How do I apply for the GKS Global Korea Scholarship after 12th as an Indian student?
Apply through the Study in Korea portal when the undergraduate window opens around September. You need 80 percent in 12th or top 20 percent rank, Indian citizenship, and to be under 25. Choose either the Embassy or University track, and get your documents apostilled by the MEA.
The Global Korea Scholarship undergraduate program is a fully funded government award covering your round-trip airfare, full tuition, medical insurance and a monthly living stipend. You apply online through the official Study in Korea portal, and the undergraduate window opens each year around September to October. The part that trips students up is document legalisation, so plan that early.
Eligibility Requirements
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic minimum | At least 80 percent in your 12th board exams, or a rank in the top 20 percent of your class. |
| Nationality | You and both parents must hold Indian citizenship; dual Korean nationals are disqualified. |
| Age limit | You must be under 25 years old as of 1 March of the intake year. |
| Health | You must be in good physical and mental health. |
Application Steps and Tracks
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Choose one track | Embassy Track lets you pick up to three universities; University Track applies to one institution and is faster. Never apply to both. |
| Prepare documents | GKS forms, personal statement, study plan, 10th and 12th certificates, passport copies, and one sealed LOR, all in English or Korean. |
| Legalise | Get your core certificates, such as the 12th marksheet and birth certificate, apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs. |
| Submit | Register online, upload scanned apostilled documents before the deadline, and courier physical copies if your track requires it. |
My Advice
Start the MEA apostille process weeks before the portal opens, because legalisation delays are the most common reason strong candidates miss the deadline. Pick your track deliberately - go Embassy Track if you want three university options and a safety cushion, or University Track if you have one clear dream program. To boost your score, submit a TOPIK or IELTS certificate and consider a natural sciences or engineering major at a regional university outside Seoul for bonus weightage.
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