gks scholarship 2026 masters

And the wait is over. GKS Scholarship 2026 Graduate i.e Global Korea Scholarship 2026 is open now for graduate studies (Masters, Doctoral and Research) and here is your chance to pursue your higher studies in South Korea on this fully funded program. In 2026, the Korean government aims to welcome 2,000 ( a huge jump in the quota compared to last year) talented students from around the world to enroll in graduate degree programs at top Korean universities.

What is GKS Scholarship 2026

The GKS Scholarship 2026 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a government funded program that offers international students the opportunity to pursue higher education at leading universities in the Republic of Korea. The scholarship supports both undergraduate and graduate degree studies and is administered to promote global academic cooperation.

The Global Korea Scholarship covers tuition fees, round trip airfare, living expenses, health insurance, and research related support, making it one of the most competitive scholarships for international students. Applicants can apply through either the Embassy Track or the University Track, and detailed information about both options is provided below.

GKS 2026 Programs and Universities

Program	Master’s Degree	Doctoral Degree	Research
Period	1 year of Korean language program + 2 years of degree program	1 year of Korean language program + 3 years of degree program	6 months or 1 year

Global Korea Scholarship 2026 Quota

Quota
Embassy Track			University Track							Total
Embassy Track			General				Specialization		Sub total
General	Overseas Korean/ Adoptee	Subtotal	General	R-GKS	Research	International Organization	R&D	Global Network	Sub total
776	24	800	160	480	5	72	403	80	1,200	2,000

In 2026, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) will select 2,000 students from all over the world. 800 through the Embassy Track and 1,200 through the University Track.

The R&D and Global Network Programs in the University Track are selected by each university based on their own scholarship selection guidelines and admission criteria.

For details on the selection process, please contact the respective university of the R&D and Global Network programs.

GKS Scholarship 2026 Benefits

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

? Scholarship Period

Master’s Degree Program: 3 years

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

Doctoral Degree Program: 4 years

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

Research Program: 6 months or 1 year

Global Network Program: within 2 years

– Master’s degree program within 2 years

*Important Notes regarding Scholarship Period

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

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

Scholarship	Airfare	Tuition	Korean Language Training Fee	Study Incentive
Recipient	All GKS Scholars	GKS Scholars in Degree Program	GKS Scholars in Korean language Program	All GKS Scholars
Benefits	Economy class flight ticket (actual expense)	NIIED: up to 5 million KRWUniversity: amount that exceeds 5 million KRW, Admission fee	5.2 million KRW (four quarters)	Korean language program: 14,400,000 KRW per year
				Graduate Degree program: 16,560,000 KRW per year
				Research Program: 20,880,000 KRW per year

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

GKS Scholarship 2026 Embassy Track Quota

General: 776 scholars from 143 countries or regions

1	Afghanistan	4
2	Albania	1
3	Algeria	3
4	Angola	1
5	Argentina	5
6	Armenia	2
7	Australia	4
8	Austria	1
9	Azerbaijan	5
10	Bahamas	3
11	Bahrain	3
12	Bangladesh	7
13	Barbados	1
14	Belarus	2
15	Belgium	5
16	Belize	1
17	Benin	1
18	Bolivia	3
19	Bosnia and Herzegovina	1
20	Botswana	3
21	Brazil	9
22	Brunei	4
23	Bulgaria	8
24	Burundi	2
25	Cambodia	12
26	Canada	6
27	Canada (Quebec)	1
28	Cape Verde	1
29	Chile	4
30	China	31
31	Colombia	8
32	Costa Rica	4
33	Cote d’Ivoire	4
34	Croatia	1
35	Cuba	1
36	Czech Republic	4
37	Denmark	4
38	Dominican Republic	4
39	DR Congo	2
40	Ecuador	8
41	Egypt	7
42	El Salvador	4
43	Equatorial Guinea	1
44	Estonia	1
45	Ethiopia	10
46	Fiji	2
47	Finland	3
48	France	7
49	Gabon	2
50	Georgia	4
51	Germany	7
52	Ghana	7
53	Greece	5
54	Guatemala	2
55	Guyana	1
56	Honduras	4
57	Hong Kong	2
58	Hungary	4
59	India	26
60	Indonesia	33
61	Iran	5
62	Iraq	5
63	Ireland	1
64	Israel	3
65	Italy	10
66	Jamaica	2
67	Jordan	4
68	Kazakhstan	13
69	Kenya	7
70	Kyrgyzstan	9
71	Laos	11
72	Latvia	1

No.	Country/Region	Quota
73	Lebanon	1
74	Libya	3
75	Luxembourg	1
76	Macedonia	1
77	Madagascar	5
78	Malawi	2
79	Malaysia	22
80	Mauritania	2
81	Mauritius	1
82	Mexico	6
83	Mongolia	13
84	Montenegro	1
85	Morocco	6
86	Mozambique	4
87	Myanmar	16
88	Nepal	4
89	Netherlands	4
90	New Zealand	1
91	Nicaragua	2
92	Nigeria	7
93	Norway	4
94	Oman	4
95	Pakistan	8
96	Palestine	3
97	Panama	4
98	Paraguay	3
99	Peru	8
100	Philippines	19
101	Poland	3
102	Portugal	1
103	Romania	4
104	Russia	16
105	Rwanda	5
106	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	1
107	Sao Tome and Principe	1
108	Saudi Arabia	3
109	Senegal	4
110	Serbia	4
111	Singapore	9
112	Slovakia	1
113	Slovenia	1
114	Somalia	2
115	South Africa	5
116	Spain	3
117	Sri Lanka	7
118	Sudan	2
119	Suriname	1
120	Sweden	4
121	Switzerland	1
122	Syria	4
123	Taiwan	4
124	Tajikistan	5
125	Tanzania	7
126	Thailand	16
127	Timor-Leste	3
128	Togo	1
129	Trinidad and Tobago	3
130	Tunisia	6
131	Turkiye	11
132	Turkmenistan	7
133	Uganda	6
134	Ukraine	16
135	United Arab Emirates	2
136	United Kingdom	7
137	United States of America	16
138	Uruguay	1
139	Uzbekistan	13
140	Venezuela	2
141	Vietnam	33
142	Zambia	2
143	Zimbabwe	1
Total		776

Overseas Korean/Adoptee: 24 scholars from 8 countries

No.	Country	Quota	No.	Country	Quota	No.	Country	Quota
1	Canada	1	4	Kyrgyzstan	3	7	Ukraine	1
2	Cuba	1	5	Norway	1	8	Uzbekistan	6
3	Kazakhstan	7	6	Russia	4	Total		24

GKS Scholarship 2026 University Track Quota

A) General: 160 scholars from 54 countries/ R-GKS: 480 scholars from 56 countries or regions

No.	Country /Region	Quota
No.	Country /Region	General	R-GKS	Total
1	Algeria	1	3	4
2	Armenia	1	1	2
3	Azerbaijan	2	1	3
4	Bangladesh	3	17	20
5	Belarus	1	1	2
6	Brazil	1	5	6
7	Brunei	1	2	3
8	Cambodia	5	21	26
9	Cameroon	1	8	9
10	Central African Republic	1	–	1
11	Colombia	1	7	8
12	Costa Rica	1	1	2
13	Egypt	3	5	8
14	Ethiopia	3	10	13
15	Georgia	1	1	2
16	Germany	1	1	2
17	Ghana	–	5	5
18	Hungary	1	1	2
19	India	5	42	47
20	Indonesia	10	61	71
21	Iran	2	6	8
22	Italy	1	1	2
23	Kazakhstan	5	18	23
24	Kenya	1	1	2
25	Kuwait	1	–	1
26	Kyrgyzstan	7	3	10
27	Laos	4	3	7
28	Liberia	1	–	1
29	Lithuania	1	1	2
30	Malaysia	7	9	16
31	Mauritania	1	1	2
32	Mexico	2	14	16
33	Moldova	1	1	2
34	Mongolia	6	37	43
35	Morocco	–	2	2
36	Myanmar	7	36	43
37	Nepal	4	2	6
38	Nigeria	2	5	7
39	Pakistan	2	15	17
40	Peru	3	1	4
41	Philippines	16	44	60
42	Poland	1	3	4
43	Romania	1	1	2
44	Russia	5	17	22
45	Rwanda	1	4	5
46	Singapore	2	4	6
47	Slovakia	1	–	1
48	Sri Lanka	3	7	10
49	Sudan	1	1	2
50	Taiwan	–	1	1
51	Tajikistan	2	2	4
52	Tanzania	1	4	5
53	Thailand	6	11	17
54	Turkiye	2	5	7
55	Turkmenistan	–	3	3
56	UAE	–	1	1
57	Uganda	1	1	2
58	USA	–	4	4
59	Uzbekistan	6	6	12
60	Vietnam	10	12	22
Total		160	480	640

B) Research: 5 scholars from 149 countries or regions

Applications are available from 149 inviting countries and regions for the embassy and
university tracks.

Specialization

C) R&D: 403 scholars from all countries around the world

No.	University	Department (Field of Study)	Quota
1	Ajou University	Intelligence Semiconductor Engineering	8
1	Ajou University	Computer Engineering	10
2	Cheongju University	Mechanical and Aeronautical Systems Engineering	3
3	Chonnam National University	Department of Polymer Engineering	3
3	Chonnam National University	Department of Materials Science and Engineering	5
4	Dong-A University	Health Sciences	15
4	Dong-A University	Computer Engineering	15
5	Ewha Womans University	Pharmaceutical Sciences	5
6	Gyeongsang National University	Mechanical System Engineering	4
		Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering	3
		Materials Engineering and Convergence Technology	10
		Energy and Mechanical Engineering	3
		Applied Life Science	3
		Chemistry	3
7	Hannam University	Advanced Materials & Chemical Engineering	5
8	Incheon National University	Bioengineering and Nano-Bioengineering	3
9	Inje University	Nanoscience and Engineering	8
		Digital Anti-Aging Health Care	8
		Smart food & drug: Food & Life Science	5
		Rehabilitation Science	7
10	Jeju National University	Mechatronics Engineering	20
		Electronic Engineering	10
		Computer Engineering	10
11	KAIST	Graduate School of Culture Technology	3
		Department of Biological Sciences	3
		Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering	3
		Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering	3
		Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Mobility	5
		Department of Aerospace Engineering	3
		Department of Chemistry	3
12	Keimyung University	Pharmacy	20
13	Konkuk University	Veterinary Medicine (Veterinary Microbiology & Infectious Diseases)	3
13	Konkuk University	Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Electrical Engineering)	3
14	Kookmin University	Department of Mechanical Engineering	15
14	Kookmin University	Department of Electronics Engineering	15
15	KOREATECH	School of Electrical, Electronics and Communication Engineering	10
15	KOREATECH	Department of AI Convergence	5
16	Kunsan National University	Chemistry	5
17	Kyungpook National University	Agricultural Civil Engineering	5
17	Kyungpook National University	Mathematics	6
18	Pukyong National University	Dept. of Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering	10
		Dept. of Intelligent Robot Engineering	10
		Precision Manufacturing / Intelligent Control Systems	10
19	Pusan National University	Nuclear Systems / Computer Engineering	3
		Artificial Intelligence / Info Convergence	10
		Biomedical Convergence Engineering	3
		Information Convergence Engineering	3
20	Seoul Theological University	Department of IT Convergence	10
20	Seoul Theological University	Department of Mechanical Design and Robot Engineering	3
21	SeoulTech	Department of Data Science	3
		Department of Materials Science and Engineering	10
		Department of Electrical and Information Engineering	16
		Department of Environmental Engineering	6
22	Sogang University	Computer Science and Engineering	3
		Food Science and Technology	3
		Pharmacy	3
23	Sunchon National University	Advanced Components and Materials Engineering	3
23	Sunchon National University	Chemical Engineering	3
24	Yeungnam University	Department of Materials Science and Engineering	5
25	Yonsei University	Medical Science	3
25	Yonsei University	Electrical and Electronic Engineering	3
Total (25 universities)			403

D) Global Network: 80 scholars from all countries around the world

No.	University	Department (Field of Study)	Quota
1	Ajou University	International Development and Cooperation	10
2	Gyeongkuk National University	Department of Educational Technology	6
3	Hongik University	Design Management	6
3	Hongik University	Arts & Cultural Management	3
4	KDI School of Public Policy and Management	Global Cooperation program	25
		Master of Public PolicyMaster of Development Policy
		Master of Public Management
5	Pusan National University	International Logistics & Port Management	20
6	Seoul National University	Dept. of Public Administration (Global Public Administration Major)	10
Total (6 universities)			80

GKS 2026 Graduate Available Fields of Study and Universities

Available Fields of Study

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

All academic fields established by the GKS participating universities.

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

List of available Universities for GKS Scholarship 2026

Classification	Available Universities
Type A (35 institutions)	Ajou University, Chung-Ang University, Dankook University, DGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology), Dongguk University, Duksung Women’s University, Ewha Womans University, GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology), Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Hanyang University (ERICA), Hanyang University (Seoul), Hongik University, Incheon National University, Inha University, KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), KDI School of Public Policy and Management, Konkuk University, Kookmin University, Korea University, Kyung Hee University, NCC-GCSP (National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy), POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology), Sejong University, Seokyeong University, Seoul National University, SeoulTech (Seoul National University of Science and Technology), Sogang University, Sookmyung Women’s University, Soongsil University, Sungkyunkwan University, Sungshin Women’s University, The Academy of Korean Studies, UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology), University of Seoul, Yonsei University
Type B (41 institutions)	Baeseok University, Busan University of Foreign Studies, Changwon National University, Cheongju University, Chonnam National University, Chosun University, Chungbuk National University, Chungnam National University, Daegu University, Daejeon University, Dong-A University, Dongseo University, Gyeongkuk National University, Gyeongsang National University, Hannam University, Hoseo University, Inje University, Jeju National University, Jeonbuk National University, Kangwon National University, Keimyung University, Kongju National University, Konyang University, KOREATECH (Korea University of Technology and Education), Kunsan National University, Kyungpook National University, Kyungsung University, Kyungwoon University, Mokwon University, Pai Chai University, Pukyong National University, Pusan National University, Semyung University, Silla University, Soonchunhyang University, Sun Moon University, Sunchon National University, Tongmyong University, University of Ulsan, Wonkwang University, Yeungnam University

Classification

Available Universities

Type A

(35 institutions)

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

Type B

(41 institutions)

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

Available Universities by Application Track

Embassy Track:

Program	Available Universities
General	Type A or Type B
Overseas Korean^* & Adoptee	Type A or Type B

* Overseas Koreans refer to ethnic Korean without Korean citizenship. Overseas Koreans include offspring of Korean diaspora or Korean immigrants who live in countries out of the Korean peninsula

? Embassy Track applicant may choose up to THREE different universities from Type A and B and MUST apply to at least one of the universities from Type B

University Track:

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

GKS Scholarship 2026 Graduate Eligibility Criteria

Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of countries designated by NIIED. Neither the applicant nor their parents can hold Korean citizenship, including dual citizenship with Korea.

Education Level
Applicants must hold the required previous degree or be expected to graduate before the deadline. Final graduation certificates and transcripts must be submitted after selection if applying with expected graduation status.

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

Program		Minimum Level of Education	Notes
Degree	Master’s	Bachelor?s Degree
Degree	Doctoral	Master?s Degree
Research	Post-Doctorate	Doctoral Degree
	Exchange Professor	Master?s Degree	Must be currently teaching at a university as a professor
	Program for Education, Science, Culture, or International Cooperation Professionals	Master?s Degree	Must be a professional in a field of Education, Science, Culture, or International Cooperation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Age Limit
Generally, applicants must be under 40 years old. In some cases, professors from ODA-recipient countries may apply up to age 45.

Language Ability
Applicants with Korean language proficiency (such as TOPIK) may receive advantages, though it is not always mandatory depending on the track.

Health Condition
Applicants must be physically and mentally fit to complete the full duration of study in Korea.

Resctriction for GKS Scholarship 2026

Duplicate Submission

Embassy track candidates (including reserve candidates) who passed the first round of selection cannot apply again through a university track
Embassy track applicants must apply to only ONE program among General, and Overseas Korean/ Adoptee program
University track applicants must apply to only ONE program among General, R-GKS, Research, R&D or Global Network program

* However, applicants recommended by International Organization may apply to only one program among General, R-GKS, Research, R&D, or Global Network under the University track, excluding the research program
University track applicants (including applicants recommended by the International Organization) must apply to ONE university and ONE department

Duplicate submissions are not permitted and will be excluded from the evaluation. If identified at any stage of the selection process, the scholarship will be revoked.

How to apply for GKS Scholarship 2026 Graduate Program

Embassy Track
Applicants usually submit their application through the official Study in Korea system by creating an account, completing the application form, and uploading all required documents. After the first screening, shortlisted candidates may need to submit original or embassy verified documents. Official website link: www.studyinkorea.go.kr

University Track
Applicants submit their documents directly to GKS designated universities, typically by post or in person, depending on each university’s instructions and deadlines.

Additional Important Notes for Applicants

Additional Documents
Some universities or departments may request extra materials such as portfolios or additional certificates. These must be submitted directly to the university.

University Specific Eligibility
Each university or department may set extra eligibility or admission conditions, so applicants must carefully review the specific requirements of their chosen program.

TOPIK Requirement
All selected GKS scholars are generally required to achieve at least TOPIK Level 3 during or after the Korean language program to proceed to their degree program. Some departments may require higher levels such as TOPIK Level 4.

Enrollment Timing
Applicants must also check enrollment schedules and semester start rules set by each university or department, especially if their Korean language program schedule changes or is delayed.

GKS Scholarship 2026 Documents to submit

A) Embassy Track

Type	No.	Application Documents	Mas.	Doc.	Online application	1^st round successful candidates
Documents to complete (Required)	1	(Form 1) Application Form	Req.	Req.	Fill out on system	Print the form and have a signature
	2	(Form 2) Personal Statement	Req.	Req.
	3	(Form 3) Study Plan	Req.	Req.
	4	(Form 4) Research Proposal – only applicable for research program applicants	N/A		N/A
	5	(Form 5) ONE Letter of Recommendation	Req.	Req.	Upload scanned file	Original document
	6	(Form 6) Letter of Invitation(issued by the research program university)	N/A		N/A
	7	(Form 7) Korean Language Program Exemption Application only applicable for current academic professor applicants	Opt.	Opt.	Fill out on system	Print the form and have a signature
	8	(Form 8) GKS Applicant Agreement	Req.	Req.
	9	(Form 9) Personal Medical Assessment	Req.	Req.
	10	(Form 10) Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information	Req.	Req.
Certificates (Required) Must be Apostilled or Consular confirmed	11	Applicant’s/Parent(s)’ Proof of Citizenship and family relationship Document	Req.	Req.	Upload scanned file	Original document
	12	Bachelor’s Graduation Certificate (or Diploma)	Req.	Req.
	12′	Bachelor’s Degree Transcript	Req.	Req.
	13	Master’s Graduation Certificate (or Diploma)	N/A	Req.
	13′	Master’s Degree Transcript	N/A	Req.
	14	Doctoral Graduation Certificate (or Diploma)- only applicable for postdoctoral research program applicants	N/A
	14′	Doctoral Degree Transcript- only applicable for postdoctoral research program applicants	N/A
	15	Certificate of Employment- only applicable for professional under research program	N/A
	16*	Proof of Overseas Korean Document/Proof of Korean Adoptee Document	Opt.	Opt.
	17*	Proof of Korean Citizenship Renunciation Document- applicant and his/her parent(s)	Opt.	Opt.	Upload scanned file	Original document
	18*	Proof of Korean War Veteran’s Descendant	Opt.	Opt.
	19*	Certificate of Employment or certificate of Experience(e.g., faculty member of the International Organization partner university)	Opt.	Opt.
Other documents (Optional)	20	Score report of valid TOPIK/TOPIK IBT (Original) or English Proficiency Test (copy)	Opt.	Opt.	Fill out on system and upload scanned file	– TOPIK: Original – English Test: Copy
	21	Awards and other certificates, etc. (copy)	Opt.	Opt.	Upload scanned file	Copy
	22	Applicant’s Passport (copy)	Opt.	Opt.	Upload scanned file	Copy

B) University Track

Type	No.	Application Documents	Master’s	Doctoral	Research
Documents to complete (Required)	1	(Form 1) Application Form	Required	Required	Required
	2	(Form 2) Personal Statement	Required	Required	Required
	3	(Form 3) Study Plan	Required	Required	N/A
	4	(Form 4) Research Proposal – only applicable for research program applicants	N/A	N/A	Required
	5	(Form 5) ONE Letter of Recommendation	Required	Required	Required
	6	(Form 6) Letter of Invitation(issued by the research program university)	N/A	N/A	Required
	7	(Form 7) Korean Language Program Exemption Application – only applicable for current academic professor applicants	Optional	Optional	N/A
	8	(Form 8) GKS Applicant Agreement	Required	Required	Required
	9	(Form 9) Personal Medical Assessment	Required	Required	Required
	10	(Form 10) Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information	Required	Required	Required
Certificates (Required) Must be Apostilled or Consular confirmed *Required for relevant applicants	11	Applicant’s/Parent(s)’ Proof of Citizenship and family relationship Document	Required	Required	Required
	12	Bachelor’s Graduation Certificate (or Diploma)	Required	Required	Required
	12′	Bachelor’s Degree Transcript	Required	Required	Required
	13	Master’s Graduation Certificate (or Diploma)	N/A	Required	Required
	13′	Master’s Degree Transcript	N/A	Required	Required
	14	Doctoral Graduation Certificate (or Diploma) – only applicable for postdoctoral research program applicants	N/A	N/A	Required
	14′	Doctoral Degree Transcript – only applicable for postdoctoral research program applicants	N/A	N/A	Required
	15	Certificate of Employment – only applicable for professional under research program	N/A	N/A	Required
	16*	Proof of Overseas Korean Document/Proof of Korean Adoptee Document	Optional	Optional	Optional
	17*	Proof of Korean Citizenship Renunciation Document – applicant and his/her parent(s)	Optional	Optional	Optional
	18*	Proof of Korean War Veteran’s Descendant	Optional	Optional	Optional
	19*	Certificate of Employment or certificate of Experience (e.g., faculty members of the International Organization partner university)	Optional	Optional	N/A
Other documents (Optional)	20	Score report of valid TOPIK/TOPIK IBT (Original) or English Proficiency Test (copy)	Optional	Optional	Optional
	21	Awards and other certificates, etc. (copy)	Optional	Optional	Optional
	22	Applicant’s Passport (copy)	Optional	Optional	Optional

Global Korea Scholarship 2026 Selection Procedure

Find below the selection procedure and schedule for the Global Korea Scholarship 2026 Graduate degree program.

Selection Timeline with important dates and deadlines

It is each applicant’s responsibility to check important notices posted on “Study in Korea” website. NIIED do not inform applicants individually of each round of selection results
Final results for Embassy Track applicants will be available on Study in Korea (My Page).

GKS Scholarship 2026 undergraduate

Evaluation for GKS Scholarship 2026

Main Points of Evaluation

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Points for GKS Scholarship 2026

Applicants who hold a TOPIK level 3 or above will be given additional points (10% of the total allocated points)
Direct descendants of Korean War veterans who participated in the Korean War as a foreign military will be given additional points (5% of the total allocated points)
Applicants to science and engineering departments will be given additional points (5% of the total allocated points)

TestPoints	TOPIK	TOEFL iBT	IELTS
100%	Level 5, 6	–	–
90%	Level 4	114 and above	8.0 and above
80%	Level 3	95 and above	7.0 and above
70%	Level 2	72 and above	6.0 and above
60%	Level 1	42 and above	5.0 and above

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

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

Meanwhile, don’t forget to apply for the KOICA Scholarship 2026 below:

KOICA SCHOLARSHIP 2026

Evaluation Preference

Overseas Koreans
Applicants from low-income families or underprivileged background
Applicants who applied for a natural science and engineering department in a Regional (Type B) university.
Applicants who are current academic professors in a natural science and engineering department or in an ODA recipient country listed in APPENDIX B.
Applicants who submit a high score of English proficiency test (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS)
Postdoctoral Research Program applicant in a natural science and engineering department.

FINAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR GKS Scholarship

Announcement of Final Successful Candidates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make sure to check the official notice on the studyinkorea website > (www.studyinkorea.go.kr > K-Scholarship > GKS Notice

—-

For detailed information, please download the official GKS Scholarship 2026 Application Guidelines below:

GKS Scholarship 2026 Graduate – application guidelines

GKS Scholarship 2026 Graduate – application form

GKS Scholarship 2026 India universities information