Step by Step GKS-U 2026 Application Guide for Indian Students

Learn Korean With Us
Sep 7
2 min read

Dream of Studying in Korea on a Fully-Funded Scholarship?

Discover the definitive, start-to-finish roadmap for Indian and international students to secure the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U 2026)—your complete guide to eligibility, documents, deadlines, tracks, and winning strategies.

What Is GKS-U 2026?

GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 offers international students:

Full tuition waiver
1 year Korean language training
Monthly stipend
Round-trip airfare
Resettlement allowance, medical insurance
Language test grants, completion bonuses

This makes GKS-U 2026 one of the most comprehensive scholarships for studying in Korea.

GKS-U 2026 Eligibility

Nationality: Applicant and parents must not hold Korean citizenship.
Education: High school completion or expected by Dec 31, 2025; Associate degree holders may apply for bachelor's.
Academic Record: 80%+ marks (or top 20% ranking) OR CGPA ≥2.64/4.0, ≥2.80/4.3, ≥2.91/4.5, ≥3.23/5.0.
Age: Under 25 (born after March 1, 2001).
Health: Must pass medical assessments.

Application Tracks: Embassy Track vs. University Track

Embassy Track:

Apply online via the Korean Embassy in your country.
Choose up to three universities (at least one Type B).
Screening, interview, NIIED evaluation.

University Track:

Apply directly to one NIIED-designated university/department.
Reviewed by university, forwarded to NIIED for confirmation.

Required Documents

Application Form (Form 1)
Personal Statement & Study Plan (Forms 2 & 3)
1 Recommendation Letter (Form 4)
GKS Applicant Agreement & Medical Form (Forms 5 & 6)
High School Certificate or Provisional Graduation Certificate
Transcripts (sealed, attested)
Proof of Citizenship (passport)
Birth Certificate
Optional: TOPIK/IELTS/TOEFL, portfolio, awards

All documents must be in English/Korean and apostilled if needed.

Application Timeline (2026)

Step	Key Action
Eligibility Check	Review rules and collect documents
Track Choice	Select Embassy/University track
Document Preparation	Translate, apostille, draft SOP, get LOR, Study Plan
Application	Submit online after September 15, 2025
Interview	Attend if shortlisted
Results	Announced by January 9, 2026
Visa Prep	Apply for D-2 visa, book tickets
Orientation	Attend pre-departure session, language course start