The GKS 2026 Scholarship is a full paid program for both graduate and undergraduate students. Getting the right papers ready is one of the most important steps. In this post you’ll see the complete details about the GKS Scholarship 2026 Required Documents.
General Information
| Study in | South Korea |
| Available for | International students |
| Degree level | Graduate & Undergraduate |
| Scholarship type | Fully funded |
First Round (Embassy or University Track)
During the first round, you submit documents to either your local Korean Embassy or directly to the University.
Documents to Fill Out
- Application Form
- Personal Statement
- Study Plan
- Research Proposal (for graduate/research applicants)
- Recommendation Letter (signed and sealed by supervisor, dean, or expert in your field)
- Invitation Letter (only if applying for a research program)
- Applicant Agreement
- Personal Medical Check
- Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information
Certificates Needed
- Graduation Certificate or proof of expected graduation
- Academic Transcript
- Proof of Citizenship passport or national ID
- Proof of Overseas Korean status if it applies
Note: Each embassy or university may have slightly different rules. Some may take photocopies, computer files or papers without certified translation. Always check with your embassy or university.
Second Round (NIIED)
If you pass the first round, your documents are sent to NIIED for final review.
Documents to Fill Out
- Must be in English or Korean only
- Must be signed by hand by the applicant
- No apostille or consular confirmation needed for forms
Number of Document Sets
- Embassy Track: 1 original set + 3 photocopies
- University Track: 1 original set
Certificates Needed
- If in English or Korean → Add apostille or consular confirmation
- If in other languages → Must be translated into English or Korean with certified translation + apostille or consular confirmation on original or translated copy
Number of Certificate Sets
- Embassy Track: 1 apostille set + 3 photocopies
- University Track: 1 apostille set
Evaluation Phase
- First Round Documents
- Must be in English or Korean
- Embassy or university may adjust document rules if needed
- Always check with them for details
- Second Round Documents
- Only first-round winners proceed
- Missing documents or unsigned forms = disqualification
- NIIED keeps all documents (they will not be returned)
- If a university asks for extra materials (e.g., portfolio), send them directly to the university
Official Resources
Final Advice
- Prepare all documents early and keep extra copies.
- Double-check whether your Embassy Track or University Track requires additional items.
- Make sure translations are certified and apostilled if needed.
- Sign every form by hand and check that seals on recommendation letters are intact.
- Remember that NIIED will not return documents, so keep your own copies.
The Global Korea Scholarship 2026 for graduate students is a full paid program. It covers flights, tuition, monthly money, Korean language, training and extra help for students with strong Korean skills. It is one of the most generous scholarships in the world. It helps international students study in South Korea without money problems.