Guide
GKS-U embassy track vs university track
You can only apply to GKS-U through one track, and the choice shapes everything: how many universities you can list, who you compete against, and what the process looks like. Here is how to choose.
The GKS undergraduate scholarship runs on two application tracks, and you must choose one. This guide compares them. For the program overview, see the GKS-U complete guide; the figures below are from the most recent official guidelines, so confirm the current quotas each cycle.
- You apply through one track only. Applying to both gets your application disqualified.
- Embassy track: apply through the Korean embassy in your country and list up to three universities. The most recent cycle had 150 embassy-track places.
- University track: apply directly to a single university and department. The most recent cycle had 130 places, split between the UIC program and associate degrees.
- Type A vs Type B: embassy-track universities are split into Type A and Type B, and you must include at least one Type B among your choices.
- UIC is open to all countries and focuses on natural science and engineering. The rest of GKS is limited to invited countries.
- A second chance: if you fail the embassy track's first round, you may reapply through the university track in the same cycle, because its deadline is later.
The quotas at a glance
| Track | Program | Places |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy | General | 82 |
| Embassy | Overseas Koreans | 7 |
| Embassy | R-GKS (regional) | 61 |
| Embassy | Embassy total | 150 |
| University | UIC (University-Industry Cooperation) | 100 |
| University | Associate degree | 30 |
| University | University total | 130 |
| Grand total | 280 |
The embassy track
You apply through the Korean embassy in your own country, under your country's quota. It has three sub-programs: General (the main one), Overseas Koreans, and R-GKS (a regional program). Most applicants are in the General program.
The big advantage: you can list up to three different universities in order of preference, and at least one must be from Type B (see below). The R-GKS program lets you list up to two, both from Type B. The embassy reviews applications first, sends successful ones to NIIED, and your chosen universities make the final call, so it runs through three selection rounds.
The university track
You apply directly to one university and one department, not through an embassy. It has two parts:
- UIC (University-Industry Cooperation): a program built around the natural sciences and engineering, with a customized, industry-linked curriculum. It is open to applicants from all countries, not only GKS-invited ones.
- Associate degree: a smaller set of two- to three-year programs.
The university track runs through two selection rounds (the university, then NIIED), and you pick a single university, so there is no Type A/Type B choice to make.
Type A vs Type B universities
On the embassy track, the participating universities are split into two groups. Type A is a set of around 30 institutions that includes many of the largest and most competitive names. Type B is a larger set of around 39 institutions, including many strong regional and national universities. The rule that catches people: at least one of your three choices must be a Type B university. Putting a Type A university in a Type B slot can get your application excluded. The full lists are in the GKS-U university list guide.
How to choose your track
| Embassy track | University track | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you apply | Korean embassy in your country | Directly to one university |
| Universities you can list | Up to three (at least one Type B) | One university and department |
| Selection rounds | Three (embassy, NIIED, universities) | Two (university, NIIED) |
| Open to | GKS-invited countries | UIC: all countries; Associate: invited countries |
| Best if | You want options and a broad shot | You have one clear target, especially in engineering or the sciences |
If you want the broadest shot and are happy to study at any of several universities, the embassy track and its three choices suit you. If you have one clear target university and department, particularly in science or engineering, the university track (and UIC) lets you aim straight at it, and UIC opens the door even if your country is not on the GKS list.
What to do next
- Check the eligibility guide first, since some rules differ by program.
- Browse the GKS-U university list to shortlist Type A and Type B choices.
- Then prepare your documents and map the timeline, which differs slightly by track.