GKS FAQ 2027 for Indian Students: Eligibility, Documents, TOPIK, Apostille & More
- Learn Korean With Us
- Jun 29
- 7 min read
Planning to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) from India? You're not alone. Every year, thousands of Indian students aspire to study in South Korea through GKS, but the application process can feel overwhelming.
To help you navigate the process, we've compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about GKS, covering eligibility, required documents, TOPIK requirements, apostille procedures, recommendation letters, visas, and life after selection.
Disclaimer: GKS guidelines may change every year. While we strive to keep this guide updated, applicants should always refer to the latest official announcements from Study in Korea, NIIED, and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India.
GKS Eligibility FAQs
Am I eligible to apply if I am still in high school?
No. You must have completed your 12th grade (high school graduation) before applying for GKS undergraduate programs.
Can I apply for GKS with exactly 80%?
Generally, applicants must have achieved 80% or above in their previous academic program or rank within the top 20% of their class.
If your score falls below this requirement, your application may not be eligible. Always check the latest GKS guidelines, as eligibility criteria can change.
Do backlogs or gap years affect GKS eligibility?
Backlogs and gap years do not automatically disqualify applicants. However:
Backlogs may impact your overall academic performance and CGPA.
All academic transcripts must be submitted, meaning previous academic records will be visible.
Gap years should be clearly explained in your Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Study Plan.
As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and present a strong application, gap years are generally acceptable.
Is there an age limit for applying?
Yes. GKS typically has an age requirement. For example, applicants for GKS Undergraduate 2027 are generally expected to be born after a specified date mentioned in the official guidelines.
Always refer to the latest GKS announcement for exact age criteria.
GKS Application Process FAQs
Can I apply through both Embassy Track and University Track simultaneously?
No. Applicants cannot apply through both tracks at the same time.
However, if you are not selected during the first round of the Embassy Track, you may still have opportunities to apply through certain University Track options depending on that year's guidelines.
How many universities can I choose?
Embassy Track
Applicants can usually select up to three universities. In some years, at least one university must belong to a specific category (such as Type B universities).
University Track
Applicants can choose only one university.
Always verify university selection rules in the latest GKS guidelines.
How do I know which universities participate in GKS?
Visit the official Study in Korea website and review the annual University Information File.
This document provides information about:
Participating universities
Available programs
Embassy Track availability
University Track availability
Eligibility requirements
Can I apply for a major outside my current field of study?
Usually, yes.
Many universities accept applicants from different academic backgrounds. However:
Some majors may require prerequisite coursework.
Certain programs may expect relevant experience.
You should clearly explain your reasons for changing fields in your Study Plan.
A well-justified academic transition can strengthen your application.
TOPIK and Language Requirement FAQs
Is TOPIK mandatory for GKS?
No. TOPIK is not mandatory for most GKS applicants.
However, having a TOPIK score can:
Strengthen your application
Provide additional evaluation points
Demonstrate commitment to studying in Korea
Applicants without TOPIK Level 5 or 6 are generally required to complete one year of Korean language trainingbefore beginning their degree program.
Is TOPIK Level 3 required before entering the degree program?
Not necessarily.
TOPIK Level 3 is beneficial and may be required by certain universities or programs, but it is not universally mandatory.
Requirements vary depending on:
The university
The degree program
The year's GKS guidelines
Can I skip the Korean language year if I already have TOPIK Level 5 or 6?
Often, yes.
Applicants with TOPIK Level 5 or 6 may be exempt from the one-year Korean language program and may begin their degree studies immediately.
However, exemptions depend on university policies and annual GKS regulations.
Will I study Korean even if my degree program is taught in English?
In many cases, yes.
If you do not meet the required Korean proficiency level, GKS usually requires students to complete one year of Korean language training before starting their academic program.
Can IELTS or TOEFL scores help my application?
Yes.
English proficiency scores such as IELTS and TOEFL can strengthen your application, especially if you are applying for English-taught programs.
Although they may not always be mandatory, they can demonstrate your academic preparedness.
Document and Apostille FAQs
Which documents can be used to prove identity and citizenship?
Applicants should submit official documents proving both identity and family relationship, such as:
Birth Certificate
Family Register
Voter ID Card
If these documents do not indicate citizenship information, additional documents such as passport copies may be required.
Which documents can be used for parents' identity verification?
You may submit:
Passport copies
Voter ID cards
Family register documents
If a parent is deceased, a death certificate may be required.
What is the apostille process for Indian documents?
Indian applicants must obtain an apostille for required academic and identity documents.
In India, apostille services are provided through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Commonly apostilled documents include:
Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
Birth certificates
Identity documents
Is apostille mandatory for GKS?
Yes.
Required certificates must generally be submitted with an apostille.
Original documents without apostille or simple notarization are usually not accepted.
Can I submit old apostilled documents?
If the apostilled document has no specified expiration date, it is generally accepted if submitted within two years of authentication.
Always confirm document validity requirements in the latest GKS guidelines.
Do translated documents require apostille?
All documents not written in English or Korean must be accompanied by certified translations.
For required certificates, apostille is generally required either on:
The original document, or
The certified translation
Do I need to submit original documents for apostille?
No.
In India, apostille stamps can often be issued on notarized copies, allowing you to keep your original documents safe.
Can I use grade conversion websites like Scholaro?
If your grading scale differs from those accepted by GKS, you must obtain an official grade conversion certificate from your school or university.
If using conversion tools such as Scholaro, the converted score must be officially verified by your institution.
My transcript only shows overall CGPA. What should I enter in the application?
If semester-wise GPA information is unavailable:
Enter your overall CGPA.
Include percentile information if available.
Use the official GKS GPA Conversion Table when necessary.
Is a consolidated transcript compulsory?
If your school cannot issue a consolidated transcript, you may usually submit individual academic records separately, subject to GKS requirements.
How many sets of documents are required?
Requirements vary each year.
Generally:
One complete application set is required.
Embassy Track applicants may need additional copies for university distribution.
Always prepare extra copies for personal records.
What format should documents be submitted in?
Applicants are usually required to submit:
Physical copies during official application stages
Scanned copies of apostilled documents when requested
Always follow the instructions provided in the year's official announcement.
Recommendation Letter FAQs
Who should write my recommendation letter?
Recommendation letters should ideally come from individuals familiar with your academic abilities, such as:
School teachers
School principals
Department heads
University professors
Recommendations should generally be issued within one year of the application deadline.
How are recommendation letters submitted?
Applicants must download the recommender forms from the official application system.
Recommendation letters should typically:
Be sealed in an envelope
Include the recommender's signature across the flap
Be submitted according to the instructions of the Embassy or University Track
Visa and Post-Selection FAQs
What happens after final selection?
Selected applicants usually receive:
Official admission documents
Scholarship confirmation
Visa application instructions
Students must then:
Apply for a Korean student visa
Complete health requirements
Attend Korean language training if required
Prepare for departure to Korea
How do I apply for a visa under GKS?
After selection, applicants can apply for a student visa using:
Passport
Admission documents
Scholarship confirmation letters
Medical documents (if required)
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India provides updated visa guidance.
Can I change my university or major after selection?
Generally, no.
GKS selection is based on the specific university and program to which you applied. Changes after selection are typically not permitted.
Life After GKS FAQs
Can I stay in Korea after graduation?
Yes.
Graduates may explore employment opportunities in Korea and apply for appropriate work or residency visas according to Korean immigration laws.
Is it easy to get a job in Korea after graduation?
Finding employment in Korea can be competitive.
Factors that improve job prospects include:
Korean language proficiency
Academic performance
Professional experience
Networking opportunities
Students who prepare early often have stronger employment outcomes.
How competitive is GKS for Indian applicants?
GKS is highly competitive.
Successful applicants often demonstrate:
Strong academic performance
Well-written SOPs and Study Plans
Relevant extracurricular achievements
Language proficiency (TOPIK or English tests)
Clear academic and career goals
Preparation and attention to detail significantly improve your chances of success.
Are there support groups for Indian GKS applicants?
Yes.
Many applicants participate in:
WhatsApp groups
Telegram communities
Social media groups
These communities can provide peer support and shared experiences. However, always verify important information through official sources.
Applying for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) can seem complicated, but understanding the requirements and preparing early can make the process much smoother.
Remember:
Follow official guidelines carefully.
Prepare your documents well in advance.
Focus on writing strong application essays.
Build your Korean language skills to strengthen your profile.
For many Indian students, GKS is the first step toward achieving their dream of studying in South Korea. With the right preparation, that dream can become a reality.
Planning to Apply for GKS?
Navigating the GKS process can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. At LKWU, we support students through Korean language learning, TOPIK preparation, apostille assistance, SOP guidance, and insights from previous GKS applicants and scholars.
Begin at home with our online courses and end up in person in Korea.
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