The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Graduate Degrees has undergone several changes in its 2025 edition compared to 2024. These modifications impact scholarship structure, quotas, documentation, selection criteria, and financial support. Below is a detailed comparison of the 2025 GKS-G and 2024 GKS-G guidelines.

1. Structural & Track Changes

Introduction of a New Track

• 2025: A new International Organization Program has been introduced, allowing applicants recommended by international organizations to apply through the University Track.

• 2024: No such track existed.

Changes in University Track Management

• 2025: The Global Network Program is now selected directly by universities instead of being managed by NIIED.

• 2024: This program was centrally managed by NIIED.

2. Quota Adjustments

Total Scholarships Available

• 2025: 1,820 scholarships (up from 1,720 in 2024).

• 2024: 1,720 total scholarships.

Key Changes in Quotas

• Embassy Track: Reduced to 720 scholars (previously 800 in 2024).

• University Track: 1,100 total scholarships, with significant internal reallocation:

  • General University Track: Decreased from 368 to 150 scholars.

  • R-GKS (Regional Universities): Decreased from 627 to 465 scholars.

  • R&D Track: Remains at 300 scholars.

  • Research Track: Decreased from 15 to 5 scholars.

  • Global Network Track: Remains at 80 scholars.

Summary of University Track Adjustments

The most significant reduction is in the General University Track, which has dropped from 368 to 150 scholars. The R-GKS quota (regional universities) also saw a notable decline from 627 to 465 scholars. Meanwhile, the R&D and Global Network tracks remain unchanged, reflecting a shift in priority.

Why These Changes Matter

The sharp reduction in General University Track and R-GKS (Regional Universities) scholarships suggests a strategic reallocation of resources. This shift may indicate that the Korean government is prioritizing specialized fields such as R&D and Global Network programs, which align with Korea’s long-term educational and economic goals. The focus on research and global networking over general university placements reflects a targeted investment in high-impact academic disciplines and international partnerships.

3. Document Submission & Verification Changes

• Stricter Documentation Requirements

• 2025: All documents must be apostilled or consular-confirmed before submission to NIIED.

• 2024: Some embassies allowed notarized copies for the first round.

GPA Conversion Rules

• 2025: If transcripts do not use an accepted GPA scale (4.0, 4.3, 4.5, 5.0, or 100), applicants must provide a university-issued conversion document.

• 2024: Self-converted transcripts were accepted in some cases.

New Application Form for Korean Language Exemption

• 2025: Professors applying to fully English-taught programs can submit a new exemption form.

• 2024: No such form existed.

4. Language Requirements & Exemptions

Expanded TOPIK Requirements

• 2025: TOPIK IBT is officially accepted.

• 2024: TOPIK IBT was not included.

Stricter Exemptions for Korean Language Training

• 2025: Exemptions granted to:

  • Scholars with TOPIK Level 5 or 6.

  • Scholars in the Global Network Program.

  • Professors enrolled in 100% English-taught programs.

• 2024: Only scholars with TOPIK Level 5 or 6 were exempted.

5. Changes in Selection Criteria

Reapplication Restrictions

• 2025: Former GKS scholars who withdrew after selection cannot reapply for three years.

• 2024: No such restriction existed.

Additional Selection Points

• 2025:

  • Science & Engineering applicants receive a 5% bonus in scoring.

  • TOPIK Level 3+ holders receive a 10% bonus.

  • Korean War veteran descendants receive a 5% bonus.

• 2024: No additional preference was given to science & engineering applicants.

6. Scholarship & Financial Adjustments

Increased Monthly Allowance for Research Scholars

• 2025: Increased to 1,650,000 KRW per month.

• 2024: 1,000,000 KRW per month.

Clarification on Tuition Coverage

• 2025: Universities must cover tuition exceeding 5M KRW.

• 2024: This was implied but not explicitly stated.

Changes in Airfare Coverage

• 2025: Scholars already in Korea at the time of selection will not receive airfare support.

• 2024: Some scholars still received airfare if they could prove financial need.

7. Visa & Immigration Policy Adjustments

Stricter Visa Processing Guidelines

• 2025: Scholars already in Korea may not be eligible for visa conversion and must check with Korean Immigration.

• 2024: This restriction was not strictly enforced.

The 2025 GKS Graduate Scholarship introduces major structural changes, including a new International Organization Track, quota reallocations, stricter documentation rules, and expanded language exemptions. Additionally, higher financial support, new selection criteria advantages, and updated visa policies make the 2025 program distinct from its 2024 counterpart. Applicants must carefully review these changes to maximize their chances of securing the scholarship.