidates individually.

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 via email Notification Deadline: by December 22.

Announcement of

2023 GKS-U Scholars (NIIED)

The final successful candidates will be announced on "Study in Korea" website.

Expected announcement date: January 5

NIIED informs final results to Embassies and Universities through official documents.

※ It is each applicant‟s responsibility to check important notices posted on “Study in Korea” website. NIIED do not inform applicants individually of the each round of selection results 

 

DOCUMENTS TO SUBMIT

○ Application period and method of submission

  1. Application period: Each embassy and university has their own application deadline, so applicants must check with the respective institute before submitting application.
  2. Method of submission: Each embassy and university who conducts the first round of selection may have their own document submission guidelines, so applicants must check with the respective institute before submitting application.

○ List of documents to submit

Type

No.

Application Documents

Note

Documents to complete

1

(form 1) Application Form

Required

2

(form 2) Personal Statement

3

(form 3) Study Plan

4

(form 4) ONE letter of Recommendation

5

(form 5) GKS Applicant Agreement

6

(form 6) Personal Medical Assessment

Required certificates

*Submit with apostille/consular confirmation

7

Proof of citizenship (applicant and parents) and proof of family relationship

Required

8

High School Graduation Certificate (or certificate of expected graduation)

9

Academic transcript of high school curriculum

10

Graduation certificate (or certificate of expected graduation) of associate degree program

Required for relevant applicants

11

Academic transcript of associate degree

12

Proof of Overseas Korean Document

13

Proof of Korean Citizenship Renunciation Document

14

Proof of Korean War Veteran's Descendant

Other documents

15

Score report of valid TOPIK (original) or English Proficiency Test (copy)

Optional

16

Copy of awards and other certificates, etc. (copy)

Optional

17

Applicant's Passport (copy)

Required for relevant applicants

 

○ Document preparation for application

Application documents for the FIRST round of selection (embassy/university)

[Documents to complete* & Required certificates**]

Submission requirements: set by each embassy/university (e.g., whether they accept photocopy, electronic file, documents without certified translation, etc. for the first round of selection).

Number of documents to submit: set by each embassy/university.

* Documents to complete: Application, Personal statement, Study plan, Recommendation letter, Application agreement, Personal medical assessment (form 1~6).

** Required certificates: Certificate of (expected) graduation, academic transcript, proof of citizenship, proof of Overseas Koreans, etc.  

※ All applicant documents sent to NIIED for the second round of selection must meet the submission requirements for the second round of selection.


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

  • Ÿ Embassy Track: ONE original document + THREE additional simple photocopies
  • University Track: ONE original document 

[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 with a certified translation ‚ obtain apostille or consular confirmation on either the original document or the certified translation.

※ If your country belongs to one of the member countries for the Apostille Convention, submit your „required certificates’ with apostille. However, high school graduation certificate and academic transcript can be submitted with consular confirmation.

- Number of documents to submit

  • Embassy Track: ONE apostilled/consular confirmed document + THREE additional simple photocopies.
  • University Track: ONE apostilled/consular confirmed document.

  

○ Things to note when preparing application documents

Application documents for the FIRST round of selection .

  • All documents must be submitted in English or Korean.
  • Please follow the submission guidelines set by each Korean embassy/university.
  • Each embassy/university may simplify the submission of documents based on their selection procedure. Check with the embassy/university prior to submission.
  • Application documents of the successful candidates of the first round must meet the submission requirements for the second round of selection upon arrival to NIIED.

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

※ All application submitted to NIIED will not be returned in any case. (NIED stores the original application for a period of more than 5 years).

  • 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 issued the original apostille document will be accepted.
  • If an applicant graduated from a third country, he or she can submit graduation certificate and academic transcript with consular confirmation issued by an embassy of the relevant country.
  • Required certificates that are issued online 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.
  • If a university requires additional documents (e.g., portfolio), applicants must submit those materials directly to the university.

<Document submission requirements for the second round of selection at NIIED>

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 ① family relationship between an applicant and his/her parents and ② their citizenship

If applicants cannot submit necessary documents due to absence of thier 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.

̵  If applicants' or their parents' citizenship information is not indicated in the above documents, then submit valid passport copies as supplementary documents.

Ethnic group, birth place, or current residency in the submitted documents will not be accepted as a citizenship information. Please submit valid passport copies as supplementary documents.

If passport copies are not available, please sumbit other government issued document or a copy of ID card that clearly indicates citizenship information as supplementary documents.

※ If supplementary documents submitted in addition to a birth certificate or a family register do not provide the required information, your application may be put at a disadvantage.

Certificate of graduation

̵  Submit a graduation certificate, degree certificate, or a diploma that indicates a date (or month) of graduation

̵  Submit a certificate officially issued by the institution of previous degree program*

* If an applicant who has an associate degree applies for a bachelor's degree program, the previous degree program of such applicant is associate degree program.

̵  Certificate of expected graduation will be accepted only if the document indicates expected graduation date (or month).

̵  If a certificate of expected graduation cannot be apostilled or consular confirmed due to government policy, submit an apostilled or consular confirmed certificate of enrollment instead. Submit a notarized certificate of expected graduation with an authenticated certificate of enrollment.

A simple certificate of enrollment without expected graduation date is NOT accepted.

̵  Provisional graduation (degree) certificate that does not indicate a graduation date will be considered as a certificate of expected graduation.

̵  Applicants who were expected to graduate at the time of application will be listed as “Conditional Successful Candidates” unless they submit their graduation certificate to NIIED until the set date before the Final Announcement.

Academic Transcript

̵  Submit an academic transcript officially issued by the school of previous degree program

̵  If a 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 high school/univeristy officially confirms (authenticates) the document (This document does not need to be apostilled or consular confirmed, but should be submitted in an original document with school's authentication).

A converted transcript printed out from a website such as scholaro.com or wes.org is only valid when the relevant high school/university officially confirms (authenticates) the document (This document does not need to be apostilled or consular confirmed, but should be submitted in an original document with school's authentication).

Without converted transcript, applicants' eligibility and academic ability cannot be evaluated.

̵  If a transcript indicates CGPA for the entire academic duration, it will be accepted even if it does not indicate GPA per semester/year. In such case, please provide your CGPA only in your application

̵  If a transcript of a transferred student does not include the pre-transfer grades, submit an academic record of the previous school as a supplementary document.

̵  In case of a country where graduation examination report is considered  as an official  academic record of a high school graduate, applicants' grade eligibility may be evaluated by such graduation exam report In such case, it is recommended to provide additional academic record of the entire curriculum as a supplementary document.

Proof of Overseas Korean or Adoptee

̵  Required for relevant applicants.

̵  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

̵  Required for relevant applicants.

̵  Submit supporting document issued by the Korean government that indicates details on the definit 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

̵  Required for relevant applicants.

̵  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.

Score Report of Korean or English

Proficiency Test

̵  Submit if necessary (Optional).

̵  Korean: TOPIK / English: TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS.

TOPIK certificates from the 77th to the 91st exam will be recognized as valid certificates.

Ÿ Submit a printed copy of one's TOPIK score report from topik.go.kr

Submit a printed copy of one's English proficiency test score report from the respective website or a photocopy of original certificate.

Copy of awards and other certificates

̵  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". These 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.


Things to check when submitting application documents [Both Embassy 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

Ÿ (Attention!) Any discrepancy in applicant‟s name (family, given, middle name) will cause a delay in visa processing

  • Applicants must check the completeness 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.)                             8. High School Graduation Certificate (Consular confirmed)


All documents should be submitted as a A4 sized (or letter sized) documents.

  • ŸIf 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 requirements 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.


[University Track]

  • University track applicants should fill in ONE university in 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 an oral interview.


○ 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).

(Prior Notice) The notice below is effective starting from 2024 GKS Selection (1st and 2nd rounds)

- Applicants will receive additional points based on language proficiency in Korean and English 

Korean: points will be given to applicants with valid TOPIK certificate based on their TOPIK level

English: points will be given to applicants with valid English proficiency certificate based on their test scores (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, etc.)

< Points per (for) Language Proficiency 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

※ Using ETS Conversion table ※ If there is no submission of the language proficiency tests above, a personal statement and study plan will be reviewed instead.

※ If you submit two or more score reports, only the highest score will be recognized.

 

○ Evaluation Preference  

  • Overseas Koreans.
  • Applicants from low-income families or underprivileged background.
  • Applicants who submit a high score of English proficiency test (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS).
  • Applicants who applied for a natural science and engineering department in a regional university.
  • (Relevant to associate degree applicants) Winner of a national level competition on technical skills.

 

MEDICAL ASSESSMENT

Subject for examination: All applicants who pass the 2nd round of selection 

○ Submission of Official Medical Examination

- Official Medical Examination issued by a medical doctor, or a licensed hospital should be submitted to NIIED by December 15, 2023. Additional information will be provided when the second successful candidates are announced.

How Medical Assessment Result will be used  

  • After arriving in Korea, all GKS scholars will be subject to a medical examination administered by NIIED. If results indicate that a GKS scholar falls into one of the cases below, he or she will be disqualified from the scholarship. Such scholar must return any scholarship (e.g., airfare, settlement allowance, etc.) received and return home at their own expense.
  • Applicant is tested positive on drug tests.
  • An applicant who has a serious illness that prevents him or her to study abroad for long period of time including the full duration of Korean language program or degree program in Korea.

 

FINAL ANNOUNCEMENT

○ Announcement of Final Successful Candidates

(Embassy Track) Universities should notify each candidate of the result of the third round by December 15, 2023

※ Candidates who fail from all three universities in their final round of selection will be disqualified from the program 

Embassy Track applicants who pass the 3rd round selection should notify their final choice of university to NIIED via email by December 22, 2023.

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 December 22, 2022.

NIIED will classify those who have obtained TOPIK level 5~6 as those who enter degree program. All other successful candidates will be arranged for a Korean language program.

※ TOPIK certificates from the 77th to the 91st exam will be recognized as valid certificates.

NIIED will notify the list of final successful candidates to embassies and universities by late December.

Ÿ The list of final successful candidates will also be announced on Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr)               

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


◈ Important Notes regarding 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.

- Embassy or university should request NIIED a scholarship renunciation through an official document. Only then, the scholarship will be officially renounced.

- Once a scholarship is renounced, it cannot be reversed. Final Successful Candidates who renounce their scholarship cannot reapply for the GKS program in the future. If the case of renunciation is repeated, the relevant countries will lose their GKS quota in the future.

○ Certificate of Graduation

- Successful candidates are required to prepare multiple copies of apostilled or consular confirmed graduation certificate before their entry to Korea. Scholars may need to submit their authenticated certificate to their degree university (for an issuance of Standard Admission Letter), to an embassy (for visa issuance), and to Korean immigration office (for a renewal or an update of their status of residence in Korea).

※ This prevents scholars from returning to their home country to retrieve another set of apostilled or consular confirmed graduation certificates that are needed for an issuance of Standard Admission Letter after they are finished with their Korean language program.

○ Final Successful Candidates who are currently 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 regulation of each University

Refer to university website

Visa and Immigration

www.immigration.go.kr

www.hikorea.go.kr


SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION  

◈ Period of Scholarship

○ Bachelor’s Degree Program: 5~7 years 

1 year of Korean language training + 4~6 years of degree program

Associate Degree Program: 3~4 years

1 year of Korean language training + 2~3 years of degree program

Important Notes regarding Scholarship Period

Applicants who submitted 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 (September 2023).

◈ Scholarship Benefits

○ Scholarship Benefits 

Scholarship

Airfare

Settlement Allowance

Monthly Allowance

Korean

Proficiency Grants

Degree

Completion Grants

Medical Insurance

Language

Training Fee

Tuition

Benefit

Economy class flight ticket (actual expense)

200,000 KRW

900,000 KRW /month

100,000 KRW /month

100,000 KRW

Standard amount set by NIIED

NIIED:1 million KRW

University: amount that exceeds 1.3 million KRW

NIIED: up to 5 million KRW

University: amount that exceeds 5 million KRW, Admission fee

Time

At the time of initial entry/final departure

At the time of initial entry

Beginning of each month

Beginning of each month

At the time of final departure

Beginning of each month

Beginning of each quarter (quarterly)

Beginning of each semester (twice a year)

Procedure

NIIED → Universities → GKS Scholars

NIIED → Universities

 ※ Items other than tuition, Language Training Fee, Airfare are planned to be integrated into „Academic Incentives‟ (March 2024~)

Important Notes regarding Scholarship Benefits

Entry airfare will NOT be provided to newly selected scholars who are residing in Korea at the time of final announcement. Any domestic travel fees within a scholar‟s home country and any international travel insurance for the trip to Korea will NOT be covered.

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.

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.

CONTACT INFORMATION 

○ Korean Universities for 2023 GKS-U Program: Refer to Appendix C

○ Global Korea Scholarship Center, NIIED: kgspniied@korea.kr

<Address> 

GKS Center, NIIED (Selection department of 2023 GKS-U)

191, Jeongjail-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do (13557) Republic of Korea

(우) 13557 경기도 성남시 분당구 정자일로 191, 국립국제교육원 국제장학센터

    

OTHER USEFUL WEBSITES

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


DOWNLOAD ALL GKS 2024 UNDERGRADUATE DOCUMENTS (GKS UG 2024)

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.

Thank you and good luck!

  • Hi, I’m a namibian citizen, My dream was always to study in korea and im in my final year for my bachelors. i would love to go and study for my masters there. Is it even possible?

  • Hi i am from nepal can i get that scholarship for further study.. i want to join in bachelor’s degree in korea so before 1 year i have been study korea language in world language university in nepal. I am also preparing 55th topik exam …

  • Hello . My name is Shohruh. Im from Uzbekistan. I’m a student of university of oriental studies in Tashkent. Can you give me some information about how to transfer university to korean any universities. I want to continue my study in korea . It’s because it will be great experience for my future life . I’ll wait your reply. Thanks in advance

  • Hello, I am a Zambian currently learning Korean language here in Korea and I would love to receive the scholarship but the only problem is that my country is not among the listed countries… How can I register if I wanted to participate? Your response will be highly appreciated.

  • Hello…am Nigerian and just got to know about this scholarship program, is it too late for me to apply or application is still on?.. ..hope you reply asap, thanks

  • Hey I’m kenyan and I’m really interested in this scholarship I would give whatever it takes
    I would like to find out how to apply and if the scholarship is valid in 2018
    Thank you

  • Hi, am from nigeria, i heard about this scholarship and i love it, south korea has always been my dream country, so how can i get all those forms

  • Hi it’s me again, i want to enroll for the 2018/2019 scholarship, how can i get the forms and i heard an information that we are to send our documents through posting but here it saying we have to submit our documents to d korean embassy in our country, i don’t know which one is true

  • Hey I’m Sadek,I am liveing Bangladesh and I’m really interested in this scholarship I would give whatever it takes
    I would like to find out how to apply and if the scholarship is valid in 2018
    Thank you

  • Why I can’t found Iraq??! Please I’m from Iraq and I’ll do everything to get this scholarship I really need it . Please someone help me

  • I would like to have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship but my country is not on the list. I am from Costa Rica.

  • Can I apply for an undergraduate course if I were shifting courses? I finished 1yr of architecture school and decided to change courses. What gpa should I present to them, my highschool grades or my 1st year grades?

  • Hi!
    I am Majok thon from south Sudan, it seem that my country is not among the shortlisted nations eligible for GKS portal?

    Does it mean South Sudan is under Sudan?

  • hello
    why is it the the Korean government restrict the scholarship to certain countries. i am from Liberia located in west Africa and have a grate interest in your scholarship program.

  • OMG! Can i not apply or choose medicine?
    This is so dissapointing this was what i dreamed of all my life.
    Can’t this rule be improved?
    All is good and i appreciate this program and that’s the reason why i chose it but after this i really gave up hope!!

  • Hello, I’m from Bangladesh. I’m very much interested to complete my undergraduation study in Korea. What information will be needed for that?

  • I’m from India and it’s too late for me to have the scholarship as due to covid I have recently passed my high school I want to receive bachelor’s degree from korea. Can I?

  • I am planning to study as an undergrad in SNU College of Medicine. I am currently taking in Premedical Classes in my Highschool. Exempting the 2-years for premed, College of Medicine only takes 4-years in SNU. Will GKS sponsor an applicant like me for College in SNU as a medical student?

  • Will GKS sponsor an upcoming medicine student of SNU after he/she finishes his/her 2 year Pre med in SNU? Leaving only 4 years of College in the Medicine Department?

  • Is GKS Scholarship applicable for Medical students who want to get their Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree (MBBS) from Korea?

  • Hi sir,
    Now I had completed my 12 with 85.6 can we able to apply for GKS in December I know the application time is out but if there is any chance to apply so kindly requested to you please tell me

  • Hello, how are you! My name is Tina. I live in Ethiopia. I want to come to Korea and study. I am a 11th grade student and I am 23 years old. What advice would you give me? Come and study there? I am a social student.

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