How to apply for GKS Scholarship Step by Step Guide
Global Korea Scholarship i.e GKS Scholarship 2025 for graduate degree programs is open now. You can apply for the Master’s and Doctoral programs for a chance to come and study in South Korea on this fully funded scholarship. If you are looking for a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the GKS Scholarship, this article will help you understand the application process in detail explaining both the application tracks – the Embassy Track and University Track.
Choosing the Right Track for GKS Scholarship
There are two ways to apply for the GKS Scholarship:
1) Embassy Track – Apply through the Korean Embassy in your country (more competitive but allows you to choose from several universities). 2) University Track – Apply directly to a Korean university (faster process but limited to one university).
Embassy Track Application Process
(You can apply to three universities under this track.)
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Download the application form from Study in Korea or the embassy website.
Gather the required documents, including your degree certificates, transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statement.
Step 2: Submit the Application to the Korean Embassy
Send your complete application by post to the Korean Embassy in your country before the deadline.
Step 3: Embassy Screening & Interview
The embassy will review applications and conduct interviews for shortlisted candidates.
If selected, the embassy will recommend candidates to NIIED (National Institute for International Education).
Step 4: NIIED Selection & University Review
NIIED will review the recommended candidates and forward applications to the three universities you selected.
Each university will assess your application.
Step 5: Final Selection & Result Announcement
If accepted by at least one university, NIIED will finalize the selection.
The final list of GKS scholarship recipients will be announced on Study in Korea and by the Korean Embassy.
*The candidates who gain admission from more than one university will have to make a final selection, and notify their respective local Korean Embassy and NIIED by the designated date.
How to apply for GKS Scholarship Embassy Track
University Track Application Process
(You can apply to one university under this track.)
Step 1: Choose a University & Prepare Documents
Select a university from the University Track list on Study in Korea.
Download the application form and gather all required documents.
Step 2: Submit Application to the University
Send your complete application by post or email (if allowed) directly to the university.
Step 3: University Screening & Recommendation to NIIED
The university will review your application and recommend shortlisted candidates to NIIED.
Step 4: NIIED Final Selection
NIIED will review the university’s recommendations and make the final decision.
Step 5: Final Result Announcement
If selected, NIIED will confirm your admission and officially announce the GKS scholarship recipients.
How to apply for GKS Scholarship University Track Process
How to apply for GKS Scholarship Summary
Here’s a simplified diagram of how to apply for GKS Scholarship via both Embassy Track and University Track:
Embassy Track Process
Prepare & Submit Application ? Send to Korean Embassy
Embassy Screening & Interview ? Embassy recommends candidates to NIIED
NIIED Selection & University Review ? Universities review applications
Final Decision by NIIED ? Results announced
University Track Process
Choose University & Apply ? Send to Korean university
University Screening ? University recommends candidates to NIIED
Final Decision by NIIED ? Results announced
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 2025 Application Guidelines below:
GKS Scholarship 2025 applications are now open, offering international students a golden opportunity to pursue higher education in South Korea with full financial support. In 2025, the Korean government aims to welcome 1,820 talented students from around the world to enroll in graduate degree programs at top Korean universities.
Before you apply, don’t forget to read this step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship.
The Global Korea Scholarship scholarship covers tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, health insurance, and research support, making it one of the most sought-after scholarships for international students. Applicants can apply via Embassy Track or University Track, the details of which can be found below.
GKS 2025 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
GKS Scholarship 2025 Programs and Universities
GKS 2025 Application Tracks
In 2025, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) will select 1,820 students— 720 through the Embassy Track and 1,100 through the University Track.
1) Embassy Track (Total = 720)
General = 669
Overseas Korean = 11
IRTS* = 40
2) University Track (Total = 1,100)
A) General
General = 150
R-GKS = 465
Research = 5
B) Specialization
R&D = 300
Global Network = 80
C) International Organization
International Organization = 100
* The Global Network Programs in the University Track are selected by each university based on their own scholarship selection guidelines and admission criteria.
GKS Scholarship 2025 Quota
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025 has two application tracks: Embassy Track and University Track, and applicants can apply through only one. Each track has its own quota and deadline, as outlined below.
GKS 2025 Embassy Track Quota
General: 669 scholars from 146 countries or regions
GKS Scholarship 2025 Embassy Track Quota
Overseas Korean: 11 scholars from 7 countries or regions
IRTS: 40 Ukrainian scholars (Including 1 Overseas Korean of Ukraine in Embassy Track)
GKS 2025 University Track Quota
General: 150 scholars from 55 countries or regions/
R-GKS: 465 scholars from 56 countries or regions
GKS 2025 University Track Quota
Research: 5 scholars from 157 countries or regions *Applications are available from 157 inviting countries and regions for the embassy and university tracks.
R&D: 300 scholars from all countries around the world.
Global Network: 80 scholars from all countries around the world
Scholarship Duration for GKS 2025
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025 offers different study durations depending on the program:
Master’s Degree: 3 years (1 year of Korean language + 2 years of coursework)
Doctoral Degree: 4 years (1 year of Korean language + 3 years of coursework)
Research Program: 6 months or 1 year
Global Network Program: Master’s degree completed within 2 years
Important Notes:
The Korean language program is required for most scholars. However, exemptions apply to those in the Research Program, Global Network Program, and scholars who:
Achieve TOPIK Level 5 or 6
Are academic professors in a fully English-taught program
Complete the IRTS Korean Language Program with TOPIK/TOPIK IBT Level 3 or higher
Scholars who reach TOPIK Level 5 or 6 within the first 6 months of the language program will skip the remaining 6 months and begin their degree in March 2026 instead of September 2026.
GKS Scholarship 2025 Benefits
Global Korea Scholarship 2025 covers tuition, living expenses, and more, making it a great opportunity for students to pursue higher education in Korea while experiencing its rich culture.
Following are all the benefits offered to the selected candidates for the graduate degree programs.
GKS 2025 Available Fields of Study and Universities
Available Fields of Study
All academic fields established by the 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
To apply for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2025 for graduate studies, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of a country designated by the NIIED that is invited to participate in the GKS program.
2. Education Level
Applicants must have completed the required degree by the application deadline or be expected to graduate by July 31, 2025.
If you’re expected to graduate by July 31, 2025, you can apply with a certificate of expected graduation and grades from completed semesters. However, you must submit your official graduation certificate and final transcript to the GKS Center, NIIED by July 31, 2025. Failing to do so will cancel your acceptance.
3. Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet the following Grade Point Average (GPA) conditions from their previous degree program:
80% or higher on a 100-point scale or be ranked in the top 20% of your class.
CGPA requirements:
2.64/4.0
2.80/4.3
2.91/4.5
3.23/5.0
4. Age
Applicants must be under 40 years old (born after September 1, 1985).
Current academic professors from Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient countries can apply if they are under 45 years old (born after September 1, 1980).
5. Health
All applicants must be in good physical and mental health to study in Korea for the entire duration of the scholarship.
By meeting these eligibility requirements, you can apply for the GKS 2025 Graduate Program and start your journey to study in South Korea!
For more information on the eligibility criteria, visit the official notice here.
Documents to Submit for GKS Scholarship 2025 Graduate
Find below the list of documents to be submitted by Master’s, Doctoral, and Research program applicants.
GKS Scholarship 2025 Documents to submit
GKS 2025 Selection Procedure
Selection Timeline with important dates and deadlines
Announcement of Application Guidelines (NIIED)
Application Guidelines announced on “Study in Korea” website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr > Scholarship > GKS Notice)
Announcement of 1st Round Selection Schedule (Embassies, Universities)
Announced by each Korean embassy/university – Each embassy/university establishes its own selection plan and schedule
Application Submission (Embassies, Universities)
Application deadline are set by each embassy/university – Please check the website of each institution
1st Round of Selection (Embassies, Universities)
Result Announcement of the first round of selection – Embassy: by March 21 – University: set by each university
Recommend Successful Candidates to NIIED (Embassies, Universities ? NIIED)
Successful candidates’s applications and related documents arrive at NIIED – Embassy Track: by April 1 – University Track: by May 1
2nd Round of Selection (NIIED)
Announcement of successful candidates of the 2nd round (www.studyinkorea.go.kr > Scholarship > GKS Notice) – Embassy Track: early May – University Track: early June
3rd Round of Selection (Universities)
Embassy Track applicants who pass the 2nd round of selection will be reviewed by three universities which they initially applied to – Result Announcement: by June 5
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 June 13
Announcement of 2025 GKS-G Scholars (NIIED)
The final successful candidates will be announced (www.studyinkorea.go.kr > Scholarship > GKS Notice) – Expected announcement date: late June – NIIED informs the final result to Embassies and Universities through official documents
Additional Points for GKS Scholarship 2024 Graduate
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)
Additional points for Korean/English Language Proficiency
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 certificates based on their test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
GKS Scholarship 2025 additional points
GPA Conversion Table – GKS Scholarship
Use the table below to convert your CGPA to a 100-point scale. Make sure to enter the correct score while filling out the application form.
Global Korea Scholarship i.e GKS Scholarship GPA Conversion Table
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 2025 Application Guidelines below:
GKS 2024 i.e Global Korea Scholarship 2024 for Undergraduate Programs is open now (both for bachelor’s and associate’s degrees). This year 262 students from all around the world will be invited under this scholarship (previously called as KGSP Scholarship) to study in Korea for free. In this post, you will find the available fields of study for GKS 2024 undergraduate programs.
You can find detailed information about the GKS Scholarship and How To Apply by visiting the link below.
Here is a list of the available universities. Please note that each track, (Embassy Track and University Track) will have a certain number of universities from this list, so make sure to read the universities available for each track at the bottom of this article.
No.
University Name
No.
University Name
No.
University Name
1
Ajou University
20
Inie University
39
Semyung University
2
Busan University of Foreign Studies
21
Jeju National University
40
Seokyeong University
3
Chonnam National University
22
Jeonbuk National University
41
Seoul National University
4
Chung-Ang University
23
Kangwon National University
42
Seoul National University of Science and Tech.
5
Chungbuk National University
24
Keimyung University
43
Shinhan University
6
Chungnam National University
25
Kongju National University
44
Silla University
7
Daegu University
26
Konkuk University
45
Sogang University
8
Daejeon University
27
Konyang University
46
Sookmyung Women’s University
9
Dong-A University
28
Kookmin University
47
Soonchunhyang University
10
Dongguk University
29
Korea University
48
Sun Moon University
11
Dongseo University
30
KOREATECH
49
Sunchon National University
12
Duksung Women’s University
31
Kyungbok University
50
Sungkyunkwan University
13
Ewha Womens University
32
Kyunghee University
51
Sungshin Women’s University
14
Gyeongsang National University
33
Kyungpook National University
52
TECH University of Korea
15
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
34
National Korea Maritime and Ocean University
53
UNIST
16
Hannam University
35
Osan University
54
University of Seoul
17
Hanyang University
36
Pai Chai University
55
Yeungjin University
18
Hose University
37
Pukyong National University
56
Yeungnam University
19
Inha University
38
Pusan National University
57
Yonsei University
Available Fields of Study for GKS 2024
Click the university’s name to find out the available fields of study at that particular university for the GKS 2024 Undergraduate.
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)
GKS Scholarship University track successful candidates
The National Institute for International Education (NIIED) has recently revealed the list of successful candidates for the GKS Scholarship 2023 via the University Track.
This year i.e in 2023, a total of 1300 students from all over the world will be getting accepted for the GKS Scholarship, previously known as KGSP Scholarship. Half of the 1300 candidates will be accepted via the University track and the other half via the Embassy Track.
Note: NIIED will announce the final results in late June or early July. However, even after a candidate was announced as a final successful scholar, NIIED may cancel the scholarship at any time if a scholar is found to be disqualified or an application document of a scholar is discovered to be a fraud.
Important Notice for the successful candidates:
Don’t forget to carefully read the guidelines for the selected candidates via the University Track.
Additionally, it is essential to explore other scholarship opportunities that can help fulfill your aspirations of studying in Korea without financial constraints.
Consider looking into the Dream Together Scholarship 2023 and the AMA Arts Scholarship 2023. These scholarships provide further avenues for pursuing your academic goals and experiencing the enriching educational environment of South Korea.
We extend our best wishes for you and hope that your ‘study in Korea for free’ dreams come true.
If you are an Indian National and want to study in South Korea under the Global Korea Scholarship 2023, here is your chance to apply for the GKS Scholarship for India by University Track.
According to the official announcement made by the NIIED (), 25 scholars from India will be selected for the Gloabl Korea Scholarship via the University Track.
GKS 2023 quota for India via University Track = 25
GKS Scholarship for India
Available field of studies and Universities
The selection of universities and departments that applicants can apply to for the GKS scholarship program is restricted to those listed in the “University Information” file posted under the GKS Notice on the Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr > Scholarships > GKS Notice).
It’s important to note that evening/night school programs, short-term programs, online, and distance-learning programs are not eligible for this scholarship program. The universities available for selection can be found in the aforementioned file.
How to apply for GKS Scholarship University Track
The process for applying to the GKS Scholarship 2023 University Track is as follows:
Ensure that your GKS Scholarship 2023 application form is accurately filled out.
Attach all the required documents along with your GKS Scholarship 2023 application form.
Once your GKS Scholarship 2023 application is complete, put it and all necessary documents in an envelope that has the university’s address on it.
Send the envelope, sealed, through a courier service to the Korean university address.
GKS Scholarship University Track Selection Procedure:
The process of selecting candidates for the GKS Scholarship University Track is distinct from that of the Embassy Track. The University Track selection process involves two rounds of selection:
Initially, the universities themselves will create a shortlist of applicants who have applied for the GKS scholarship and recommend those shortlisted candidates to the NIIED.
In the second round, the NIIED will make the final selection by further evaluating the eligibility of the candidates on the shortlist. Finally, the NIIED will announce the names of the selected candidates for the GKS scholarship program.
Documents to submit for GKS Scholarship
Important:
If you intend to apply for the GKS Scholarship 2023, it’s important to note that you can only apply through one track at a time. If a student submits applications through both tracks, their application will not be taken into consideration.
GKS Scholarship 2023 for Nigeria has been announced by the NIIED (National Institute for International Education Development). This year, a total of 1300 students will be selected from all over the world under the GKS scholarship, also known as Global Korea Scholarship (formerly known as KGSP or Korean Government Scholarship).
If you’re from Nigeria and want to get your Master’s or Ph.D. for free in South Korea, this is a great chance for you to apply.
For the year 2023, here is the quota for the applicants from Nigeria.
Quota for the Global Korea Scholarship for Nigeria
GKS Scholarship 2023 for Nigeria Embassy Track:
GKS Scholarship 2023 for Nigeria University Track:
GKS Scholarship 2023 for Nigeria Embassy Track QuotaGKS Scholarship 2023 for Nigeria University Track Quota
2. Scholarship Information & Benefits
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
Below are some of the benefits of the Global Korea Scholarship.
Global Korea Scholarship Benefits
3. Eligibility to apply for GKS 2023
The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program for graduate degrees is a great opportunity for eligible applicants to pursue higher education in Korea. However, If you are from Nigeria and want to apply for the GKS Scholarship 2023 for Graduate Program, please have a look at the eligibility criteria before applying.
Nationality:
Applicants must be citizens of countries that have been designated by the National Institute for International Education Development (NIIED) to participate in the GKS program.
The applicant’s parents or legal guardians must hold citizenship from a country other than Korea.
Dual citizens holding Korean citizenship are not eligible.
Degree Requirements:
Master’s Program Applicant: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or have an educational level equivalent to or higher than a Bachelor’s degree.
Doctoral Program Applicant: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or have an educational level equivalent to or higher than a Master’s degree.
Research Program Applicant: Applicants must have received an invitation from one of the partner universities and meet specific criteria depending on the type of research program they are applying for.
Grades:
Applicants must have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) that meets at least one of the following conditions.
Applicants must submit an academic transcript that shows their CGPA or ranking information.
Age:
Applicants must be under 40 years of age, born after September 1, 1983.
Academic professors in one of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipients who are under 45 years of age, born after September 1, 1978, can apply.
Health:
All applicants must be in good health, both mentally and physically, to study in Korea for the entire duration of the program.
In summary, to be eligible for the GKS program, applicants must meet the above criteria, including citizenship, degree requirements, grades, age, and health. It’s important to note that these criteria are subject to change, and applicants are advised to check the latest requirements before applying.
4. Documents to submit for GKS 2023
Important Notes:
If you are applying for GKS Scholarship 2023 for Nigeria, please remember the following things before applying:
You can either apply via Embassy Track or University Track
You can not apply via both tracks. In case an applicant is found to have applied via both these tracks, his/her application will be canceled.
Application Deadline for the University Track is different for each university. Please visit the university’s website that you are applying for and apply accordingly.
Applicants must have obtained the required degree (minimum level of education indicated above) by February 28, 2023.
Visit the link below for the official notice announced on the StudyinKorea website
GKS Scholarship i.e Global Korea Scholarship (previously known as KGSP – Korean Government Scholarship Program) is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world that allows scholars to study in Korea for FREE. You can read more details about GKS Scholarship and How To Apply For GKS Scholarship here.
GKS Scholarship 2022 is about to be announced for the Graduate Degree (Masters, Phd). This year, NIIED (National Institute for International Education) has announced a prior notice for all the aspiring students who are willing to apply for this scholarship.
The official statement by NIIED goes by:
“Dear Prospective Applicants of the 2022 GKS Graduate Program, NIIED would like to make a prior notice that starting from 2022 GKS-G program, we will only accept apostilled or consular confirmed documents for the following:
A) Proof of citizenship (for both applicant’s and their parents’) : official certificate issued by the government such as birth certificate and/or family register
B) Certificate of graduation (Bachelor, Master, Doctoral degree) : official graduation certificate (or diploma) issued by a university or a government : official certificate of expected graduation (*for applicants who are expected to graduate)
C) Academic transcript (Bachelor, Master, Doctoral degree) : official transcript issued by university
The official notice by the NIIED further states:
D) Proof of Age : additional document issued by a government if none of the submitted documents indicate the applicant’s date of birth
E) Proof of Overseas Korean, proof of Korean citizenship renunciation document, proof of Korean War veteran’s descendant, proof of Korean adoptee document : only applicable for relevant applicants
F) Certificate of employment : only applicable for Korean language teaching professionals
Important Notice (GKS 2022)
All certificates listed above must be authenticated by a Korean Consulate or apostilled before submission. Certificates with simple notarization will NOT be accepted.
Confirmation from a Foreign Ministry or a Ministry of Justice ONLY will not be accepted.
Certificates Language (GKS 2022)
Certificates that are written either in Korean or English ? Submit with an authentication by a Korean Consulate or with an apostille.
Certificates that are written in languages other than Korean or English ? A certified translation must be accompanied with an original document. An original (or a certified true copy of the original) document must be authenticated by a Korean Consulate or be apostilled.
Guidelines for Embassy Track Applicant
Embassy track applicants should submit ONE consular-authenticated (or apostilled) document and THREE photocopies of the consular-authenticated (or apostilled) document.
Optional Documents (GKS 2022)
Other optional documents such as certificate of Korean (TOPIK) or English proficiency test, copy of awards, etc. do not need to be authenticated, unless the document is written in a language other than Korean or English. All application documents that are written in languages other than Korean or English must be accompanied with a certified translation.
Previous GKS Scholars
Previous or current GKS Scholars who are applying for a higher degree program should submit original graduation certificate and academic transcript issue by their Korean universities without additional authentication.
This notice is to provide prospective applicants with appropriate time to prepare the required documents since we are aware that certain documents require lead time to be authenticated in some countries.
GKS Scholarship 2022 Quota
The application procedures are similar every year, but there may be slight changes in the country quota, application forms, eligibility, etc., so please read the updated 2022 application guidelines very thoroughly before you apply for the program.
You can download the official notice pdf file from the following link:
