2020 Global Korea Scholarship – NIIED KGSP Undergraduate Scholarship

Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) 2020 (Also known as GKS Scholarship) for undergraduate degrees have been announced. In 2020, 125 international students from 68 countries will be selected to pursue a bachelor's degree in a Korean university.

There are also  35 scholarships to pursue an associate degree program and 60 international students from 72 countries who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree(Engineering or Nature Science majors) in Korea.

On this page, we will give the details of Global Korea KGSP scholarship 2020 in the following order:-

1. Undergraduate Degree Embassy Track. 
2. Associate Degree
3. Engineering and Nature Science majors

*Important: Application deadline may differ from one country to another; it is expected to fall in September or early October. For the application guideline and FAQ(frequently asked question), please refer to the attached files.

Wish you all good luck!

Also Check: TOPIK Test 2019 Schedule 

2020 GLOBAL KOREA SCHOLARSHIP

Korean Government Scholarship Program

Application Guidelines for Undergraduate Degrees

(via Korean Embassies)

1. Objectives

The Korean Government Scholarship Program for undergraduate degrees is designed to provide international students with opportunities to study at higher educational institutions in Korea for Bachelor-level degrees, which in turn will contribute to promoting the international exchange in education and to deepening the mutual friendship among countries.

2. Total Number of Scholars to Be Selected: 125 [from 68 countries]

   ※ Only those who hold citizenship of the countries below are eligible to apply.

• One placement is reserved for overseas Koreans within each of the highlighted country’s scholarship quota. (e.g., For Brazil, 1 placement is reserved for those of overseas Koreans, and 3 placements are available to general applicants.)

3. Academic Programs: Bachelor’s Degree Program (4 years) after preliminary Korean Language Program (1 year)

• Scholars must take the mandatory Korean language training at a language institution that will be designated by NIIED. The institution will be specified in the letter of invitation after the announcement of final successful candidates.

• Scholars must attain a certain level on TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) as required by NIIED before the completion of the one-year Korean language program. Otherwise, scholars are not allowed to proceed to the degree program.

• Scholars with level 5 or 6 on TOPIK will be exempt from the language program and must begin their Bachelor’s degree program from March 2020.

• Scholars who receive TOPIK level 5 or 6 during the first 6 months of the language program may start their degree program in the September 2020.

4. Available Universities and Fields of Study : 4-Year Bachelor’s degree programs offered at 63 universities below.

• Attention! Any degree program which takes more than 4 years to complete is NOT AVAILABLE under this scholarship program. All applicants cannot choose such degree programs (Examples: medicine, dentistry, architecture, and pharmacy)
• For more details on the available fields and majors, refer to the “University Information” file that is available to access in the GKS Notice board, on the Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr). All applicants must choose a major listed on the “University Information”.

5. Qualifications: Prospective applicants must meet all of the following conditions.

(1) CITIZENSHIP: An applicant and his or her parents must be citizens of one the countries listed on the above chart in #2 of this guideline.

• Attention! Neither the applicant nor the parents should hold the Korean citizenship.
• (Exception: For overseas Korean applicants holding Japanese citizenship, if their parents hold ‘Permanent Residency Permit’ within Japan while holding Korean citizenship, are eligible to apply.)
• Applicants and their parents who had previously held Korean citizenship must submit the document that proves their renunciation of Korean citizenship.

(2) AGE: An applicant must be under age 25 as of March 1, 2020 (Should be born after March, 1, 1995).

(3) HEALTH: An applicant must be in good health, both physically and mentally.

• Those with disabilities, but in good mental and physical health, are eligible to apply.
• Those with severe illness are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply.  

(4) LEVEL OF EDUCATION: An applicant must have graduated or be expected to graduate from a high school as of March 1, 2020

• Those who have already achieved a Bachelor’s degree or a higher degree are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply.
• Those who have graduated or are expected to graduate from a high school in Korea are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply.

(5) GRADES: An applicant must maintain the overall grade point average (CGPA) equivalent to or higher than any ONE of the followings:

• 2.64 on a 4.0 scale;
• 2.80 on a 4.3 scale;
• 2.91 on a 4.5 scale;
• 3.23 on a 5.0 scale; or
• Score: 80 points or above on a 100 point scale or be ranked within the top 20% throughout the entire high school period.[see Appendix 3]
• If an applicant’s high school has an evaluation system different from the above scales, see 7-(2)-⑨.

(6) An applicant should never have been awarded with any scholarship programs from Korea for an undergraduate degree program.

(7) An applicant must have no limitations in travelling abroad

(8) Applicants who have proficiency in the Korean or English language will be given preference.

(9) Descendants of the Korean War veterans will be given preference.

(10) Engineering and Science majors will be given preference.

(11) Applicants from low income families or underprivileged backgrounds will be given preference.

(12) Applicants who are confirmed to be ‘third generation’ overseas Koreans will be given preference.

(13) An applicant is restricted to apply either for the Embassy, the Regional University, or the Associate Degree track.

• Applicants who apply for more than one track will be automatically disqualified and their applications will be eliminated.

6. Scholarship Benefits

• Scholarship Period: March 1, 2020 ~ February 28, 2025 (1-year Language + 4-year Degree Program)
• Scholarship Benefits

Airplane Ticket or Airfare: The scholarship covers an economy class flight with the shortest route between a scholar’s country and Korea. A one-way ticket to Korea will be offered to each scholar at the beginning of the scholarship program; another one-way ticket from Korea will be offered for those who complete their studies under the scholarship program.

Monthly Stipend: 900,000 KRW per month

Tuition: The university entrance fee and tuition fee is covered by NIIED and the host university.

Settlement Allowance: 200,000 KRW upon arrival

Scholarship Completion Grants: 100,000 KRW upon completion of studies only for scholars returning back to their countries

Korean Language Training: The full cost for the 1 year is covered by NIIED and the language institution.

Medical Insurance: Scholars are covered by health insurance for major accidents and illnesses during their scholarship period.

Korean Proficiency Grants: Scholars with level 5 or 6 on TOPIK will receive 100,000 KRW won per month during the degree program.

• Notes

NIIED does not cover the expenses for the domestic travel both in a scholar’s home country and in Korea.

Airfare for entry into Korea will not be provided to a grantee that has been staying in Korea as of the date of announcement of successful candidates   

NIIED does not cover flight travel insurance of scholars entering Korea and returning back to their countries.

The medical fee is to be reimbursed through the insurance company to a scholar after he or she pays first. However, the expense for dental care or chronic disease will not be covered.

In case a scholar withdraws from the scholarship program within the first 3 months after entering Korea, he or she must return all the scholarship benefits offered, which includes the entry airfare, settlement allowance, monthly stipend, tuition, language training fees, Korean proficiency grants, and medical insurance.

The return flight ticket and the Scholarship Completion Grants will not be offered for those who withdraw from the scholarship program.

If a student temporarily leaves Korea during the language program, the allowance will not be given during the period student was absent in Korea. The allowance will not be given if a student’s leave of absence period exceeds 30days during the degree program.

7. Required Documents

• Required Documents: 1 set of the original documents below, and 3 sets of the photocopies of the original

Completed Application Form (Form 1)

NIIED Pledge (Form 2)

Personal Statement (Form 3)

Study Plan (Form 4)

Two Recommendation Letters (Form 5)

Must be from two separate recommenders.

The letters must be written by someone who can give in-depth assessment on the applicant’s abilities, including a high school teacher, principal, or academic advisor.

Completed Self Medical Assessment (Form 6)

Graduation Certificate of High School or Provisional Graduation Certificate

Those who are expected to graduate by March 1, 2020 may submit a provisional graduation certificate of high school.

High School Grade Transcript (including a description of the school’s grading system)

Certificates of Citizenship of the Applicant and Parents (Examples: a birth certificate, a government-issued certificate indicating the parent-child relationship, a family register, or parents’ passport copies)

Awards (Optional)

Applicants with certified scores on their proficiency in Korean or in English may be given preference. Some examples include the following:

Proficiency in Korea: TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)

Proficiency in English: TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS Academic (TOEFL ITPs are not acceptable)

DD214 or other relevant document to prove the family member’s service at the Korean War

(applicable to Descendants of the Korean War Veterans Only)

Overseas Korean Proof Documents and supporting documents indicating the generation status

(applicable to Overseas Koreans Only)

Certificate of Health (Form 7, only for candidates who successfully pass the 2^nd  round of selection)

The certificate of health must be completed and signed by a doctor.

Copy of the Applicant’s Passport (only for candidates who successfully pass the 2^nd round of selection)

• NOTES

The total 4 sets of application documents (1 set of the original & 3 sets of the photocopies) should be placed in separate envelopes. The original set must be marked as “Original” on its envelope. Recommendation letters should be sealed by the recommenders and submitted with the seals unbroken.

Original documents should be submitted. However, if copies are submitted, copies must be authenticated by the issuing institution, confirming that they are the same with the originals.

The applicant’s name on the application form MUST be identical to the applicant’s passport name.

If there is any inconsistency in the applicant’s name or birth date on submitted documents, further evidential document must be submitted as verification.

Any applicant, who submits a provisional graduation certificate at the time of applying, must submit his or her official graduation certificate of high school upon arrival in Korea, no later than March 1, 2020.

The application documents must be arranged in the same order as written on the “Checklist” in the FORM 1. Each document may be stapled. However, DO NOT staple the entire application documents altogether, or put each document in a separate folder.

Application form and all other materials should be filled out either in Korean or in English. Any document issued in languages other than Korean or English MUST include official notarized translations.

All documents submitted must be A4 sized. If the document is smaller, attach it to A4 sized paper; if bigger, fold it to make it A4 sized.

The high school grade transcript must contain a description of the school’s grading system. In case the transcript does not have information on the applicant’s rank or percentile score, an applicant must submit an additional official certificate issued by the high school, confirming that the applicant’s academic achievement meets the requirement written on 5-(5) above.

All documents must be numbered and labeled on the top right corner. (Example. ⑦ Graduation Certificate of High School)

Mailing address should be stated in full including the postal-code.

Submitted documents will not be returned to the applicant. The applicants are advised to make their own copies of all application documents.

Incomplete or incorrect documents will result in the disqualification of an applicant.

8. Application Deadline: To be decided by the Korean Embassies [see Appendix 1]

• For details on the application deadline and the submission of application documents, applicants should contact the Korean Embassy, the Korean Education Center, or the Korean Cultural Center in their home countries, or in the neighboring countries if there is no Korean diplomatic missions in one’s home country.
• The first round of selection will be conducted by the Korean Embassy: All applications submitted to NIIED by individual applicants or by the foreign embassies in Korea will NOT BE ACCEPTED and will be discarded.  

9. Selection Procedures

※ NOTES

• Applicants must follow the NIIED’s regulations throughout the application procedure.
• Applicants must choose up to 3 different universities and write their choice in the Forms 1, 4, and 5. Applicants must choose only ONE department (or major) for each university, as listed on the “2020 University Information” file.
• When choosing the preferred universities and majors, please contact your preferred universities in advance for further information. (See Appendix 2 for university contact information.)
• After the announcement of the 2^nd round result, NIIED will forward the candidates’ documents to the applicants’ intended universities as written on the application forms. All applicants must double-check their choice of universities in order to ensure that their application documents are reviewed by RIGHT and CORRECT universities.
• Additional documents might be required to be submitted depending on the university or department, especially for majors in the field of fine arts, music or physical education. If asked so, the applicants must submit the requested documents to the university.
• Attention! A candidate who fails to receive admission to any one of the three universities will NOT BE SELECTED as a GKS scholar.
• Transferring or changing a university is NOT allowed after the confirmation of an applicant’s final choice of a university.
• Regardless of university admission, all scholars must achieve the TOPIK level 3 as required by NIIED before the completion of the 1-year Korean language program. Any scholar who fails to do so cannot proceed to his or her degree program.

10. Other Important Information

(1) Entry

Scholars must arrive in Korea between February 24^th and 25^th, 2020. In case a scholar does not enter Korea by these dates, his or her scholarship will be canceled.

Prior to arrival, all scholars should study about Korea, Korean language and culture. In particular, we advise grantees learn as much Korean as possible since most classes at a Korean university are taught in Korean. Below are some websites that scholars will find useful when preparing for their studies in Korea.

(2) Housing 

 Scholars will live in a university dormitory.

 The dormitory fee will be deducted out of the monthly stipend by the university.

(3) Cancellation of Scholarship and Scholarship Withdrawal

• Cancellation of Scholarship: If a scholar is found engaged in any of the following activities during his or her stay in Korea, the scholarship will be canceled.

When any documents of the scholarship application has been found false;

When a scholar violates the NIIED regulations s/he has pledged to keep;

When a scholar fails to abide by the academic guidelines and regulations set by NIIED;

When a scholar receives a discipline from the university or has participated in political activities.

When a scholar acts in a way that harms the reputation of the scholarship and/or the relevant institutions;

When a scholar fails to reach a TOPIK level required by NIIED within the period of one year language program;

When a scholar earns less than 2/3 of the registered credits of a semester;

When a scholar leaves Korea for the purpose of joining an exchange program in another country;

When a scholar fails to notify NIIED of re-enrollment without any proper reasons after the end of a leave of absence;

When a scholar receives three warnings or more;

When a scholar forfeits the scholarship.

11. Contact

Application & Document Submission: Korean Diplomatic Missions (See Appendix 1)

Major & University Admissions: 65 Korean Universities (See Appendix 2)

Other Inquiries: NIIED

Website: www.studyinkorea.go.kr (Scholarships > Government Scholarship > GKS Notice)

E-mail: [email protected]

[Associate Degree] 2020 GKS Program for Associate Degrees

​

​1. Objectives

Providing opportunities for international students to study in associate degree programs in Korea

Promoting global education and exchange

Enhancing the quality of global education

2. Total Number of Scholars to Be Selected: 35 [from 17 ODA recipients]

*Only the citizens of above countries are eligible to apply to this associate degree program.

3. Academic Programs: Associate Degree Program (2 or 3 years) after mandatory Korean Language Program (1 Year)

Scholars must take the mandatory Korean language training at a language institution that will be designated by NIIED. The institution will be specified in the letter of invitation after the announcement of final successful candidates.

Scholars must attain a certain level on TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) as required by NIIED before the completion of the one-year Korean language program. Otherwise, scholars are not allowed to proceed to the degree program.

Scholars with level 5 or 6 on TOPIK will be exempt from the language program and must begin their associate degree program in March 2020.

• Scholars who receive TOPIK level 5 or 6 during the first 6 months of the language program may start their degree program in the September 2020.

4. Available Universities and Fields of Study: Associate degree programs offered at the universities below:

Attention! Any degree program which takes more than 3 years to complete is NOT AVAILABLE under this scholarship program. All applicants cannot choose such degree programs.

For more details on the available fields and majors, refer to the “University Information” file that is available to access in the GKS Notice board, on the Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr). All applicants must choose a major listed on the “University Information”.

5. Qualifications: Prospective applicants must meet all of the following conditions.

(1) CITIZENSHIP: An applicant and his or her parents must be citizens of the countries invited to take part in this program.

Attention! Neither the applicant nor the parents should hold the Korean citizenship.

(2) AGE: An applicant must be under 25 years of age as of March 1, 2020 (Should be born after March, 1, 1995)

(3) HEALTH: An applicant must be in good health, both physically and mentally.

Those with disabilities in good mental and physical health are eligible to apply.

Those with severe illness are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply.

(4) LEVEL OF EDUCATION: An applicant must have graduated or be expected to graduate from a high school as of March 1, 2020

Those who have already achieved an Associate degree or a higher degree are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply.

Those who have graduated or are expected to graduate from a high school in Korea are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply.

(5) GRADES: An applicant must maintain the overall grade point average (CGPA) equivalent to or higher than any ONE of the followings:

• 2.21 on a 4.0 scale;
• 2.33 on a 4.3 scale;
• 2.41 on a 4.5 scale;
• 2.68 on a 5.0 scale; or
• Score: 75 points or above on a 100 point scale or be ranked within the top 20% throughout the entire high school period.[see Appendix 2]
• If an applicant’s high school has an evaluation system different from the above scales, see 7-(2)-⑨.

(6) An applicant who will pursue a career in the field of their profession or major after graduation will be given preference.

(7) An applicant must have no limitations in travelling abroad.

(8) Applicants who have proficiency in the Korean or English language will be given preference.

(9) Descendants of the Korean War veterans will be given preference.

(10) Engineering and Science majors will be given preference.

(11) Applicants from low-income families or underprivileged backgrounds will be given preference.

(12) Awardees of national or international competition in the field of their interests are given preference.

(13) An applicant is restricted to apply for ONLY ONE university through one application track.

Applicants who apply for more than one university will be automatically disqualified and their applications will be eliminated.

(14) An applicant must not have a previous record of receiving scholarship through the similar academic program or an academic program of the same length as this in Korea.

6. Scholarship Benefits

• Scholarship Period
• March 1, 2020 ~ February 28, 2023 (1 year language program + 2 years degree program)
• March 1, 2020 ~ February 29, 2024 (1 year language program + 3 years degree program)

(2) Scholarship Benefits

Airplane Ticket or Airfare: The scholarship covers an economy class flight with the shortest route between a scholar’s country and Korea. A one-way ticket to Korea will be offered to each scholar at the beginning of the scholarship program; another one-way ticket from Korea will be offered for those who complete their studies under the scholarship program.

Monthly Stipend: 900,000 KRW per month

Tuition: The tuition fee is covered by NIIED and the university entrance fee is covered by the host university.

Settlement Allowance: 200,000 KRW upon arrival

Scholarship Completion Grants: 100,000 KRW upon completion of studies only for scholars returning back to their countries

Korean Language Training: The full cost for the 1 year is covered by NIIED and the language institution.

Medical Insurance: Scholars are covered by health insurance for major accidents and illnesses during their scholarship period.

Korean Proficiency Grants: Scholars with level 5 or 6 on TOPIK will receive 100,000 KRW won per month during the degree program.

(3) Notes

NIIED does not cover the expenses for the domestic travel both in a scholar’s home country and in Korea.

Airfare for entry into Korea will not be provided to a grantee that has been staying in Korea as of the date of announcement of successful candidates

NIIED does not cover flight travel insurance of scholars entering Korea and returning back to their countries.

The medical fee is to be reimbursed through the insurance company to a scholar after he or she pays first. However, the expense for dental care or chronic disease will not be covered.

In case a scholar withdraws from the scholarship program within the first 3 months after entering Korea, he or she must return all scholarship benefits offered, which includes the entry airfare, settlement allowance, monthly stipend, tuition, language training fees, Korean proficiency grants, and medical insurance.

The return flight ticket and the Scholarship Completion Grants will not be offered for those who withdraw from the scholarship program.

If a student temporarily leaves Korea during the language program, the allowance will not be given during the period student was absent in Korea. The allowance will not be given if a student’s leave of absence period exceeds 30days per semester during the degree program.

7. Required Documents

(1) Required Documents: 1 set of the original documents below

Completed Application Form (Form 1)

NIIED Pledge (Form 2)

Personal Statement (Form 3)

Study Plan (Form 4)

Two Recommendation Letters (Form 5)

Must be from two separate recommenders.

The letters must be written by someone who can give in-depth assessment on the applicant’s abilities, including a high school teacher, principal, or academic advisor.

Completed Self Medical Assessment (Form 6)

Graduation Certificate of High School

Those who are expected to graduate may submit a provisional graduation certificate of high school. (the expected high school graduate must be in a complete graduate status by March 2020)

High School Grade Transcript (including a description of the school’s grading system)

Certificates of Citizenship of the Applicant and Parents (Examples: a birth certificate, a government-issued certificate indicating the parent-child relationship, a family register, or parents’ passport copies)

Awards (Optional)

Applicants with certified scores on their proficiency in Korean or in English may be given preference. Some examples include the following:

Proficiency in Korea: TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)

Proficiency in English: TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS Academic (TOEFL ITPs are not acceptable)

DD214 or other relevant document to prove the family member’s service at the Korean War

(applicable to Descendants of the Korean War Veterans Only)

Certificate of Health (Form 7, only for candidates who successfully pass the 2^nd  round of selection)

The certificate of health must be completed and signed by a doctor.

Copy of the Applicant’s Passport (only for candidates who successfully pass the 2^nd round of selection)

(2) Notes

1 set of the original documents should be put in a single envelope. Recommendation letters should be sealed by the recommenders and submitted with the seals unbroken.

Original documents should be submitted. However, if copies are submitted, the copies must be authenticated by the issuing institution, confirming that they are the same with the originals.

The applicant’s name on the application form MUST be identical to the applicant’s passport name.

If there is any inconsistency in the applicant’s name or birth date on submitted documents, further evidential document must be submitted as verification.

Any applicant, who submits a provisional graduation certificate at the time of applying, must submit his or her official graduation certificate of high school upon arrival in Korea, no later than March 1, 2020.

The application documents must be arranged in the same order as written on the “Checklist” in the FORM 1. Each document may be stapled. However, DO NOT staple the entire application documents altogether, or put each document in a separate folder.

Application form and all other materials should be filled out either in Korean or in English. Any document issued in languages other than Korean or English MUST include official notarized translations.

All documents submitted must be A4 sized. If the document is smaller, attach it to A4 sized paper; if bigger, fold it to make it A4 sized.

The high school grade transcript must contain a description of the school’s grading system. In case the transcript does not have information on the applicant’s rank or percentile score, an applicant must submit an additional official certificate issued by the high school, confirming that the applicant’s academic achievement meets the requirement written on 5-(5).

All documents must be numbered and labeled on the top right corner. (Example. ⑦ Graduation Certificate of High School)

Mailing address should be stated in full including the postal code.

Submitted documents will not be returned to the applicant. The applicants are advised to make their own copies of all application documents.

Incomplete or incorrect documents will result in the disqualification of an applicant.

8. Application Deadline: To be determined by the University [see Appendix 1]

For details on the application deadline and the submission of application documents, applicants should contact their desired universities.

The first round of selection will be conducted by each university.

All applications submitted to NIIED in the first round will NOT BE ACCEPTED and will be discarded.

9. Selection Procedure

※ NOTES

Applicants must follow NIIED’s regulations throughout the application procedure.

Applicants must write the university and major of their choice in the Forms 1, 4, and 5. Applicants must choose ONE university and ONE major, listed on the “University Information”.

• When choosing the preferred universities and majors, please contact your preferred universities in advance for further information. (See Appendix 1 for university contact information.)

Additional documents might be required to be submitted depending on the university or department, especially for majors in the field of fine arts, music or physical education. If asked so, the applicants must submit the requested documents to the university.

Changing or transferring to a different university is NOT allowed after the confirmation of an applicant’s final choice of a university.

Regardless of the university admission, any scholar who fails to achieve the TOPIK level required by NIIED within the period of one year language program cannot proceed to his or her degree program.

10. Other Important Information

(1) Entry

Scholars must arrive in Korea between February 24^th and 25^th, 2020. In case a scholar does not enter Korea by these dates, his or her scholarship will be canceled.

Prior to arrival, all scholars should study about Korea, Korean language and culture. In particular, we advise grantees learn as much Korean as possible since most classes at a Korean university are taught in Korean. Below are some websites that scholars will find useful when preparing for their studies in Korea.

(2) Housing 

 Scholars will live in a university dormitory.

 The dormitory fee will be deducted out of the monthly stipend by the university.

(3) Cancellation and Temporary Suspension of Scholarship

 Cancellation of Scholarship: If a scholar is found engaged in any of the following activities during his or her stay in Korea, the scholarship will be canceled.

When any documents of the scholarship application has been found false;

When a scholar violates the NIIED regulations s/he has pledged to keep;

When a scholar fails to abide by the academic guidelines and regulations set by NIIED;

When a scholar receives a discipline from the university or has participated in political activities.

When a scholar acts in a way that harms the reputation of the scholarship and/or the relevant institutions;

When a scholar fails to reach a TOPIK level required by NIIED;

When a scholar earns less than 2/3 of the registered credits of a semester;

When a scholar leaves Korea for the purpose of joining an exchange program;

When a scholar fails to notify NIIED of re-enrollment without any proper reasons after the end of a leave of absence;

When a scholar receives three warnings or more;

When a scholar forfeits the scholarship.

11. Contact

University: Please see Appendix 1 for list of 6 associate degree universities.

NIIED

Website: www.studyinkorea.go.kr (English version) [Scholarships > Government Scholarship > GKS Notice]

E-mail: [email protected]

[University Track] 2020 GKS Program for Undergraduate Degrees (via Regional Universities for Natural Science & Engineering Majors)

​

​1. Objectives

The Korean Government Scholarship Program for undergraduate degrees is designed to provide international students with opportunities to study at higher educational institutions in Korea for Bachelor-level degrees, which in turn will contribute to promoting the international exchange in education and to deepening the mutual friendship among countries.

2. Total Number of Scholars to Be Selected: 60 [from 72 countries]

   ※ Only those who hold citizenship of the countries below are eligible to apply.

• Among those 60 candidates, 51 candidates will be selected from the countries with the reserved quota and the remaining 9 candidates will be selected from the rest of the countries with no reserved quota.
  

3. Academic Programs: Bachelor’s Degree Program (4 years) after preliminary Korean Language Program (1 year)

• Scholars must take the mandatory Korean language training at a language institution that will be designated by NIIED. The institution will be specified in the letter of invitation after the announcement of final successful candidates.
• Scholars must attain a certain level on TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) as required by NIIED before the completion of the one-year Korean language program. Otherwise, scholars are not allowed to proceed to the degree program.
• Scholars with level 5 or 6 on TOPIK will be exempt from the language program and must begin their Bachelor’s degree program from March 2020.
• Scholars who receive TOPIK level 5 or 6 during the first 6 months of the language program may start their degree program in September 2020.

4. Available Universities and Fields of Study : 4-Year Bachelor’s degree programs offered at 38 universities below.

• Attention! Any degree program which takes more than 4 years to complete is NOT AVAILABLE under this scholarship program. All applicants cannot choose such degree programs (Examples: medicine, dentistry, architecture, and pharmacy)
• For more details on the available fields and majors, refer to the “University Information” file that is available to access in the GKS Notice board, on the Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr). All applicants must choose a major listed on the “University Information”.

5. Qualifications: Prospective applicants must meet all of the following conditions.

(1) CITIZENSHIP: An applicant and his or her parents must be citizens of one the countries listed on the above chart in #2 of this guideline.

(2) AGE: An applicant must be under age 25 as of March 1, 2020 (Should be born after March, 1, 1995).

(3) HEALTH: An applicant must be in good health, both physically and mentally.

• Those with disabilities, but in good mental and physical health, are eligible to apply.
• Those with severe illness are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply.  

(4) LEVEL OF EDUCATION: An applicant must have graduated or be expected to graduate from a high school as of March 1, 2020

• Those who have already achieved a Bachelor’s degree or a higher degree are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply.
• Those who have graduated or are expected to graduate from a high school in Korea are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply.

(5) GRADES: An applicant must maintain the overall grade point average (CGPA) equivalent to or higher than any ONE of the followings:

• 2.64 on a 4.0 scale;
• 2.80 on a 4.3 scale;
• 2.91 on a 4.5 scale;
• 3.23 on a 5.0 scale; or
• Score: 80 points or above on a 100 point scale or be ranked within the top 20% throughout the entire high school period.[see Appendix 2]
• If an applicant’s high school has an evaluation system different from the above scales, see 7-(2)-⑨.

(6) An applicant should never have been awarded with any scholarship programs from Korea for an undergraduate degree program.

(7) An applicant must have no limitations in travelling abroad

(8) Applicants who have proficiency in the Korean or English language will be given preference.

(9) Descendants of the Korean War veterans will be given preference.

(10) Only Engineering and Science majors will be selected.

(11) Applicants from low income families or underprivileged backgrounds will be given preference.

(12) An applicant is restricted to apply either for the Embassy, the Regional University, or the Associate Degree track.

• Applicants who apply for more than one track will be automatically disqualified and their applications will be eliminated.

6. Scholarship Benefits

• Scholarship Period: March 1, 2020 ~ February 28, 2025 (1-year Language + 4-year Degree Program)
• Scholarship Benefits

Airplane Ticket or Airfare: The scholarship covers an economy class flight with the shortest route between a scholar’s country and Korea. A one-way ticket to Korea will be offered to each scholar at the beginning of the scholarship program; another one-way ticket from Korea will be offered for those who complete their studies under the scholarship program.

Monthly Stipend: 900,000 KRW per month

Tuition: The university entrance fee and tuition fee is covered by NIIED and the host university.

Settlement Allowance: 200,000 KRW upon arrival

Scholarship Completion Grants: 100,000 KRW upon completion of studies only for scholars returning back to their countries

Korean Language Training: The full cost for the 1 year is covered by NIIED and the language institution.

Medical Insurance: Scholars are covered by health insurance for major accidents and illnesses during their scholarship period.

Korean Proficiency Grants: Scholars with level 5 or 6 on TOPIK will receive 100,000 KRW won per month during the degree program.

• Notes

NIIED does not cover the expenses for the domestic travel both in a scholar’s home country and in Korea.

Airfare for entry into Korea will not be provided to a grantee that has been staying in Korea as of the date of announcement of successful candidates   

NIIED does not cover flight travel insurance of scholars entering Korea and returning back to their countries.

The medical fee is to be reimbursed through the insurance company to a scholar after he or she pays first. However, the expense for dental care or chronic disease will not be covered.

In case a scholar withdraws from the scholarship program within the first 3 months after entering Korea, he or she must return all the scholarship benefits offered, which includes the entry airfare, settlement allowance, monthly stipend, tuition, language training fees, Korean proficiency grants, and medical insurance.

The return flight ticket and the Scholarship Completion Grants will not be offered for those who withdraw from the scholarship program.

If a student temporarily leaves Korea during the language program, the allowance will not be given during the period student was absent in Korea. The allowance will not be given if a student’s leave of absence period exceeds 30days during the degree program.

7. Required Documents

• Required Documents: 1 set of the original documents below:

Completed Application Form (Form 1)

NIIED Pledge (Form 2)

Personal Statement (Form 3)

Study Plan (Form 4)

Two Recommendation Letters (Form 5)

Must be from two separate recommenders.

The letters must be written by someone who can give in-depth assessment on the applicant’s abilities, including a high school teacher, principal, or academic advisor.

Completed Self Medical Assessment (Form 6)

Graduation Certificate of High School or Provisional Graduation Certificate

Those who are expected to graduate by March 1, 2020 may submit a provisional graduation certificate of high school.

High School Grade Transcript (including a description of the school’s grading system)

Certificates of Citizenship of the Applicant and Parents (Examples: a birth certificate, a government-issued certificate indicating the parent-child relationship, a family register, or parents’ passport copies)

Awards (Optional)

Applicants with certified scores on their proficiency in Korean or in English may be given preference. Some examples include the following:

Proficiency in Korea: TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)

Proficiency in English: TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS Academic (TOEFL ITPs are not acceptable)

DD214 or other relevant document to prove the family member’s service at the Korean War

(applicable to Descendants of the Korean War Veterans Only)

Certificate of Health (Form 7, only for candidates who successfully pass the 2^nd  round of selection)

The certificate of health must be completed and signed by a doctor.

Copy of the Applicant’s Passport (only for candidates who successfully pass the 2^nd round of selection)

• NOTES

1 set of the original documents should be put in a single envelope. Recommendation letters should be sealed by the recommenders and submitted with the seals unbroken.

Original documents should be submitted. However, if copies are submitted, copies must be authenticated by the issuing institution, confirming that they are the same with the originals.

The applicant’s name on the application form MUST be identical to the applicant’s passport name.

If there is any inconsistency in the applicant’s name or birth date on submitted documents, further evidential document must be submitted as verification.

Any applicant, who submits a provisional graduation certificate at the time of applying, must submit his or her official graduation certificate of high school upon arrival in Korea, no later than March 1, 2020.

The application documents must be arranged in the same order as written on the “Checklist” in the FORM 1. Each document may be stapled. However, DO NOT staple the entire application documents altogether, or put each document in a separate folder.

Application form and all other materials should be filled out either in Korean or in English. Any document issued in languages other than Korean or English MUST include official notarized translations.

All documents submitted must be A4 sized. If the document is smaller, attach it to A4 sized paper; if bigger, fold it to make it A4 sized.

The high school grade transcript must contain a description of the school’s grading system. In case the transcript does not have information on the applicant’s rank or percentile score, an applicant must submit an additional official certificate issued by the high school, confirming that the applicant’s academic achievement meets the requirement written on 5-(5) above.

All documents must be numbered and labeled on the top right corner. (Example. ⑦ Graduation Certificate of High School)

Mailing address should be stated in full including the postal-code.

Submitted documents will not be returned to the applicant. The applicants are advised to make their own copies of all application documents.

Incomplete or incorrect documents will result in the disqualification of an applicant.

8. Application Deadline: To be decided by the Regional Universities [see Appendix 1]

• For details on the application deadline and the submission of application documents, applicants should contact the Korean Embassy, the Korean Education Center, or the Korean Cultural Center in their home countries, or in the neighboring countries if there is no Korean diplomatic missions in one’s home country.
• The first round of selection will be conducted by the Korean Embassy: All applications submitted to NIIED by individual applicants or by the foreign embassies in Korea will NOT BE ACCEPTED and will be discarded.  

9. Selection Procedures

※ NOTES

• Applicants must follow the NIIED’s regulations throughout the application procedure.

Applicants must write the university and major of their choice in the Forms 1, 4, and 5. Applicants must choose ONE university and ONE major, listed on the “University Information”.

• When choosing the preferred universities and majors, please contact your preferred universities in advance for further information. (See Appendix 1 for university contact information.)
• Additional documents might be required to be submitted depending on the university or department, especially for majors in the field of fine arts, music or physical education. If asked so, the applicants must submit the requested documents to the university.
• Attention! A candidate who fails to receive admission to any one of the three universities will NOT BE SELECTED as a GKS scholar.
• Transferring or changing a university is NOT allowed after the confirmation of an applicant’s final choice of a university.
• Regardless of university admission, all scholars must achieve the TOPIK level 3 as required by NIIED before the completion of the 1-year Korean language program. Any scholar who fails to do so cannot proceed to his or her degree program.

10. Other Important Information

(1) Entry

Scholars must arrive in Korea between February 24^th and 25^th, 2020. In case a scholar does not enter Korea by these dates, his or her scholarship will be canceled.

Prior to arrival, all scholars should study about Korea, Korean language and culture. In particular, we advise grantees learn as much Korean as possible since most classes at a Korean university are taught in Korean. Below are some websites that scholars will find useful when preparing for their studies in Korea.

(2) Housing 

 Scholars will live in a university dormitory.

 The dormitory fee will be deducted out of the monthly stipend by the university.

(3) Cancellation of Scholarship and Scholarship Withdrawal

• Cancellation of Scholarship: If a scholar is found engaged in any of the following activities during his or her stay in Korea, the scholarship will be canceled.

When any documents of the scholarship application has been found false;

When a scholar violates the NIIED regulations s/he has pledged to keep;

When a scholar fails to abide by the academic guidelines and regulations set by NIIED;

When a scholar receives a discipline from the university or has participated in political activities.

When a scholar acts in a way that harms the reputation of the scholarship and/or the relevant institutions;

When a scholar fails to reach a TOPIK level required by NIIED within the period of one year language program;

When a scholar earns less than 2/3 of the registered credits of a semester;

When a scholar leaves Korea for the purpose of joining an exchange program in another country;

When a scholar fails to notify NIIED of re-enrollment without any proper reasons after the end of a leave of absence;

When a scholar receives three warnings or more;

When a scholar forfeits the scholarship.

11. Contact

Application & Document Submission: Korean Diplomatic Missions (See Appendix 1)

Major & University Admissions: 38 Korean Universities (See Appendix 2)

Other Inquiries: NIIED

Website: www.studyinkorea.go.kr (Scholarships > Government Scholarship > GKS Notice)

E-mail: [email protected]