Announcement

2026 Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees (GKS-G)

Application Guidelines for UK Applicants

IMPORTANT: Major Change in Application Method (from 2026) Applicants must complete the application form and upload documents ONLINE via the Study in Korea website. Please note that, once submitted, your application cannot be edited and that duplicate applications are not permitted. Please review all information and documents carefully before submitting.

 

1. Programme Objective

Global Korea Scholarship is designed to provide international students with opportunities to study at higher educational institutions in Korea in pursuit of academic degrees. The programme aims to enhance international education exchange and deepen mutual friendship between Korea and participating countries.

 

2. UK Quota (Embassy Track)

UK quota for Embassy Track: 7
University Track is not available for UK candidates.

 

3. Degree Programmes

• Master’s Degree : 3 years
  
  (1 year Korean language programme + 2 years degree programme)


• Doctoral Degree : 4 years
  
  (1 year Korean language programme + 3 years degree programme)

 

4. Application Timeline

 

5. Online Application Submission

1) Read thoroughly the 2026 GKS-G application guidelines attached.

2) Prepare and scan all necessary documents in pdf format in order to upload.

- Recommendation Letter : a recommendation letter using Form 5 have it completed and sigend by the recommender and then scan and upload it to the system.

- Certificates : It is acceptable if your certificates are not apostilled yet at this stage. However, Please note that, if you are successful at the interview, you will need to submit the apostilled certificates by 23 March with no exception.

3) Sign up for Online Application through the Study in Korea website.

4) Carefully fill out the required fields and upload the necessary documents.

Please note that, once submitted, your application cannot be edited and that duplicate applications are not permitted. Please review all information and documents carefully before submitting. Your name must be exactly the same as your passport name.

5) Submission deadline is strictly by 25 February 9am GMT (6pm KST).

 

6. Interview

After document screening, successful candidates will receive an invitation email on Monday 9 March to attend an online interview which will take place on Friday 13 March via Zoom.

Selected candidates must attend at their allocated time slot and unfortunately, no alternative dates are available. Further details will be provided in the invitation email.

 

7. Document Submission for the 2nd Round (Successful Interviewees Only)

1) Application Documents

     If you pass the interview, you must submit:

ONE complete set of original documents (including apostilled certificates), and ONE additional photocopied set

• Complete Set of Original Application Documents must include : 
  
  
  - Application Forms downloaded from Study in Korea Website, printed and signed (Please do not forget to sign all signature fields. If you do not sign, the document becomes void.)
  
  
  - Apostilled Certificates 
  
    1) Proof of Citizenship (passport copies do not need apostille)
    2) Degree Certificate(s) and Academic Transcript(s)
  
  
  - Use a paper clip or clamp (do not use a stapler) to combine the documents.
  
  - Number and label each document at the top right corner.
     (e.g. “9. Certificate of Bachelor’s degree”).

2) Submission Deadline
     Monday 23 March 2026, by 5pm GMT

3) Submission by Post
     FAO: Ms Hera Jeong
     Korean Education Centre UK
     Embassy of the Republic of Korea
     60 Buckingham Gate
     London, SW1E 6AJ

4) Submission In Person
     Documents can be submitted at the Embassy reception.
     Please ensure they are securely sealed in an envelope and clearly marked with your name.

 

8. Important Notes for UK Applicants

Please take time to read the 2026 GKS-G application guidelines thoroughly and refer to the following notes before making your application.

1) Apostille of Certificates

The following documents must be apostilled and submitted:

• Birth Certificate


• Degree Certificate(s) (Bachelor / Master as applicable)


• Academic Transcript(s) (Bachelor / Master as applicable)

     ** Additional notes (important) **

• If you want to keep your original certificate, you may submit a notarised copy and obtain an apostille on that copy. Whether it is the original or a notarised copy, it is acceptable if the apostille is attached.


• A certificate needs to be apostilled only once, and then you can photocopy it for the additional set.


• Please allow sufficient time for apostille services, as the process may take longer than expected.


• Apostille services are available via GOV.uk and private legal offices (faster services may cost more).

2) Proof of Citizenship (UK Applicants)

• A UK-issued birth certificate (apostilled), as proof of relationship between you and your parents.


• As UK birth certificates do not show nationality, you must also submit
  : Passport copies of the applicant and parents.
  (passport copies do not need apostille)


• If passport copies are not available, please refer to page 21 of the guidelines.


• UK birth certificates can be ordered online via GOV.uk.


• Birth certificates from other countries require a certified English translation and apostille/consular confirmation at the relevant embassy.

3) Certificate of Graduation and Academic Transcript (Expected Graduates)

• Applicants expected to graduate by 31 July 2026 may apply with a certificate of expected graduation.


• However, they must submit the following to the GKS Centre (NIIED) by 31 July 2026 by post:
  
  - Official graduation certificate (or diploma), apostilled
  
  - Final academic transcript, apostilled


• They must also email scanned copies to the Korean Education Centre UK at kecuk@korea.kr.


• Failure to submit by the deadline will result in cancellation of acceptance.

4) GPA Grade Conversion

• As stated in the guidelines (p.22), a converted transcript using a conversion tool (e.g. Scholaro or wes.org) should be officially confirmed by the university.


• This confirmation can also be provided by your tutor/professor via a university-headed confirmation letter with their signature. This confirmation does not need apostille.


• If the university/tutor cannot provide or refuses to confirm the conversion, you may alternatively submit:
  
  - The refusal email from the university as evidence.
  
  - A signed letter stating:
  
  “I confirm that my alma mater, ‘Name of University’, is unable to verify my CGPA converted using a conversion tool.”

 

9. Enquiries

1) General Enquiries     

     Study in Korea Inquiry & FAQ Section

     NIIED GKS Centre 
     gksniied@korea.kr

2) Interview & Document Preparation (UK)
     Korean Education Centre UK, Embassy of the Republic of Korea UK
     kecuk@korea.kr