HaniSeoul

2026 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Undergraduate Application Guide: Programs, Eligibility, Quota, Procedures, and Schedule

Check the 2026 GKS Undergraduate application guidelines. Get comprehensive information on eligibility, admission quotas, selection tracks, universities, procedures, and the application schedule.

HaniSeoul Team||5 min read

🎓 Unlock Your Potential as a Global Talent with the 2026 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U)!

The National Institute for International Education (NIIED) of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea has officially launched the application period for the 2026 Global Korea Scholarship for Undergraduate degrees (GKS-U). GKS-U is the most prestigious state scholarship program, offering outstanding students from around the world the opportunity to study at Korea's top universities with full financial support, thereby strengthening global partnerships and promoting Korean education.

For 2026, GKS-U will select a total of 280 students for undergraduate and associate degree programs. Notably, the University-Industry Cooperation (UIC) track, designed for essential future industries in science and engineering, has been expanded, offering diverse application tracks tailored to different interests. There is no better opportunity for students who wish to grow globally through studying in Korea.

This guide provides essential information that every applicant must know, based on the official 2026 GKS-U guidelines, organized into an 8-part series. Use this hub post to understand the big picture, and follow the step-by-step detailed guides to develop your winning strategy. HaniSeoul TOPIK will be with you on your journey to studying in Korea.

📚 Programs and Partner Universities

The GKS undergraduate program is divided into associate and bachelor's degrees. Scholarship duration and application tracks are as follows:

Category

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Scholarship Period

1 year Korean language training + 2~3 years degree program

1 year Korean language training + 4~6 years degree program

Admission quotas by track are as follows:

Category

Embassy Track

University Track

Total

Track

General

Overseas Korean

R-GKS

Subtotal

UIC

Associate

Subtotal

Quota

82

7

61

150

100

30

130

280

📚 Fields of Study and Universities

Fields of Study

  • Eligibility: All academic fields offered at partner universities.

  • Exclusions: Evening classes, seasonal classes, or distance learning programs that differ from standard university lecture formats are not eligible.

  • Note: Applicants may only apply to departments offered at designated partner universities for each track.

    • Check the GKS Notice board on the Study in Korea website (studyinkorea.go.kr) for detailed departmental information.

Partner Universities

1. Embassy Track

Applicants must choose from the universities listed below.

Degree

Category

List of Universities

Bachelor's (150)

Type A (30 schools in Seoul/Capital)

Konkuk, Kyung Hee, Korea, Kookmin, Dankook, Duksung Women's, Dongguk, Myongji, Sogang, Seokyeong, Seoul National Univ. of Sci. & Tech, Seoul National, University of Seoul, Sungkyunkwan, Sungshin Women's, Sookmyung Women's, Shinhan, Ajou, Yonsei, UNIST, Ewha Womans, Incheon, Inha, Chung-Ang, POSTECH, KoreaTech, Hankuk Univ. of Foreign Studies, Hansung, Hanyang, Hongik

Type B (39 schools outside Capital)

Kangwon National, Konyang, Kyungpook National, Gyeongsang National, Kyungsung, Keimyung, Korea (Sejong), National Gyeongbuk, Kongju National, Kunsan National, Korea Maritime & Ocean, Catholic Univ. of Daegu, Daegu, Daejeon, Dongseo, Dong-A, Mokwon, Pai Chai, Pukyong National, Pusan National, Busan Univ. of Foreign Studies, Sun Moon, Semyung, Sunchon National, Soonchunhyang, Silla, Yeungnam, Ulsan, Inje, Chonnam National, Jeonbuk National, Jeju National, Chosun, Cheongju, Chungnam National, Chungbuk National, KoreaTech, Hannam, Hoseo

❗️ Important for Embassy Track Applicants!

General and Overseas Korean tracks: You may apply to up to 3 universities, and you must include at least one Type B university.
R-GKS track: You may apply to up to 2 universities, but only from Type B universities.
2. University Track

Applicants must only apply to the designated universities and departments for each course.

Degree

Quota

List of Universities

Associate (30)

30

Gyeongbuk College, Gumi, Dong-eui Institute of Tech, Yeungjin, Osan, Jeonju Vision, Korea National Univ. of Cultural Heritage, Hanyang Women's, Hosan

UIC (Cooperation)

100

(Bachelor's) Konyang, Keimyung, Kookmin, Daegu, Dong-A, Sungshin Women's, Ajou, Yeungnam, Inje, KoreaTech; (Associate) Gyeongbuk College, Dong-eui Institute of Tech, Osan

💡 What is the UIC track? It is a program that cooperates with industries to provide customized curricula, career connections, and practical on-site experience for science and engineering majors.

🌏 Quotas by Country

Embassy Track (Total 150)

The Embassy track is available to 71 countries, with quotas as follows:

No

Country

General

Overseas Korean

R-GKS

Total

1

Ghana

1

1

2

2

Gabon

1

1

3

Guatemala

1

1

2

4

Nigeria

2

2

4

5

South Africa

1

1

2

6

Nepal

1

1

2

7

Dominican Rep.

1

1

8

Timor-Leste

2

1

3

9

Laos

1

1

2

10

Russia

1

1

1

3

11

Rwanda

2

2

4

12

Madagascar

1

1

13

Malaysia

1

1

2

14

Mexico

1

1

2

15

Morocco

1

1

2

16

Mozambique

1

1

2

17

Mongolia

1

1

2

18

Myanmar

1

1

2

19

Bangladesh

2

1

3

20

Venezuela

1

1

2

21

Vietnam

1

1

2

22

Bolivia

1

1

23

Burundi

1

1

24

Bulgaria

1

1

25

Brazil

1

1

1

3

26

Brunei

1

1

27

Saudi Arabia

1

1

28

Sri Lanka

1

1

2

29

Sweden

1

1

30

Syria

1

1

2

31

Singapore

1

1

2

32

Azerbaijan

1

1

33

Afghanistan

1

1

2

34

Angola

1

1

2

35

Ecuador

1

1

2

36

Ethiopia

1

1

2

37

El Salvador

1

1

2

38

Yemen

1

1

2

39

Jordan

1

1

2

40

Uganda

1

1

2

41

Uruguay

1

1

42

Uzbekistan

1

1

1

3

43

Ukraine

1

1

1

3

44

Iran

1

1

2

45

Egypt

1

1

2

46

India

2

2

4

47

Indonesia

2

2

4

48

Equatorial Guinea

1

1

2

49

Zimbabwe

1

1

2

50

Czech Republic

1

1

2

51

Chile

2

1

3

52

Kazakhstan

1

1

1

3

53

Cambodia

2

1

3

54

Canada

1

1

2

55

Kenya

1

1

2

56

Colombia

2

2

4

57

Cuba

1

1

2

58

Kyrgyzstan

1

1

2

59

Tajikistan

1

1

2

60

Tanzania

1

1

2

61

Thailand

1

1

2

62

Turkmenistan

1

1

2

63

Turkey

1

1

2

64

Trinidad and Tobago

1

1

2

65

Panama

1

1

2

66

Paraguay

1

1

2

67

Pakistan

2

1

3

68

Peru

2

1

3

69

Poland

1

1

2

70

Fiji

1

1

71

Philippines

1

1

2

Total

71 Countries

82

7

61

150

🏆 8-Step Winning Guide for 2026 GKS-U Success

Applying for 2026 GKS-U is a long journey that requires strategic university selection and thorough verification of qualifications, beyond just submitting documents. Follow the 8-step series guide prepared by HaniSeoul TOPIK to increase your chances of acceptance.

  1. Step 1: 2026 GKS-U Overview and Hub (Current Page): Confirm total selection numbers and track features.

  2. Step 2: Track and University Selection Strategy: Perfect analysis of differences between Embassy/University tracks and the UIC track.

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

  4. Step 4: Document Checklist and Notarization Manual: From Apostille certification to parents' proof of nationality.

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

  6. Step 6: Winning Strategy for Statement of Purpose and Study Plan: Storytelling strategies to highlight science/engineering preference and extra points.

  7. Step 7: Scholarship Benefits and Comprehensive Support Details: Confirmation of full tuition support and monthly stipends.

  8. Step 8: Mandatory Notes and FAQ: Disqualification rules for double application and the policy on changing universities.

HaniSeoul TOPIK promises the best guide until the glorious moment of your acceptance as a GKS scholar.

[!TIP]
The essential gateway for practical success, TOPIK
TOPIK scores provide an official bonus of up to 10% in the GKS-U selection process. Especially with TOPIK level 5 or higher, you are granted a 1-year language training exemption and benefits for early advancement. Start learning now with HaniSeoul TOPIK's AI tutor to aim for a high score!
👉 Start learning TOPIK now
HS

HaniSeoul Team

HaniSeoul

We help you navigate life and travel in Korea with curated insights and local tips.

Connect with us