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2026 GKS-G Application Tracks and University Selection Guide: Finding the Right Path for You

Your first step toward a successful 2026 GKS-G (Graduate) application. We reveal the official quotas for Embassy and University tracks, and the list of 75 participating universities. Master the core data including the 143-country intake and university selection rules.

HaniSeoul Team||9 min read

The first step in applying for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is choosing the Track and University that are most advantageous for you. With 2,000 scholarship recipients being selected, your chances of acceptance can vary significantly based on your chosen application route.

In this guide, based on the official application guidelines, we provide a detailed breakdown of the characteristics of each application track, along with the national quotas assigned to 143 countries and the list of participating universities.

1-1. GKS-G Degree Programs and Study Duration

The GKS-G program includes a 1-year Korean language training course prior to the degree program. The total study duration is as follows:

  • Master's Degree: Total 3 years (1 year of Korean language training + 2 years of degree program)

  • Doctoral Degree: Total 4 years (1 year of Korean language training + 3 years of degree program)

  • Research Program: 6 months or 1 year (No Korean language training)

2. Embassy Track: Scale and National Quotas

The Embassy track is the application method through Korean embassies (or consulates) in 143 countries and regions around the world. A total of 800 students will be selected; you must verify the quota assigned to your home country.

2-1. Embassy Track General Selection (143 countries, 776 students)

Below is the list of official quotas for the 143 countries (sorted alphabetically) and their corresponding embassy contact emails:

2-2. Overseas Koreans and Adoptees (8 countries, 24 students)

A special quota for overseas Koreans and overseas adoptees to foster their cultural identity.

Country

Quota

Email

Country

Quota

Email

Ukraine

7

koremb@mofa.go.kr

Kazakhstan

7

almakorea@mofa.go.kr

Uzbekistan

6

uzkoremb@mofa.go.kr

Russia

4

embru@mofa.go.kr

Kyrgyzstan

3

korea.kg@gmail.com

Norway

1

kornor@mofa.go.kr

Cuba

1

embcoreamx@mofa.go.kr

Canada

1

canada@mofa.go.kr

3. University Track: Scale and Detailed Quotas by Country

The University track allows applicants to submit documents directly to Korean universities, selecting a total of 1,200 students.

3-1. General and Regional University (R-GKS) Quotas by Country

The R-GKS (Regional University) track is assigned to applicants for regional universities (Type B), offering a higher number of spots for strategic application.

Country

General

Regional (R-GKS)

Country

General

Regional (R-GKS)

Ghana

0

5

Nigeria

2

5

Nepal

4

2

Taiwan

0

1

Germany

1

1

Laos

4

3

Liberia

1

0

Russia

5

17

Romania

1

1

Rwanda

1

4

Lithuania

1

1

Malaysia

7

9

Mexico

2

14

Morocco

0

2

Mauritania

1

1

Moldova

1

1

Mongolia

6

37

USA

0

4

Myanmar

7

36

Bangladesh

3

17

Vietnam

10

12

Belarus

1

1

Brazil

1

5

Brunei

1

2

Sudan

1

1

Sri Lanka

3

7

Slovakia

1

0

Singapore

2

4

UAE

0

1

Armenia

1

1

Azerbaijan

2

1

Algeria

1

3

Ethiopia

3

10

Uganda

1

1

Uzbekistan

6

6

Iran

2

6

Egypt

3

5

Italy

1

1

India

5

42

Indonesia

10

6

Georgia

1

1

Central African Rep

1

0

Cameroon

1

8

Kazakhstan

5

18

Cambodia

5

21

Kenya

1

1

Costa Rica

1

1

Colombia

1

7

Kuwait

1

0

Kyrgyzstan

7

3

Tajikistan

2

2

Tanzania

1

4

Thailand

6

11

Turkmenistan

0

3

Türkiye

2

5

Pakistan

2

15

Peru

3

1

Poland

1

3

Philippines

16

44

Hungary

1

1

4. Specialized Tracks: R&D, Global Network, International Organization Cooperation

Independent of country quotas, these are specialized tracks selected by designated universities based on specific purposes.

  • R&D Track (403 students): Selecting research talent in cutting-edge fields across 25 universities.

  • Global Network (80 students): Selecting international exchange talent across 6 universities.

  • International Organization Cooperation (72 students): Selecting applicants with practical skills relevant to organizations like the UN.

5. Eligible Universities and Type Classification (Type A/B)

Rules for choosing university types are strict depending on the track, so you must be familiar with the list below.

[Type A] List of 34 Universities (Metropolitan and Specialized)

Catholic Univ. of Korea, Konkuk Univ., Kyung Hee Univ., Korea Univ., GIST, NCC-GCSP, Kookmin Univ., Dankook Univ., Duksung Women's Univ., Dongguk Univ., Sogang Univ., Seokyeong Univ., Seoultech, Seoul National Univ., Univ. of Seoul, Sungkyunkwan Univ., Sungshin Women's Univ., Sejong Univ., Sookmyung Women's Univ., Soongsil Univ., Ajou Univ., Yonsei Univ., UNIST, Ewha Womans Univ., Univ. of Incheon, Inha Univ., Chung-Ang Univ., POSTECH, KAIST, Hankuk Univ. of Foreign Studies, Academy of Korean Studies, Hanyang Univ., Hanyang Univ. ERICA, Hongik Univ.

[Type B] List of 41 Universities (Regional Base and Regional Excellent)

Kangwon National Univ., Konyang Univ., Kyungpook National Univ., Gyeongsang National Univ., Kyungsung Univ., Kyungwoon Univ., Keimyung Univ., Andong National Univ., Kongju National Univ., Kunsan National Univ., Pukyong National Univ., Sunchon National Univ., Changwon National Univ., Daegu Univ., Daejeon Univ., Dong-eui Univ., Dongseo Univ., Dong-A Univ., Mokwon Univ., Pai Chai Univ., Baekseok Univ., Pusan National Univ., Busan Univ. of Foreign Studies, Sun Moon Univ., Semyung Univ., Soonchunhyang Univ., Silla Univ., Yeungnam Univ., Univ. of Ulsan, Wonkwang Univ., Inje Univ., Chonnam National Univ., Jeonbuk National Univ., Jeju National Univ., Chosun Univ., Cheongju Univ., Chungnam National Univ., Chungbuk National Univ., KoreaTech, Hannam Univ., Hoseo Univ.

6. List of Universities Operating Specialized Tracks

  • R&D Track (25 universities): Konkuk, Kyungpook, Gyeongsang, Keimyung, Kunsan, Pukyong, Sunchon, Kookmin, Dong-A, Pusan, Sogang, Seoultech, Seoul Christian, Ajou, Yonsei, Yeungnam, Ewha, Inje, Incheon, Chonnam, Jeju, Cheongju, KAIST, KoreaTech, Hannam.

  • Global Network Program (6 universities): KDI School of Public Policy and Management, Andong National Univ., Pusan National Univ., Seoul National Univ., Ajou Univ., Hongik Univ.

  • International Organization Track: Universities operating international organization cooperation programs among Type A/B universities.

7. Mandatory Rules for University Selection

Violating even one rule will result in immediate disqualification during document screening.

Embassy Track Applicants (Up to 3 choices)

  • You must include at least one Type B university among your 3 choices. (You cannot choose only Type A universities.)

  • Applying to multiple departments within the same university is prohibited. (You must apply to different universities.)

  • Night programs, seasonal classes, or cyber/correspondence degree programs are ineligible for application and study.

University Track Applicants (Only 1 choice)

  • General/R&D/Global Network/International Org: You can only select one university (one department) from the designated list.

  • R-GKS Track: You can only apply to Type B universities.

  • Be aware that applying to multiple universities (including combinations of Embassy and University tracks) will void all applications. (You can apply to the University track only if you fail the first round of the Embassy track.)

8. Bonuses and Preferences to Increase Your Chance of Acceptance

Check the bonuses and preferences mentioned in the guidelines in advance to plan your application strategy.

Bonus Points (Compared to the total score of document screening)

  • TOPIK Level 3 or higher: 10% bonus

  • Descendants of Korean War Veterans: 10% bonus

  • STEM applicants: 5% bonus

Key Preferences

  • Overseas Koreans

  • Applicants from difficult socio-economic backgrounds

  • STEM applicants applying to regional (Type B) universities

  • Current professors in STEM or ODA recipient countries

  • Applicants with high English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS)

  • STEM applicants applying for 'Postdoctoral' research programs

Inquiries (NIIED GKS Center)

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the rule for choosing university types (A/B) when applying for the Embassy track?
A: Embassy track applicants can apply to up to 3 universities, and at least one of them must be a Type B university (regional). You cannot fill all 3 choices with Type A (metropolitan) universities.

Q: Can I apply to any university under the R-GKS track?
A: No, R-GKS track applicants can only apply to Type B universities (regional base and regional excellent).

Q: Can I apply to different departments within the same university for my 3 choices?
A: No, it is impossible to apply for multiple programs within the same university. The 3 chosen universities must be different institutions.

Q: What is the total scholarship period for GKS-G Master's and Doctoral degrees?
A: Master's degree is 3 years total (1 year of Korean language + 2 years of degree), and Doctoral is 4 years total (1 year of Korean language + 3 years of degree). Language training may be waived or shortened for those with high Korean proficiency.

Useful Links

  1. Application Program and University Selection Guide: Difference between Embassy/University tracks and how to choose the right one.

  2. Eligibility (Grades, Age, Education) Details: Check CGPA 80% requirements and dual citizenship restrictions.

  3. Document Checklist and Notarization Procedures: Perfect manual for Form 1-10 and Apostille certification.

  4. Selection Process and 2026 Official Timeline: The journey from the February announcement to the final results in June.

  5. Application Writing and Assessment Strategy: TOPIK and language score management to secure a 10% bonus.

  6. Scholarship Benefits and Coverage Summary: Everything from monthly stipend (1.38 million KRW), tuition, to airfare.

  7. Multiple Application Restrictions and Important Notes: Avoiding disqualification due to duplicate applications and academic interruption rules.

  8. Official Inquiries and Contact Information: How to contact NIIED and embassy coordinators.

HS

HaniSeoul Team

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