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2026 GKS-G (Graduate) Guidelines Explained in Simple Terms

gks

The Global Korea Scholarship – Graduate (GKS-G) 2026 is a fully funded scholarship by the Korean government for international students who wish to pursue Master’s, Doctoral, Research, or Professional degrees in Korea. The program aims to develop global leaders, strengthen international cooperation, and promote cultural exchange through higher education in Korea.


Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

Nationality Requirement

  • Applicants must hold citizenship of a country invited to the GKS program.

  • Neither the applicant nor their parents should hold Korean citizenship.

  • If the applicant or their parents previously held Korean citizenship, proof of renunciation must be submitted.

  • If citizenship changes during selection, the applicant becomes ineligible.

  • Exception: International Organization, R&D, and Global Network tracks are open to all nationalities.


Minimum Academic Qualification

Applicants must have completed (or be expected to complete by July 31, 2026) the following:

Program

Minimum Degree Required

Master’s

Bachelor’s degree

Doctoral

Master’s degree

Post-Doc

Doctoral degree

Exchange Professor

Master’s + current professor

Professional Master’s

Professional experience in education, science, culture, or international cooperation

Students graduating by July 31, 2026 can apply with an expected graduation certificate but must submit final documents later, failure to do so cancels acceptance.


Academic Performance (GPA Requirement)

Applicants must meet one of the following:

  • Be in the top 20% of class or score 80%+

  • OR have minimum CGPA:

    • 2.64 / 4.0

    • 2.80 / 4.3

    • 2.91 / 4.5

    • 3.23 / 5.0

If your transcript does not show CGPA in one of these scales, an officially converted transcript is required.


Age Limit

  • Must be under 40 years old (born after September 1, 1986).

  • Professors from ODA countries can apply up to 45 years.


Korean Language Requirement (TOPIK)

  • Applicants planning to complete the Korean language program by August 2026 must have TOPIK Level 3 or higher at application time.

  • Accepted certificates: TOPIK 93rd–105th or TOPIK IBT 1st–12th exams.


Exemption from Korean Language Training

You can skip the 1-year Korean language program if:

  • You already have TOPIK Level 5 or 6 before applying → you start your degree in September 2026.

  • If you achieve TOPIK 5/6 within the first 6 months of language training → you can start your degree in March 2027.

Important: You cannot change your university after final selection under any circumstances.


Required Documents

Applicants must submit official documents including:

  • Proof of citizenship & family relationship (apostilled voter ID/birth certificate/family register of self and both parents).

  • Graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate (apostilled, provisional certificates are NOT accepted).

  • Official academic transcript (apostilled).

  • Letter of Recommendation from a professor or academic supervisor.

  • Additional documents if applicable (e.g., proof of Korean citizenship renunciation, refugee status, or Korean War veteran lineage).

If documents are missing or incorrectly submitted, the application may be rejected.


Evaluation & Bonus Points

Extra points may be awarded to:

  • Descendants of Korean War veterans.

  • Applicants from science & engineering fields.

  • Applicants from low-income backgrounds.

  • Applicants with strong English scores (TOEFL/IELTS).

  • Natural science/engineering applicants applying to regional universities.


Final Results & Timeline (Important Dates)

  • 3rd round results (Embassy Track): Universities notify applicants individually by June 5, 2026.

  • Final university choice deadline: June 12, 2026, 6 PM (KST) via Study in Korea portal.

  • Final results are published by late June 2026 on Study in Korea website.

  • Successful candidates receive official invitation letters from NIIED.


Why GKS-G Matters for Indian Students

For Indian students, GKS-G offers:

  • Fully funded tuition + stipend

  • World-class education in Korea

  • Global exposure and research opportunities

  • Strong career prospects

  • Cultural immersion in Korea

However, the process is document-heavy and competitive, proper preparation is crucial.


How LKWU Supports GKS Aspirants

At Learn Korean With Us (LKWU), students receive:

  • Structured Korean language training aligned with GKS timelines

  • Guidance on TOPIK preparation

  • Help with documentation, apostille, and transcripts

  • Application strategy and university selection support

  • Step-by-step planning to avoid last-minute stress


The 2026 GKS-G program is a life-changing opportunity but only for well-prepared applicants. Understanding eligibility, deadlines, language requirements, and documentation is key to success. With the right guidance and preparation, students can significantly improve their chances of selection.



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