Checkout the How to Apply for GKS Scholarship for Indian Students....
Mar 21, 2025 06:25:36
The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
The applicant’s parents should not hold Korean citizenship.
Undergraduate: Below 25 years (as of March 1 of the application year).
Graduate: Below 40 years (as of March 1 of the application year).
Undergraduate: Must have completed (or be in the final year of) 12th grade with a strong academic record.
Graduate:
Master’s applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or be in their final year.
Ph.D. applicants must have a master’s degree or be in their final year.
Research Program: Must have an invitation from a Korean professor and meet research criteria.
A minimum of 80% GPA (or equivalent ranking in the top 20% of the class) from the previous institution.
CGPA must be converted to a 4.0 scale according to NIIED’s (National Institute for International Education) conversion standards.
Must be in good physical and mental health.
Candidates with serious health issues may be disqualified.
Through the Korean Embassy in India (Embassy Track) – You apply to the Korean Embassy, and they recommend candidates to NIIED.
Through a Korean University (University Track) – You apply directly to participating Korean universities, which then recommend candidates to NIIED.
Full tuition fee coverage
Monthly stipend (KRW 900,000 - 1,000,000)
Airfare tickets (round-trip)
Settlement and research allowances
Medical insurance
Free Korean language training for 1 year (if required)
Undergraduate: Applications typically open around September–October.
Graduate: Applications typically open around February–March.
The official GKS application form (provided in the guidelines each year).
Must be filled out completely and accurately.
A detailed essay about your background, academic achievements, goals, and reasons for applying to GKS.
For undergraduate applicants: A study plan outlining your intended major and academic goals.
For graduate applicants: A detailed research plan, including your field of study and proposed research topics.
Must be from professors, teachers, or academic advisors.
Should be sealed in an envelope with the recommender’s signature across the seal.
A signed form confirming that you understand and agree to the scholarship’s terms and conditions.
A self-reported health form included in the GKS guidelines.
If selected, you will need to submit a hospital-issued medical report later.
A passport copy OR
Birth certificate + Parents’ ID proof (to verify nationality).
Family Register (if required by the embassy).
High school diploma (or certificate of expected graduation).
High school transcripts.
Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or Master’s degree (for Ph.D.).
Official university transcripts.
Nationality: You must be an Indian citizen (not holding Korean citizenship).
Academic Qualifications:
Undergraduate applicants: Must have completed or be in the final year of high school.
Graduate applicants: Must have a bachelor's degree (for a master's) or a master's degree (for a Ph.D.).
Age Limit:
Undergraduate: Under 25 years (as of the application year).
Graduate: Under 40 years (as of the application year).
Academic Performance: Minimum CGPA of 2.64/4.0 or 80% (on a 100-point scale).
Health Requirements: Must be medically fit.
Embassy Track: Apply through the Korean Embassy in India.
University Track: Apply directly to a Korean university.
Embassy Track: You can apply to three universities.
University Track: You can apply to only one university.
Application Form (downloaded from the official GKS website).
Personal Statement & Study Plan.
Two Recommendation Letters (from professors, school principals, or employers).
GKS Applicant Agreement & Personal Medical Assessment.
High School Certificate (for undergraduate) or Bachelor's/Master’s degree (for graduate).
Academic Transcripts (sealed and attested).
Birth Certificate or Passport (proof of nationality).
Proof of Family Relationship (for dependent verification).
TOPIK or English Proficiency Certificate (optional but recommended).
Published Research Papers or Awards (if applicable).
Medical Examination Report (required in later stages).
For Embassy Track: Submit documents to the Korean Embassy in India.
For University Track: Submit documents directly to the university’s international office.
Deadline: Typically in February–March (Graduate) and September–October (Undergraduate). Always check the official Korean embassy website or university websites for exact dates.
Document Screening – Embassy shortlists candidates based on eligibility and documents.
Interview Round – Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview at the embassy.
Nomination to NIIED – Selected candidates are recommended to NIIED (National Institute for International Education) in South Korea.
Final University Placement – NIIED forwards the applications to universities, and final selection is made.
University Review – The university screens applications and conducts interviews (if needed).
Recommendation to NIIED – The university nominates selected candidates.
Final Approval by NIIED – The scholarship is officially granted.
Final results are announced by NIIED (May for Graduate, January for Undergraduate) on their official website.
Successful candidates receive Certificate of Admission and Visa Guidelines.
Once selected, apply for a D-2 student visa at the Korean Embassy in India with:
GKS Admission Certificate
Passport
Visa Application Form
Medical Report
Financial Documents (if required)
Book your flight to South Korea (scholarship covers airfare).
Attend any pre-departure orientations (if organized).
Pack necessary documents and essentials.
Arrive in Korea before the semester starts and attend the mandatory orientation session.
Maintain a high CGPA (preferably 8.0+/10 or 80%+).
Ensure your transcripts are well-documented and translated (if needed).
Clearly explain why you want to study in Korea.
Align your goals with Korea’s strengths (e.g., technology, business, culture).
Show how your studies will benefit both India and Korea.
Get LORs from professors or employers who can vouch for your academic abilities and character.
Ensure they provide specific examples of your skills and achievements.
While TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is not mandatory, having Level 3+ gives you an edge.
A high IELTS/TOEFL score can strengthen your application.
Engage in internships, research projects, or community service related to your field.
If applying for a research-based program, try to publish papers or assist professors in research.
Some universities are more competitive than others—research the acceptance rates.
Select a major that matches your academic background and career goals.
If possible, apply through both Embassy and University tracks to increase your chances.
Ensure you meet the specific requirements for each.
Show genuine interest in Korean language, culture, and global collaboration.
Mention any experiences related to Korea (language classes, cultural programs, etc.).
Double-check all documents for accuracy.
Get them notarized and translated if necessary.
Submit everything before the deadline.
If shortlisted, prepare for the interview by reviewing your study plan and goals.
Be confident, concise, and express enthusiasm for studying in Korea.
