Guide

GKS-G Eligibility: Age, GPA, and Degree Requirements

Before you invest weeks in an application, check that you qualify. The under-40 age limit, the GPA cutoff, the degree you need, and the restrictions that quietly disqualify people.

Written by

Sans BhatiaFounder, KoreaAdmit9 min read · Updated Jun 24, 2026

Updated Jun 24, 20269 min read

An academic transcript and degree certificate on a desk — GKS-G has three hard gates: nationality, age, and grades. Clear all three before you start the application.

GKS-G eligibility comes down to a few clear rules. Most people pass them, but a few are caught out by the age limit or by misreading the GPA requirement. Here is exactly what is required, with the caveat that the official guidelines are the final word and change slightly each cycle.

TL;DR

You must hold a non-Korean nationality (and generally so must your parents). Dual nationals with Korean citizenship are restricted.
You must be under 40 at the time of application. A higher limit (45) applies to some applicants, such as professors from ODA countries.
You need a GPA of 80 percent or higher, or a top-20-percent ranking in your most recent degree, on the GKS conversion standard.
Degree level: a bachelor's (or equivalent) to apply for a master's; a master's (or equivalent) to apply for a PhD.
You must be in good health, physically and mentally, to complete study abroad.

Nationality

You and (in most cases) your parents must not hold Korean citizenship. Applicants with dual nationality that includes Korean citizenship are generally not eligible. Beyond that, GKS is open to citizens of the many countries it operates in, though the available quotas and tracks differ by country.

Age

You must be under 40 years of age as of the application date. There is a higher age limit (typically 45) for certain applicants, such as academic staff from Official Development Assistance partner countries applying under specific programs. This is stricter at PhD level in practice, simply because applicants tend to be older, so check your date of birth against the cutoff carefully.

Grades

You need to meet one of two standards in your most recent completed degree:

GKS-G GPA requirement (meet either)

Standard	Requirement
Percentage / grade	A cumulative GPA of 80 percent or higher on the GKS conversion standard
Class rank	A ranking in the top 20 percent of your class or program

GKS uses its own conversion standard, so a grade that looks borderline in your home system may convert differently. If your raw GPA is close to the line, the top-20-percent route can be the one that qualifies you, so gather a class-rank certificate if your institution issues one.

Degree level

For a master's: you must hold, or be about to complete, a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification.
For a PhD: you must hold, or be about to complete, a master's degree or an equivalent qualification.

Applicants who are expected to graduate can usually apply, but must submit their final degree certificate and transcript by the deadline set in the guidelines, or the offer is cancelled. The GKS-G timeline covers this date.

Health and other conditions

You must be in good enough physical and mental health to complete a degree abroad, confirmed by a medical assessment during the process. There are also restrictions for people who have previously held a GKS scholarship; if that is you, check the re-application rules in the current guidelines.

What to do next

If you qualify, read the GKS-G benefits guide and the documents guide.
Choose your track and schools in the universities guide.
Note the deadlines in the GKS-G timeline.

Frequently asked questions

What is the age limit for GKS-G?

You must be under 40 years of age at the time of application. A higher limit (typically 45) applies to certain applicants, such as professors from Official Development Assistance partner countries under specific programs. The limit is calculated from a specific reference date, so confirm it in the current guidelines.

What GPA do I need for the GKS graduate scholarship?

You need either a cumulative GPA of 80 percent or higher on the GKS conversion standard, or a ranking in the top 20 percent of your most recent degree program. Meeting either one satisfies the grade requirement. Because GKS uses its own conversion, a class-rank certificate can help if your GPA is borderline.

What degree do I need to apply for a master's or PhD through GKS-G?

For a master's, you need a bachelor's degree or equivalent; for a PhD, you need a master's degree or equivalent. Applicants expected to graduate can usually apply but must submit their final certificate and transcript by the deadline in the guidelines.

Can dual citizens of Korea apply for GKS-G?

Generally no. Applicants must hold a non-Korean nationality, and those with dual nationality that includes Korean citizenship are restricted. In most cases the applicant's parents must also not hold Korean citizenship.

Can I apply for GKS-G while still finishing my degree?

Yes, expected graduates can usually apply, but you must submit your final degree certificate and final transcript by the deadline set in the guidelines (commonly mid-year for the spring cycle), or your acceptance is cancelled.