2026 GKS-U Document Preparation Ultimate Guide: Required List & Apostille Notarization Manual

📄 Success for GKS-U Starts with Perfect Document Preparation!

The stage where most applicants struggle and get disqualified during the GKS-U (Undergraduate) scholarship application process is document preparation. Even before the quality of the content is considered, many applicants are excluded from the screening process due to formal defects such as incorrect document formats, missing notarizations, or omissions.

In particular, the 2026 application guidelines make it mandatory to submit supporting documents with an Apostille or Consular Confirmation, and strict standards are applied even to documents issued as electronic files. You must fill out the checklist thoroughly with the mindset that "a single document can change your life."

Based on the latest 2026 GKS-U guidelines, this guide neatly organizes the 6 types of forms you need to fill out and the necessary supporting documents. Complete your perfect document package through Part 4 of our 8-part success series: Required Documents.

1. Document List (Official GKS Forms)

You must download and fill out the official document templates provided by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). All documents must be written in Korean or English, and be careful not to miss any required handwritten signatures.

1. Application Form: Fill in basic personal information and preferred universities.

2. Personal Statement: The core document to highlight your background and competencies.

3. Study Plan: Detail your academic goals and specific plans after admission.

4. Letter of Recommendation: Must be written by a teacher or advisor and submitted in a sealed envelope.

5. GKS Applicant Agreement: Consent for personal data usage and compliance with regulations.

6. Personal Medical Assessment: Honestly self-assess your health status.

2. Mandatory Supporting Documents (Notarization Required)

Documents proving academic background and nationality must be originals (or certified true copies) that have received an Apostille or Consular Confirmation.

• Certificate of Graduation (High School or College): Must confirm graduation status as of December 31, 2025.

• Transcript (High School or College): Must include all-grade records and CGPA information.

• Proof of Nationality (Applicant and Parents): Birth certificate or family relation certificate.

• Proof of Relationship between Applicant and Parents: An official document proving both parents' nationality and their relationship to the applicant.

3. Optional Documents and Bonus Points

Documents you can submit to prove your strengths or receive bonus points.

• TOPIK Score Report: Only scores within the validity period are recognized (10% bonus).

• Official English Score Reports (TOEFL, IELTS): Preferred for high scores.

• Awards and Certificates: Copies of supporting materials that back up the contents of your Personal Statement.

• Proof of Korean War Veteran's Descendant: Document issued by the government of the respective country (5% bonus).

4. ⚠️ Must-Remember Checkpoints for Document Preparation

• A4 Standard Compliance: All documents must be aligned to A4 size. Attach documents smaller than A4 to white paper and fold larger ones.

• Translation Notarization: All documents not in Korean or English must be officially translated and notarized, then Apostilled or consular confirmed.

• Order Alignment: Arrange documents according to the checklist on the first page of the application, and write the number in the top right corner of each document (e.g., 8. Certificate of Graduation).

• Sealed Envelope: The recommendation letter must be placed in an envelope by the recommender, sealed, and signed across the seal.

5. Apostille vs. Consular Confirmation: What is the difference?

The procedure varies depending on whether your home country is a member of the Apostille Convention.

• Apostille Convention Member Countries: Once confirmed by the issuing authority in your country (usually the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, etc.), you can submit it directly without Korean consular confirmation.

• Non-Apostille Convention Countries: After confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country, you must receive Consular Confirmation from the Korean Embassy (or Consulate) located in that region.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I get my original documents back?
A: No. Documents submitted to the NIIED are not returned. In countries where original documents are difficult to reissue, keep the originals for yourself and submit a copy that has been certified as a 'true copy' by the issuing institution, then Apostilled or consular confirmed.

Q2: I am expected to graduate. When do I need to submit the final documents?
A: At the time of the first application, you may submit a Certificate of Expected Graduation. However, after passing the first round, you must submit the final Certificate of Graduation and Transcript with Apostille/Consular Confirmation by December 31, 2025. Failure to meet this deadline will result in cancellation of acceptance.

Q3: Do I need to get an Apostille for my passport copy?
A: No. A standard copy of your passport is sufficient. It is used as a supplementary document if nationality proof is insufficient via other documents like family relation certificates.

🏆 8-Step Success Guide for 2026 GKS-U

Do you have a plan for your document preparation? Now, move on to the next step to confirm the overall selection schedule and timeline.

1. Step 1: 2026 GKS-U Recruitment Overview & Hub: Check total enrollment and features by track.

2. Step 2: Selection of Tracks and University Strategy: Differences between Embassy/University tracks and UIC track analysis.

3. Step 3: Eligibility (Grades, Age, Education) Guide: Requirements for CGPA 80% and renouncing Korean nationality.

4. Step 4: Required Documents & Notarization Manual (Current Page): From Apostille certification to parental nationality proof.

5. Step 5: Selection Process & 2026 Official Timeline: The full flow from September 2025 to January 2026.

6. Step 6: Winning Strategy for Personal Statement & Study Plan: Storytelling strategies to secure STEM preferences and bonus points.

7. Step 7: Scholarship Benefits & Support Details: Detailed check of 2026 integrated academic incentives and support structure.

8. Step 8: Important Notes & FAQ: Disqualification rules for duplicate applications and no-university-change policy.

[!TIP]
The document preparation period can be longer than you think.
Especially, Apostille or consular confirmation can take weeks to months depending on the situation in your home country. Starting right now is the fastest path to success so you can submit your documents as soon as recruitment starts in September.
👉 Prepare your TOPIK score report in advance