The Global Korea Scholarship, formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), offers 1,820 fully funded scholarship for international students in 2025. This prestigious program supports master’s, PhD, and research students, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Designed to foster academic excellence, it promotes global cultural exchange and strengthens Korea’s international partnerships.
Korea is a global leader in technology, innovation, and education, offering world-class universities with cutting-edge facilities. Students gain access to diverse academic programs, dynamic cultural experiences, and opportunities to network globally. With a vibrant mix of tradition and modernity, Korea provides an enriching environment for personal and professional growth, making it a prime destination for international education.
In this article, we will address all the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the 2025 Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degree (GKS-G). These include topics such as eligibility (nationality and degree requirements), grades, consular confirmation, language proficiency, the Korean language program, required documents, university and department selection, recommendation letters, and more. This comprehensive Global Korea Application Guide serves as a step-by-step resource to provide you with all the information you need to navigate the GKS-G application FAQs with ease
Global Korea Scholarship FAQs 2025 | Your Complete GKS Guide:
2025 GKS Eligiblity FAQs
1) Nationality
Do I need to submit my parents’ passport copies?
You must provide an official document, such as a birth certificate or family register, to prove your relationship with your parents. If this document does not show citizenship details for you and your parents, you need to submit additional documents, such as a passport copy or another government-issued document that includes citizenship information. Keep in mind that details like birthplace, ethnicity, or residency on documents will not be considered valid proof of citizenship.
What should I do if my father has passed away, and I cannot provide his proof of citizenship?
If you cannot provide your parent’s proof of citizenship due to circumstances such as death or absence (e.g., divorce), you need to submit supplementary documents explaining the reason. Examples of acceptable documents include a death certificate, divorce certificate, or any other relevant legal document.
If my parents and I have different citizenships, am I eligible to apply?
Yes, you are eligible to apply as long as neither you nor your parents hold Korean citizenship, and you are a citizen of one of the countries eligible for the GKS degree program.
Can I apply if my country is not listed in the 2025 GKS program?
No, you cannot apply unless you are eligible under specific tracks like R&D, Global Network, or International Organization programs. These tracks are open to applicants from all countries, but you must apply directly to designated universities through the university track. The quotas for the program are based on agreements between Korea and its partner countries, so applicants outside of these agreements are not eligible for the general GKS program.
2) Degree
Can I apply if I am expected to graduate in March 2025?
Yes, you are eligible to apply if you are expected to graduate by July 31, 2025. You must submit a certificate of expected graduation with your application. After being selected, you must provide your official graduation certificate (or diploma) and your final academic transcript to the GKS Center, NIIED, by July 31, 2025. If you fail to submit these documents by the deadline, your acceptance will be canceled.
Can I apply with a provisional graduation certificate?
No, provisional certificates are not accepted. Only final, official graduation certificates or diplomas are considered valid. The document must clearly indicate the official graduation date or at least the month of graduation. Even if provisional certificates are accepted as official in your country, they will not be accepted for the GKS program.
Can I apply for a master’s degree in a different field if I already have a master’s degree? Which certificate should I submit?
Yes, you can apply for a master’s degree in a different field even if you already hold a master’s degree. In this case, you must submit the degree certificate and transcript of your bachelor’s degree, which must meet the grade requirements specified in the application guidelines. Submitting your master’s degree certificate and transcript is optional.
If I am currently in a master’s degree program at a Korean university, can I apply for another master’s program?
If you have graduated from a Korean high school or university, or are currently in the final stages of a degree at a Korean university, you are not eligible to apply. However, if you are not close to graduation, you can apply, but you will need to drop out of your current program and start the GKS degree as a first-year student. Transfer credits from your previous program will not be accepted. If you are residing in Korea, you may also need to return to your home country to apply for a new visa for the GKS program. Note that in such cases, the program will not provide airfare for reentry.
3) Grades
What should I do if my transcript uses a grading scale not mentioned in the guidelines? Can I use grades converted from a website?
If your grades are not on one of the accepted GPA scales (4.0, 4.3, 4.5, 5.0, or 100-point scale), you must convert them and have the conversion confirmed by your university. If you use an online tool, such as Scholaro, the converted CGPA must be officially acknowledged by your university. You need to submit an official certificate or testimonial from the university confirming the conversion. This document does not require an apostille or consular confirmation, but it must include the university’s authentication in its original form. The program’s screening committee will review your CGPA eligibility based on the provided information.
My CGPA is below 80%. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, you can still apply if you rank within the top 20% of your class, even if your CGPA is below 80%. In addition to your original transcript, you must submit an official certificate or letter from your university verifying your ranking within the top 20% of your class.
What should I do if my transcript only shows CGPA and not semester-wise GPA?
If your transcript does not provide GPA for each semester or year, you do not need to fill out those sections in the application form. Instead, provide your overall CGPA and the percentile for your entire degree. If your transcript does not include a percentile, use the GPA Conversion Table in the application guidelines to convert your CGPA into a 100-point scale.
Should doctoral applicants include their bachelor’s CGPA in the application?
Doctoral applicants should include the CGPA of their master’s degree in the application form. You are required to submit graduation certificates and official academic transcripts for both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The CGPA considered for eligibility is that of your master’s degree.
What should I do if my transcript from my current university does not include grades from a previous university?
Submit the official transcript from the university where you graduated. If this transcript does not include grades for your entire degree program, provide academic records from your previous university as a supplementary document. The CGPA required for the application should be based on the transcript from the university where you completed your degree.
Other Eligibility
If I meet all the application requirements listed in the guidelines, does that mean I qualify to apply to all GKS partner universities?
Not necessarily. The application requirements mentioned in the guidelines are the minimum criteria to apply for the GKS program. Individual universities and departments may have additional requirements, such as specific language proficiency levels or other qualifications. It is essential to review the “University Information” files provided with the application guidelines to check the qualifications set by each university or department. If a university requests additional materials, such as a portfolio, these should be submitted directly to the respective university.
Can I apply for the GKS program if I am currently living in Korea?
Yes, you can apply while residing in Korea or in another country. Applicants must follow the embassy track by applying through the Korean embassy in their country of citizenship or the university track by applying directly to a Korean university. If you are applying through the embassy track from a third country, check with the embassy for submission and interview procedures. However, successful candidates currently residing in Korea or entering Korea from a third country will not receive airfare support for entry. Additionally, obtaining necessary authentications, such as apostilles, consular confirmations, or certified translations, may take more time and effort when applying from abroad.
2) Apostille or Consular Confirmation
Can I choose between an apostille and consular confirmation for document legalization?
If your country is part of the Apostille Convention, you must obtain an apostille for your required certificates. For countries not part of the Apostille Convention or if apostille services are unavailable, you must get consular confirmation from the Korean embassy or consulate in your country. If neither option is possible, you should consult with the relevant authorities for further instructions.
Can I submit my original degree certificate and transcript without apostille or consular confirmation?
No, all required certificates must be authenticated with either an apostille or consular confirmation. Original documents without proper authentication, notarized copies certified by only a notary public, or documents certified by other government agencies will not be accepted. However, certificates issued by Korean government agencies or institutions can be submitted in their original form without additional authentication.
For the embassy track, do I need to apostille my birth certificate multiple times?
No, embassy track applicants are only required to submit one set of original application documents (which includes apostilled or consular-confirmed certificates) along with three photocopied sets. Therefore, you do not need to authenticate your certificates multiple times.
Can I submit a copy of a previously apostilled graduation certificate?
No, a photocopy of a previously apostilled document will not be accepted, regardless of whether it is in color or black and white. Only a certified true copy issued by the original government agency or a certified true copy issued by the Korean embassy will be accepted.
How do I submit documents that require translation?
Documents that are not in Korean or English must include a certified translation. For required certificates, apostille or consular confirmation is necessary either on the original document or on the certified translation. If the document is bilingual (original language and English), no additional translation is required.
What if my original graduation certificate with an apostille cannot be reissued? Can it be returned?
No, NIIED will not return any submitted documents under any circumstances. If your original certificate cannot be reissued, you should provide a certified copy with an apostille or consular confirmation instead. Selected GKS scholars are advised to prepare additional authenticated copies of their graduation certificates for visa applications, university admissions, or other official requirements in Korea.
Can I submit a graduation certificate that was apostilled last year?
Yes, you can submit a previously apostilled certificate if it does not have an expiration date and was issued within two years of the application submission. If the document has an expiration date, its validity will depend on the date indicated.
How should I submit certificates issued in another country?
If your documents were issued in another country, you must obtain an apostille if that country is part of the Apostille Convention. If apostille services are not available, consult with the embassy or consulate of the country where the documents were issued to obtain consular confirmation. If both options are unavailable, consult with the Korean embassy or consulate for guidance.
3) Application Submission
Can I submit my application directly to NIIED?
No, individual applicants cannot submit their documents directly to NIIED. Applications must be submitted to either the GKS selection department at a Korean embassy or the university you are applying to. NIIED only accepts applications through official submissions from embassies or universities. Any documents mistakenly sent directly to NIIED will not be considered for screening and will not be returned.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadlines vary by embassy and university. It is essential to check the official website of the specific embassy or university to find out their exact application period. Since embassies and universities conduct the first round of selection, their submission guidelines and deadlines may differ. Contact the respective embassy or university for inquiries regarding submission methods and deadlines.
I am a citizen of China or the Czech Republic. Where should I submit my application?
Chinese citizens must apply through the China Scholarship Council (CSC) under the Ministry of Education in China instead of the Korean Embassy in China. Similarly, Czech citizens must submit their application to the Ministry of Education in the Czech Republic. This is based on agreements between Korea and these respective countries.
As a U.S. citizen living in Los Angeles, can I submit my application to the Korean Consulate in L.A. instead of the Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, U.S. applicants can submit their applications to the nearest Korean consulate. The Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Korean Consulate in Los Angeles coordinate to conduct the first round of selection. Similarly, Vietnamese applicants can submit their applications to embassies or consulates in Hanoi, Danang, or Ho Chi Minh. It is recommended to contact the nearest Korean embassy or consulate for more detailed information about the application process.
4) Selection of University/Departments
How many departments and universities can I apply to?
If you are applying through the university track, you can choose only one university and one department. For the embassy track, you may apply to up to three universities. However, at least one of these universities must be from the Type B category. While you may select the same department at all three universities, you are not allowed to choose multiple departments within a single university.
Are there any tips for selecting three universities?
Embassy track applicants should be aware that passing the second round of selection does not guarantee admission to the universities they have selected. If you only choose highly competitive universities, there is a possibility of being rejected by all three during the third round.
To improve your chances, conduct thorough research to identify which universities are best known for your desired field of study. Keep in mind that universities in metropolitan areas typically have higher living costs than those in non-metropolitan areas. Since GKS scholars are responsible for covering their accommodation expenses within their stipend, consider the cost of living when making your choices.
5) Certificate of Language Proficiency
Do I need to submit certificates of language proficiency (English or Korean)?
No, submitting certificates of language proficiency, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or TOPIK, is optional. However, certain universities or departments may require a specific level of language proficiency. Including these certificates in your application can strengthen it and demonstrate your skills. Note that a certificate indicating English was the medium of instruction cannot replace an English proficiency test certificate.
6) Recommendation Letter
Who should I ask for a recommendation letter?
You should request a recommendation letter from someone who can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your academic abilities, such as a professor or the dean of your department at your previous university. For applicants under the International Organization program, the recommendation letter must come from a partner university affiliated with the program.
The recommendation letter must be dated within one year of the application deadline. If you prepared your recommendation letter in advance, you may use the 2024 GKS recommendation letter form. Only one recommendation letter is required for the application, but you may submit up to two if you believe additional letters will strengthen your application.
7) Other Document Submission Inquiries
Should I include a detailed research proposal in my Study Plan?
Yes, your Study Plan must at least outline the general direction and objectives of your proposed studies. It is important to clearly state your academic goals, plans during your program in Korea, and your aspirations after completing the degree.
Can I apply to multiple universities under the university track?
No, university track applicants can apply to only one university and one department. If you apply to more than one university, your application will be disqualified. For embassy track applicants, those who do not pass the first round can reapply under the university track. However, you cannot apply to both tracks simultaneously.
What should I do if the name on my birth certificate differs from the name on my graduation certificate?
You must apply using the name on your passport. If the name on your other documents differs, provide a supplementary document issued by your government that explains the discrepancy.
8) Korean Language Program
Is it mandatory to pass at least Level 3 in TOPIK after one year of the Korean Language Program?
Yes, all GKS scholars must achieve at least TOPIK Level 3 within one year of the Korean language program to proceed with their degree program. Exceptions apply to scholars in research programs, global network programs, or certain English-taught programs. Additionally, some universities or departments may require a TOPIK Level 4 certificate or higher, and scholars must meet these specific requirements to begin their degree program.
Will I be assigned to a different Korean language institution than my degree university?
No, starting from 2023, GKS scholars attend the Korean language program at the same university where they will pursue their degree. Exceptions include KAIST, UNIST, GIST, KDI School of Public Policy and Management, and POSTECH, which may assign scholars to a different institution for the language program. Scholars are typically required to stay in dormitories, often with roommates. If specific facilities (e.g., private kitchen or bathroom) are needed for religious or personal reasons, you should check with the university.
Can I be exempt from the Korean Language Program if my degree is taught in English?
No, the Korean language program is mandatory for all scholars, regardless of the language of instruction for their degree. However, if you have already attained TOPIK Level 5 or 6, you may submit a valid certificate to be exempt from the language program and directly begin your degree program in September 2025. If you attain TOPIK Level 5 or 6 during the first six months of the program, you will be exempt from the remaining six months and can start your degree in the next semester (March 2026).
Can I change my final university choice during the Korean language program or degree program?
No, changing your university or transferring to another university is strictly prohibited under any circumstances. You must complete your program at the university where you are enrolled.
9) Selection Results
How will I know if I passed each stage of the selection process?
Results for the first round will be announced by each embassy and university. The results of the second round and the final list of successful candidates will be published on the GKS Notice Board at studyinkorea.go.kr. All applicants must regularly check the website during the selection period for updates and announcements.
Good Luck!
