Global Korea Scholarship universities are the institutions and departments approved for a specific GKS cycle. The list is not permanent. NIIED publishes new university information files with each undergraduate and graduate call. Applicants must choose only from the universities, departments, degree levels, and tracks shown in those files.
This page focuses on choosing a GKS university. For benefits, eligibility, and documents, read our main Global Korea Scholarship application guide.
In this article
- How the GKS university list works
- Degree options at GKS universities
- Embassy Track university choices
- University Track choices
- How to compare GKS universities
- Documents that may be university-specific
- Common selection mistakes
- Official verification checklist
- Practical planning note
- Frequently asked questions
- Official sources and final checks
How the GKS university list works
GKS uses separate lists for undergraduate and graduate applicants. The graduate call may also separate general programs from specialized programs. Undergraduate files can include general, regional, associate-degree, or industry-linked science and engineering options, depending on the year.
An institution’s appearance in an older list does not prove that it is available now. A university can participate in one track, one degree level, or a limited group of departments. Use the university information attachment from the current official Study in Korea GKS page.
Degree options at GKS universities
- Associate degrees: Available only through designated colleges and eligible fields in the undergraduate call.
- Bachelor’s degrees: Offered at participating universities in the departments listed for the cycle.
- Master’s degrees: Offered through approved graduate departments.
- Doctoral degrees: Available when the university and department list a doctoral route.
- Research programs: Limited to the terms in the graduate guidelines.
Common academic groups include engineering, computing, natural sciences, business, economics, Korean studies, international relations, social sciences, arts, and physical education. Every applicant should verify the exact major name and language of instruction.
Embassy Track university choices
The Embassy Track begins at a Korean embassy or consulate. Annual rules state how many universities an applicant may choose and whether at least one choice must come from a designated regional group. The embassy conducts the first selection. NIIED and the universities complete later reviews.
Use a balanced list. A highly competitive university can be one choice, but the other choices should still match the applicant’s academic record and research interests. A famous name is not a substitute for department fit.
University Track choices
The University Track normally requires a direct application to one participating university and eligible department. The university completes the first review. Available countries, quotas, and programs can differ from the Embassy Track.
Contact the international admissions office when the official file does not answer a program question. Do not send the same University Track application to several institutions unless the annual guidelines expressly allow it.
How to compare GKS universities
- Confirm eligibility: Check the university, track, degree, department, and country quota.
- Review the curriculum: Look at required courses, research areas, and graduation conditions.
- Check instruction language: Identify courses taught in Korean, English, or both.
- Assess research fit: Graduate applicants should review laboratories and faculty work.
- Compare location and costs: Housing and daily expenses vary by city.
- Read university conditions: Some institutions require extra documents or interviews.
Applicants considering science and technology can compare the separate guides to GIST scholarships and UNIST scholarships. Students interested in languages or international studies may review HUFS scholarships.
Documents that may be university-specific
- Department preference or major selection form
- Research proposal or portfolio
- English or Korean language scores
- Faculty-contact evidence when requested
- Additional recommendation or consent forms
- Original records in the university’s required format
NIIED forms and university forms are not interchangeable. Follow both checklists.
Common selection mistakes
- Using a university list from a previous year
- Choosing a department that is not approved for the selected track
- Ignoring the language of instruction
- Applying through both tracks when the guidelines prohibit it
- Missing a local embassy or university deadline
- Assuming that scholarship selection guarantees a visa
After final selection, review the South Korea student visa guide and the instructions from the responsible Korean mission.
Official verification checklist
Download the current guidelines, application forms, and university information files. Record the cycle year on every saved file. Confirm the local deadline with the embassy or university. If two sources conflict, ask the first-round institution in writing.
Practical planning note
Build a short comparison table for curriculum, location, instruction language, laboratory fit, and housing. Save the official department page for each choice. This makes the personal statement more specific and reduces the risk of selecting a university only because its general ranking is familiar.
Official check: The current GKS notice and its attachments are the controlling sources. This page helps applicants compare options but does not maintain an independent approved-university list.
Frequently asked questions
Does the GKS university list stay the same every year?
No. Participating institutions, departments and degree options can change by cycle and track.
Can applicants choose several GKS universities?
Choice limits depend on the application track and the current GKS guideline.
Are all majors at a participating university eligible?
No. Applicants must use the departments and degree programs listed for their GKS cycle.
Where can the official university list be found?
Download the current GKS application files from the official Study in Korea website.
Official sources and final checks
Rules can change between intakes. Confirm the latest details on these official pages before you apply or make a payment.
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