GKS Scholarship – Embassy Track vs University Track

The Global Korea Scholarship i.e GKS Scholarship, also known as the Korean Government Scholarship (KGSP), is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world and lets you study in South Korea for free. But, unlike other scholarships, the process to apply for the GKS Scholarship is a bit different, for there are two ways to apply: Embassy Track vs University Track.

In this post, let us talk in detail about the following topics:

• Difference between Embassy Track vs University Track
• The quota for each track
• The application process for each track
• Which track is better

1) Difference between GKS Scholarship Embassy Track vs University Track

GKS Scholarship is offered to applicants all over the world and applicants can choose either one of these tracks. Although the scholarship benefits are exactly the same for the applicants of each track, the main difference lies in the application process.

Embassy Track = 3 Step Process

Embassy Selection > NIIED Selection > University Selection

University Track = 2 Step Process

University Selection > NIIED Selection

But there is also another thing that you must need to keep in mind, which is, the number of universities that can be selected via each track.

Embassy Track = 3 Universities

The applicant is allowed to select 3 universities and has to get acceptance in the 3rd step in at least one of these universities

University Track = 1 University

The applicant is allowed to select just 1 university at the time of applying and to avail the GKS Scholarship, he/she must get accepted by that particular university.

2) The quota for GKS Scholarship Embassy Track vs University Track

The number of scholarships allocated for the Global Korea Scholarship program can differ for each track and country. Therefore, it is crucial to check the specific quota of scholarships available for your country and preferred application track.

For GKS Scholarship 2023, a total of 1300 applicants will be selected, half via the Embassy Track and the other half via University Track. (in the past, more weightage used to be given to University Track)

But each country will have a different number of spots for each track, no matter how many people apply as a whole.

GKS Scholarship Embassy Track Quota for each country

Pakistan via Embassy Track = 5

India via Embassy Track = 22

Indonesia via Embassy Track = 27

Nigeria via Embassy Track = 6

United States via Embassy Track = 14

GKS Scholarship University Track Quota for each country

Pakistan via University Track = 7

India via University Track = 25

Indonesia via University Track = 42

Nigeria via University Track = 11

United States via University Track = 2

You can find detailed information on the quota for each country here.

3) Application Process For Each Track

A) Embassy Track

The Embassy Track of the Global Korea Scholarship program allows applicants to select up to three universities to apply to, which increases their chances of being accepted.

The 1st round of selection: is based on nationality and the number of applications received in each country. In countries where there are only a few applicants, the chances of being selected are higher. However, in countries where there is a high demand for the scholarship, it may be more difficult to be selected through the Embassy Track.

The 2nd round of selection: After being selected by the embassy, the application is forwarded to NIIED for further evaluation. The number of applicants recommended by the embassy depends on the number of scholarships allocated to that country. NIIED evaluates the quality of the applicant’s scholarship and may reject some applicants at this stage.

In the 3rd round of selection, the application is sent to the three universities that the applicant has selected. Some universities may conduct interviews, while others may not, depending on the department and field of study. The applicant has to be accepted by at least one of these universities.

It is important to note that the selection process may vary depending on the country and the number of scholarships available. Therefore, applicants should check with their local embassy and the participating universities for the most up-to-date information on the scholarship program.

B) University Track

To apply for the Global Korea Scholarship via the University Track, applicants must directly apply to the Korean university they are interested in. It is important to regularly check the university’s website for specific requirements and deadlines, as they may vary from university to university. Some universities may require more documents than the embassy application, and some may have an early deadline. It is essential to submit the application directly to South Korea.

In the 1st round of selection, applicants compete against worldwide students applying to the same university, making it highly competitive. The selection process is rigorous, and most universities conduct interviews, so applicants should be well-prepared. If an applicant fails to meet the university’s expectations, they may be eliminated from the selection process quickly.

In the 2nd round of selection, NIIED selects the successful scholars based on the quotas allocated to each country. For example, if two French students apply and are accepted to their chosen university, but the French quota is one, only one of them can receive the scholarship. NIIED reviews their applications and selects one of them as a successful scholar.

Overall, the University Track of the Global Korea Scholarship program is highly competitive, and applicants must be well-prepared and attentive to the specific requirements and deadlines of their chosen universities.

4) Embassy Track vs University Track: Which Is Better

To be honest, it is not possible to say which track is superior to the other. It totally depends on you, your country, your degree, and your preferences. But still, if you’re unsure about which application track to use, there are a few things to consider.

• If you have your heart set on a specific university, it’s best to apply through the University Track so you can write a personalized motivation letter.
• On the other hand, if your grades are not the best, applying through the Embassy Track may be better because you’ll have three more chances to be accepted.
• It’s also recommended to choose one of your selected universities as a lesser-known one to increase your chances of success.
• For a doctoral degree, applying through the University Track may be better because a PhD is a highly specific program, and having a researcher already accept you can help your chances of being accepted. However, it’s still possible to apply through the Embassy Track with the acceptance of laboratories in the universities you apply for.
• Ultimately, consider your unique circumstances and choose the track that will give you the best chance of success.

Most importantly, don’t forget to visit the link below for the official notice announced on the StudyinKorea website

GKS 2023 Official Notice

You can download the important documents by clicking the following links:

• GKS Scholarship 2023 Graduate
• GKS Scholarship 2023 Graduate Degree Application Form
• FAQ 2023 GKS Graduate Degree program

To find out how to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship 2023 for the undergraduate degree, click here.

We wish you the best of luck and hope to see you in South Korea one day.