Quick Eligibility Checker
Answer these 4 questions to see if you qualify. Takes 30 seconds.
If your GPA is 3.4/4.0, that's about 85%. A 3.2/4.0 is roughly 80%.
You meet the basic eligibility criteria.
This checks the universal requirements. Your country may have additional criteria set by the Korean embassy. Check with your local embassy for country-specific details.
Korean citizens are not eligible for GKS.
If you have dual citizenship that includes Korean, you cannot apply. This includes Korean-born adoptees who maintain citizenship.
GPA below the 80% minimum requirement.
NIIED requires a cumulative GPA of at least 80% (or equivalent). This is a hard cutoff. Consider other scholarships in our alternatives guide.
You exceed the age limit for undergraduate applicants.
Undergraduate applicants must be under 25 as of March 1 of the application year. Consider applying for the Master's track instead (under 40).
You exceed the age limit for graduate applicants.
Master's and PhD applicants must be under 40. The research track may have different requirements. Contact your embassy.
Please fill in all fields above.
Requirements by Level
Age: Under 25
As of March 1 of the application year. Born after March 1, 2002 for the 2027 intake (dates to be confirmed).
Education: High school diploma
Completed or expected to complete by departure date. GED equivalents accepted in some cases.
GPA: 80% or above
Cumulative high school GPA. If your school uses letter grades, convert to percentage. NIIED uses their own conversion table.
Citizenship: NOT Korean
Must be a citizen of a GKS-eligible country. Cannot hold Korean citizenship, even dual.
Health: Physically and mentally fit
You'll need a medical exam. Pre-existing conditions don't automatically disqualify you, but must be disclosed.
Duration commitment: 5 years total
1 year Korean + 4 years degree. Think seriously about whether you're ready to commit 5 years to living in Korea. That's a long time when you're 20.
Age: Under 40
As of March 1 of the application year. Much more generous than most scholarships.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Must hold a bachelor's degree or be expected to complete one before departure. 3-year degrees are accepted from countries where that's the standard.
GPA: 80% or above
Cumulative undergraduate GPA. NIIED has their own conversion table that varies by country's grading system.
Citizenship: NOT Korean
Must be a citizen of a GKS-eligible country. Both you and your parents must not hold Korean citizenship.
Bonus: TOPIK holders get extra points
If you already have TOPIK certification, you get up to 10% bonus points in the evaluation. Even TOPIK Level 1 helps.
Age: Under 40
Same as Master's. Career changers and working professionals are welcome.
Education: Master's degree
Must hold or be expected to complete a master's degree before departure. Research experience is highly valued.
GPA: 80% or above (both Bachelor's and Master's)
Both your undergrad and master's GPAs must meet the 80% threshold. If one is below, you're ineligible.
Research proposal is critical
Your research proposal carries significant weight. Contacting a potential Korean supervisor before applying shows initiative and dramatically improves your chances. See our study plan guide.
Common Reasons People Get Disqualified
Applying to both tracks
Applying through the embassy AND directly to a university means automatic disqualification from both. NIIED cross-checks. Every year, someone loses their chance this way.
Previous GKS recipients reapplying at the same level
If you already received GKS for a master's, you can't apply for another master's. You CAN apply for a PhD, though.
Currently enrolled in a Korean university
If you're already studying in Korea, you generally cannot apply. There are narrow exceptions, but don't count on them.
GPA conversion disputes
You think your GPA is 80%, but NIIED's conversion table says it's 78%. This happens to students from countries with unusual grading systems. Check NIIED's official conversion table before applying.