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GKS guide

GKS-U vs GKS-G: Undergraduate or Graduate?

The Global Korea Scholarship runs two separate programs — one for undergraduate degrees and one for graduate degrees. Here is how they differ and which one you apply to.

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GKS-U · Undergraduate

For
High-school graduates (or expected) applying for an Associate or Bachelor's degree.
Age limit
Under 25 — born on or after 1 March 2001.
Length
Bachelor's: 1-year Korean course + 4–6 years. Associate: 1 year + 2–3 years.

GKS-G · Graduate

For
Bachelor's holders applying for a Master's, and Master's holders applying for a Doctoral or Research program.
Age limit
Under 40 — born on or after 1 September 1986 (under 45 for incumbent professors from ODA-recipient countries).
Length
Master's: 1 year + 2 years. Doctoral: 1 year + 3 years. Research: 6 months–1 year.

What is the difference between GKS-U and GKS-G?

GKS-U is the undergraduate program, for high-school graduates pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree. GKS-G is the graduate program, for degree holders pursuing a master's, doctoral, or research program. They have different age limits, required prior degrees, and program lengths.

Which GKS program should I apply to?

Apply to GKS-U if you are finishing high school and want a bachelor's or associate degree in Korea. Apply to GKS-G if you already hold a bachelor's degree (for a master's) or a master's degree (for a doctoral or research program).

Can I apply to both GKS-U and GKS-G?

No. You apply to a single program through one track — the embassy track or the university track — and applying through more than one disqualifies you. An embassy-track applicant who is not selected in the first round may re-apply through the university track.

Either program, the same GPA floor applies.Check whether your GPA likely meets the GKS baseline in seconds.Check my GPA

Do you need TOPIK for GKS? Which universities can you choose? Read the full GKS application guide

Source GKS Application Guidelines (NIIED / Study in Korea)Last verified Independent summary for the 2026 cycle; some details vary by track and can change — always confirm against the official GKS Application Guidelines for your application year.