The Undergraduate Korean Government Scholarship

What is the Undergraduate Korean Government Scholarship (GKS-U), and who is eligible?

Key Features of the GKS-U:

• Full tuition coverage

• Round-trip airfare

• Monthly living allowance

• Settlement allowance

• Korean language training for one year (if needed)

• Health insurance

• Research support and additional funding (depending on program)

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Nationality:

   • Must be a citizen of a country invited to participate in the GKS-U program (Korean citizens or dual citizens with Korea are not eligible).

   • Both the applicant and their parents cannot hold Korean citizenship.

2. Age:

   • Must be under 25 years old as of the start of the scholarship year.

3. Education:

   • Must have graduated (or be expected to graduate) from high school.

   • Applicants who have already completed a bachelor’s degree are not eligible.

4. Grades:

   • Must have a cumulative GPA of 80% or higher on a 100-point scale or be in the top 20% of their class.

5. Health:

   • Must be in good physical and mental health to study in Korea.

How to apply:

• Embassy track: Apply through the Korean Embassy in your country.

• University track: Apply directly to designated universities in Korea.
   

Universities in South Korea

How can international students apply for the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship?

1. Embassy Track

• Step 1:
  Apply through the Korean Embassy in your home country.

• Step 2:
  The embassy reviews applications, conducts interviews, and then nominates selected candidates to the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) in Korea.

• Step 3:
  NIIED reviews the nominations and makes the final selection.

• Pro Tip:
  Through the embassy track, you can apply to three different universities out of the list of participating universities.

2. University Track

• Step 1:
  Apply directly to one of the designated Korean universities that are part of the GKS program.

• Step 2:
  The university selects candidates and recommends them to NIIED.

• Step 3:
  NIIED makes the final decision.

• Pro Tip:
  With the university track, you apply to just one university, but competition can be slightly less intense compared to the embassy track.

General Required Documents (these may vary a bit each year):

• GKS application form

• Personal statement

• Study plan

• Letters of recommendation

• Academic transcripts

• Proof of citizenship (applicant and parents)

• Proof of graduation or expected graduation

• Awards and certificates (optional but helpful)

• Medical assessment form

• Language proficiency certificates (TOPIK, IELTS, TOEFL – optional, but definitely strengthen your application!)

Application Timeline (approximate):

• Announcement: September–October each year

• Submission Deadline: Usually November (varies by country/university)

• Results: First round results by January; final results around February–March

• Arrival in Korea: Late August or early September
   

Engineering, Science & Technology in South Korea

What are the benefits of the GKS-U scholarship, and what expenses does it cover?

Benefits of the GKS-U Scholarship:

1. Full Tuition Coverage

   • 100% exemption from tuition fees for the entire degree duration (4-5 years, including one year of Korean language training if required).

2. Monthly Allowance

   • Typically KRW 900,000 to KRW 1,000,000 per month (subject to yearly changes) to cover living expenses.

3. Airfare

   • Round-trip economy class ticket to and from South Korea at the beginning and end of the program.

4. Settlement Allowance

   • A one-time settlement allowance (usually around KRW 200,000) when first arriving in Korea.

5. Korean Language Training

   • One year of free Korean language education at designated universities (compulsory unless the student has TOPIK Level 5 or 6).

6. Medical Insurance

   • Health insurance coverage for the duration of the scholarship.

7. Research Support (if applicable)

   • For research-based fields, additional support for thesis printing or research materials may be provided.

8. Completion/Excellent Performance Grants

   • A reward for excellent academic performance or upon successful degree completion (usually KRW 100,000).

Expenses Not Covered by GKS-U:

• Personal expenses beyond the monthly stipend

• Dormitory fees (in some cases partially covered, but usually students pay from their stipend)

• Costs of re-taking language or academic courses due to failure
   

M.Tech in South Korea

What documents are required for the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship application?

1. Application Form (provided in the official guidelines)

2. Personal Statement

3. Study Plan

4. Recommendation Letter (sealed and signed by the recommender)

5. GKS Applicant Agreement

6. Personal Medical Assessment Form

7. Proof of Citizenship and Family Relationship:

• Applicant’s birth certificate or family register

• Parent’s passport or national ID

• Official document proving the parent-child relationship

8. High School Graduation Certificate (or expected graduation certificate)

9. High School Transcript

10. Certificate of Awards (if any)

11. Proof of Korean or English Proficiency (TOPIK, TOEFL, IELTS, etc., if available)

12. Passport Copy (if available at the time of application)

13. Passport-size photographs (as per specifications)

14. Other certificates or documents (optional but recommended if relevant)
 

Masters in Mechanical Engineering in Australia

What is the selection process for the Korean Government Scholarship (GKS-U)?

1. Choose the Track

• Embassy Track:

  • Apply through the Korean Embassy in your home country.

  • You can select three universities in your application.

• University Track:

  • Apply directly to one designated Korean university.

  • You can only select one university.

2. Document Submission

• Submit all required documents by the deadline (to the Korean Embassy or the selected university, depending on the track).

• Documents are checked for eligibility and completeness.

3. First Round — Document Screening

• Embassy/University reviews your academic achievements, study plan, recommendation letters, language proficiency, awards, and overall profile.

• Candidates are shortlisted for interviews based on document review.

4. Second Round — Interview (if applicable)

• Embassy or university conducts interviews (either in person, online, or via phone).

• Not all universities conduct interviews, but embassies generally do.

5. Recommendation to NIIED

• The embassy or university sends the list of recommended candidates and documents to NIIED (National Institute for International Education) in Korea.

6. Third Round — Final Selection by NIIED

• NIIED reviews all recommended applicants’ documents.

• They confirm final selections based on eligibility, merit, and quota allocations.

• The final result is announced through the embassy/university and the official GKS website.

7. Visa and Admission

• Final scholars receive an official acceptance letter.

• Start the visa application process.

• Prepare to travel to Korea before the program start date.

When is the application deadline for the GKS Undergraduate Scholarship, and how can students prepare?
 

• Check Eligibility Criteria:

  • Age below 25 years

  • High school graduate or expected graduate before arrival

  • Good academic record (usually in the top 20% or a GPA of 80% or higher)

  • Good physical and mental health

• Gather Necessary Documents Early:

  • Completed application form

  • Personal statement and study plan

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Academic transcripts and certificates (notarized)

  • Proof of citizenship (applicant and parents)

  • Awards, certificates, and other achievements (if applicable)

  • Medical assessment form

• Language Preparation:

  • While not mandatory, a TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) or English proficiency test (TOEFL/IELTS) can strengthen the application.

• Write a Strong Personal Statement & Study Plan:

  • Explain why you want to study in Korea, your academic goals, and how the scholarship will help you contribute in the future.

• Request Recommendations in Advance:

  • Choose teachers or professors who know your academic abilities and character well.

• Prepare for the Interview (if shortlisted):

  • Research Korea, its culture, and the field of study you're applying for.

  • Practice answering questions clearly and confidently.

• Stay Organized:

  • Follow the checklist provided in the official application guidelines carefully.

  • Keep multiple sets of documents ready (usually three sets: one original and two copies).