How to Apply for GKS Scholarship from Nepal (2026) Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD Guide

Last Updated: 11 June, 2026

GKS stands for Global Korea Scholarship. It is a fully funded scholarship from the South Korean government covering full tuition, monthly stipend, round trip airfare, one year of Korean language training, health insurance, settlement allowance, and a completion grant. For Nepali students, GKS is one of the most complete funding packages available anywhere, and it covers diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels.

The application process is the part that confuses most Nepali applicants. There are two separate routes called the Embassy Track and the University Track, two completely different annual timelines depending on whether you are applying for undergraduate or graduate level, a long list of documents that must be attested by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a strict deadline that does not allow extensions of any kind.

This guide walks through every step of the GKS application from Nepal in the order you actually need to do them, covering all four academic levels. It also covers the full document checklist, the interview process, common mistakes Nepali applicants make, and the official contacts you need.

For full details on GPA requirements at each level, read our complete guides on minimum GPA for bachelors in South Korea from Nepal and minimum GPA for masters in South Korea from Nepal.

GKS Scholarship Coverage, What You Get If Selected

• Tuition Coverage
  Full tuition covered for the entire program, including the Korean language year.
• Monthly Stipend
  Undergraduate: KRW 900,000–1,000,000
  Graduate: KRW 1,000,000–1,380,000
• Settlement Allowance
  One time payment provided upon arrival in Korea.
• Airfare
  Round trip economy class ticket between Nepal and Korea.
• Language Training
  One year Korean language program fully funded, regardless of TOPIK level.
• Health Insurance
  National health insurance coverage throughout the stay.
• Research Support
  Additional allowance for thesis or dissertation (graduate students).
• Completion Grant
  One time payment after successfully finishing the program.

Before getting into the application steps, it helps to understand exactly what you are applying for. GKS covers full tuition for the entire program duration including the language year. It provides a monthly stipend of approximately KRW 900,000 to KRW 1,000,000 for undergraduate students and approximately KRW 1,000,000 to KRW 1,380,000 for graduate students depending on the year and level. A one time settlement allowance is paid upon arrival in Korea. Round trip economy class airfare from Nepal to Korea and back is provided. The mandatory one year Korean language training program is fully funded regardless of your existing TOPIK level. National health insurance covers the entire stay. Graduate students additionally receive a research allowance for thesis or dissertation related expenses, and all scholars receive a completion grant upon finishing the program.

This is the package you are working toward. Understanding its full value helps justify the months of preparation the application genuinely requires.

Embassy Track vs University Track, Choose Your Route First

Before doing anything else, you need to understand the two ways GKS applications reach NIIED, the National Institute for International Education, which makes the final selection.

The Embassy Track means your application is submitted to the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu first. The embassy conducts the first round of document screening and an interview, then forwards recommended candidates to NIIED, which then forwards them to your chosen universities for admission confirmation. Through the Embassy Track you can list up to 3 universities, and at least one of them must be a Type B university, meaning a regional university outside Seoul. For Nepal, the graduate Embassy Track quota was 4 seats in 2026. The undergraduate Embassy Track quota was 2 seats, with one General seat and one R-GKS seat.

The University Track means you apply directly to a single Korean university that participates in GKS. That university conducts its own first round screening and then nominates selected candidates to NIIED for final approval. Through the University Track you can apply to only 1 university. For 2026, the global graduate quota was approximately 800 seats through the Embassy Track and approximately 1,200 seats through the University Track, with 403 of those University Track seats reserved specifically for an R&D focused track in research intensive fields.

The official rule is that you choose one track per degree application. You cannot submit an Embassy Track application and a University Track application for the same degree level in the same cycle, since this is treated as a duplicate application and can disqualify both. What you can do is apply through the Embassy Track for your primary attempt and, if you are not selected or if Embassy quotas are already filled for the year, separately pursue a University Track application to a different university for the next available cycle. Some experienced applicants and consultancies describe applying to both as a strategy, but always confirm the current year’s exact rule on the official GKS Notice before doing this, since NIIED guidelines on this point are strictly enforced and have been known to vary in wording between cycles.

For most Nepali undergraduate applicants, the Embassy Track is effectively the only practical route since for 2026 all undergraduate GKS applicants from Nepal were required to apply through the Embassy Track. For graduate applicants, both tracks are genuinely open, and the University Track is worth serious consideration if your Embassy Track quota chances look thin or if a specific university and supervisor strongly match your research interests.

For the equivalent step by step process for KOICA scholarship, which has a different government nomination based application route, read our guide on How to Apply for KOICA Scholarship from Nepal (2026) Complete Step by Step Guide.

Step to apply for GKS Scholarship from Nepal (2026)

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility for Your Degree Level

GKS eligibility differs by degree level. Read the section that applies to you carefully before investing time in document preparation.

Korean Language Program

• No separate eligibility beyond your degree requirements
• One year Korean language training is required for all GKS scholars
• Included automatically in the total program duration

For the Korean language program that precedes every degree level, no separate eligibility exists beyond meeting the requirements of the underlying degree you are pursuing. The language year is mandatory for all GKS scholars regardless of degree level and is built into the program duration automatically.

Bachelor’s Degree Eligibility

• Must be a Nepali citizen and neither you nor your parents can hold Korean citizenship
• Must be under 25 years old for the 2026 cycle
• Must have completed or be expected to complete (+2) by December 31
• Academic requirement is 80 percent or top 20 percent or equivalent CGPA
• Must be physically and mentally fit
• Program duration is about 5 to 7 years including the language year

For bachelor’s degree applicants, you must be a Nepali citizen and neither you nor either of your parents can hold Korean citizenship. You must be under 25 years old, meaning born after March 1, 2001 for the 2026 cycle. You must have completed (+2) class 12 or be expected to graduate by December 31 of the application year with a certificate of expected graduation. Your academic record must meet one of three thresholds, a score percentile of 80 percent or higher on a 100 point scale, a class rank in the top 20 percent, or a CGPA of at least 2.64 out of 4.0, 2.80 out of 4.3, 2.91 out of 4.5, or 3.23 out of 5.0 depending on your institution’s grading scale. You must be in good physical and mental health. The full bachelor’s program duration including the language year runs approximately 5 to 7 years depending on your field, with some sources citing 5 to 6 years for standard programs.

Master’s Degree Eligibility

• Must meet the same citizenship rule as bachelor’s
• Must be under 40 years old for the 2026 cycle, up to 45 for eligible faculty
• Must hold a bachelor’s degree or graduate by July 31, 2026
• Academic requirement is 80 percent or top 20 percent or equivalent CGPA
• Program duration is 3 years including 1 year language and 2 years coursework

For master’s degree applicants, the citizenship and parental citizenship rules are identical to bachelor’s. You must be under 40 years old, meaning born after September 1, 1986 for the 2026 cycle, with an exception allowing up to 45 years old for current faculty members from ODA eligible countries. You must hold a completed bachelor’s degree or be expected to graduate by July 31, 2026 with appropriate documentation. The same academic threshold applies, 80 percent percentile, top 20 percent class rank, or the equivalent CGPA figures listed above. The total master’s program duration is 3 years, comprising 1 year of language training plus 2 years of coursework.

PhD Degree Eligibility

• Same citizenship rule as master’s
• Same age limit as master’s, up to 45 for eligible faculty
• Must hold a master’s degree or graduate by July 31, 2026
• Same academic requirement as master’s
• Program duration is 4 years including 1 year language and 3 years research

For PhD applicants, the same citizenship, age, and academic threshold rules apply as for master’s, with the same 45 year exception for ODA country faculty. You must hold a completed master’s degree or be expected to graduate by July 31, 2026. The total PhD program duration is 4 years, comprising 1 year of language training plus 3 years of research.

Important Eligibility Restriction

• Not eligible if you have already completed a Korean Government Scholarship such as GKS or KGSP for a degree program
• Eligible if you were only an exchange or non degree student without a full GKS degree scholarship

One critical eligibility rule applies across all levels. If you have previously received and completed a Korean Government Scholarship including GKS or its earlier name KGSP for a degree program, you are not eligible to apply again for another degree level scholarship. Former exchange students or visiting students who did not receive a full GKS degree scholarship remain eligible to apply normally.

Step 2: Choose Your Degree Level, Field, and Universities

• Select your degree level, field of study, and universities based on the official GKS University Information File
• Apply only to universities and departments listed for the current cycle
• Universities are divided into Type A (Seoul area) and Type B (regional)
• Embassy Track allows up to 3 universities, with at least 1 Type B required
• Match your field with the exact departments listed, not general university programs
• Check availability carefully since not all departments open every year
• Consider the R and D track if your field fits priority research areas
• R and D track can offer lower competition within the University Track

Once eligibility is confirmed, the next step is selecting which degree level you are applying for, which field of study, and which Korean universities and departments you will list.

The complete list of participating universities and departments for each GKS cycle is published in the University Information File attached to the official GKS Notice on studyinkorea.go.kr. You can only apply to universities and departments that appear in this file for the current cycle. Universities are categorized as Type A, generally meaning prestigious institutions located in or near Seoul, or Type B, generally meaning regional universities outside the capital. For the Embassy Track, your list of up to 3 universities must include at least 1 Type B university.

When choosing your field, consider that the University Information File lists specific departments at each university that are open for GKS applicants in that cycle. Not every department at every university is available every year. Cross checking your intended field against the actual file for the current year, rather than relying on a university’s general program list, prevents wasted effort on an application to a department that is not GKS eligible this cycle.

For research focused graduate applicants, the special R&D track mentioned earlier is worth investigating if your field aligns with one of the designated research priority areas for that cycle, since these seats sit within the larger University Track quota and can represent a less crowded pathway for strong research candidates.

Step 3: Gather and Attest Your Documents

• Start early, at least 2 to 3 months before deadline, ideally 6 to 9 months
• Complete GKS Application Form from official source
• Write Personal Statement covering background, motivation, goals
• Prepare Study Plan or Research Proposal depending on degree level
• Collect 2 to 3 Recommendation Letters on official GKS format
• Gather Academic Transcripts with certified English translation
• Include Degree Certificates with certified English translation
• Submit Passport copy valid for at least 6 months
• Provide parents’ ID or passport copies for citizenship verification
• Include Birth Certificate or family relationship document
• Complete Health forms including self assessment and doctor report
• Add language proof if available (TOPIK or IELTS or TOEFL)
• Sign Consent for Collection of Personal Information form
• Prepare passport size photos as per required format
• Graduate applicants add employment certificate and research outputs if available
• Nepali documents must go through MoFA attestation instead of apostille
• Translate all Nepali documents into English with certification
• Submit notarized and attested copies, keep originals सुरक्षित

Document preparation is the single most time consuming part of the GKS application and should begin a minimum of 2 to 3 months before the deadline, with many successful applicants and consultancies recommending starting 6 to 9 months ahead.

The core documents required across all degree levels are as follows. The GKS Application Form, downloaded from studyinkorea.go.kr or the current year’s Embassy Notice and filled out completely. A Personal Statement of approximately 500 to 1,000 words describing your background, motivation, and career goals. A Study Plan of approximately 500 to 1,000 words for bachelor’s and master’s applicants, or a more detailed Research Proposal of approximately 3 to 5 pages for PhD applicants and some master’s programs that require one, covering the title, introduction, literature review, research questions, methodology, and expected outcomes. Two to three Letters of Recommendation written on the official GKS recommendation form, signed and on letterhead from professors or employers who know your academic or professional work directly. Official Academic Transcripts for all previously completed levels of education, with certified English translation if the originals are in Nepali. Degree Certificates or graduation certificates for all completed levels, also with certified English translation. A copy of your passport’s identification page, valid for at least 6 months from your application date. Copies of both parents’ passports or national identity documents, used to confirm neither parent holds Korean citizenship. A Birth Certificate or equivalent family relationship document. A Health Certificate consisting of the GKS self health assessment form plus a doctor’s report from a recognized hospital. Proof of language proficiency, meaning a TOPIK score if you have one, or an English test score such as IELTS or TOEFL if applying to an English medium program, though this is not strictly mandatory at application stage. A signed Consent for Collection of Personal Information form as required by NIIED. Passport sized photographs meeting the 4cm by 6cm white background specification, both as physical prints and as a digital upload per the portal’s specifications.

For graduate applicants specifically, additional documents may include a Certificate of Employment if you are currently working, particularly relevant for faculty members or government officials, and any published papers, awards, or research outputs, which are optional but strongly recommended since they meaningfully strengthen graduate applications.

For Nepali applicants, the document authentication process has one important nuance. Nepal is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so the apostille process referenced in some general GKS guidance does not apply directly to documents issued in Nepal. Instead, Nepali academic certificates, transcripts, and citizenship documents must go through consular legalization, meaning attestation by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which applies an official seal confirming the document’s authenticity. This MoFA attestation is the Nepal specific equivalent of the apostille step referenced in the general GKS document checklist. NEB transcripts collected from the NEB office at Sinamangal must be taken to MoFA for this attestation before they can be submitted. This process can take several weeks, particularly during peak season immediately after results are published, which is exactly why starting document preparation early matters so much.

All Nepali language documents require certified English translation by a recognized translator, and these translations themselves typically also need MoFA certification alongside the original document’s attestation.

A practical tip on submission format, do not submit original documents directly. Submit notarized copies that have gone through the MoFA attestation and translation process, keeping your originals safe for any later verification steps NIIED or the university may request from selected candidates.

Step 4: Create Your Account and Complete the Online Application

• Submit your application online through the Study in Korea portal
• Create an account and enter details carefully without special characters
• Find GKS Notice and download guidelines and University Information File
• Complete the online form with your track, degree, and university choices
• Upload all required documents with visible MoFA attestation seals
• Submit the application before the official deadline
• Embassy Track requires physical document submission to the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu
• Documents can be submitted in person or by post to the embassy
• Some applicants may submit scans by email if allowed, confirm with embassy first
• University Track applications are submitted directly to each university
• Each university has its own forms and deadlines
• Send documents by courier for University Track, email is usually not accepted
• All initial GKS applications are submitted online through the Study in Korea portal at www.studyinkorea.go.kr.

For the Embassy Track, the process is as follows. Visit www.studyinkorea.go.kr and register an account. When entering your name and personal details, avoid special characters or accent marks since these can cause processing errors on the Korean side of the system. Navigate to the section covering Plan your studies and then GKS Notice to find the current year’s GKS Application Guidelines and the University Information File. Complete the online application form in full, selecting your track, your degree level, and your chosen universities, remembering the Type B requirement for Embassy Track applicants. Upload all required documents as scans, ensuring that any document requiring MoFA attestation has already been through that process before scanning, since the scanned copy must show the official seal. Submit the application before the deadline closes.

After completing the online submission, Embassy Track applicants in Nepal must also submit physical copies of all documents to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kathmandu. The submission can be made in person or by post to the embassy. For applicants living outside Kathmandu Valley who cannot easily deliver physical documents, scanned copies can be emailed to konepemb@mofa.go.kr as an alternative, though confirming this option is still accepted for the current cycle with the embassy directly is wise since procedures can be updated year to year.

For the University Track, the process differs since there is no single shared portal beyond the initial studyinkorea.go.kr registration. Each participating university maintains its own GKS application page with its own forms and its own deadline, which typically falls later than the Embassy Track deadline, often in the March to April window. You download and complete that specific university’s application forms and submit your documents directly to that university by courier, since email submission is generally not permitted for the University Track unless a specific university explicitly states otherwise.

Step 5: Submit Documents Within the Correct Window

Timing is everything with GKS, and the timeline differs significantly between undergraduate and graduate applications.

GKS Undergraduate Timeline

• GKS notice released around August to September
• Embassy Track applications in Nepal run mid to late September
• Document screening takes place in early October
• Embassy interviews are held around mid October
• Embassy nominees are announced by mid October
• NIIED review runs through November to December
• Universities make final decisions in December to January
• Final results are announced in late December

For undergraduate GKS-U applications, the GKS Notice announcement is typically published in August to September of the previous year. The Embassy Track application period in Nepal typically runs from mid to late September. Document screening by the embassy follows in early October, with embassy interviews around mid October. Embassy nominees are announced by mid October. NIIED conducts its review through November and December, universities make their final selection decisions in December and January, and final results are announced through the Study in Korea portal in late December.

GKS Graduate Timeline

• GKS notice released around late December to January
• Embassy Track application period in Nepal runs for about two weeks in February
• Document screening takes place in early March
• Embassy interviews are held in early March
• Embassy nominees are announced by late March
• NIIED review runs through April to May
• Universities make final decisions in May to June
• Final results are announced between early May and June

For graduate GKS-G applications, the announcement is typically published in late December or January. For 2026, the Embassy Track application period in Nepal ran from February 12, 2026 at 07:45 Nepal Time to February 25, 2026 at 14:45 Nepal Time, a window of approximately two weeks. Document screening by the embassy occurred in early March, with embassy interviews tentatively scheduled around March 4, 2026. Embassy nominees were announced by late March. NIIED review ran through April and May, universities made final selection decisions in May and June, and final results were announced via the Study in Korea portal around early May to June.

GKS University Track Timeline

• Deadlines usually fall between March to April depending on the university
• Each university sets its own deadline and requirements
• Documents must physically arrive at the university before the deadline
• Example from a recent cycle, Busan University of Foreign Studies deadline was April 3 and documents had to be received by that date

For University Track applications, individual university deadlines typically fall in March to April. As one concrete example from a recent cycle, Busan University of Foreign Studies set its University Track deadline at April 3, with documents required to physically arrive by that date.

GKS Deadline Rules

• Deadline times must be followed exactly
• Nepal time is based on Korea Standard Time conversion
• Example, 14:45 Nepal Time equals 18:00 Korea Standard Time
• Late submissions are not accepted even by a few minutes
• No extensions are given under any circumstances

The deadline times matter precisely. Nepal time deadlines correspond to Korea Standard Time with the stated time difference, for example 14:45 Nepal Time corresponds to 18:00 Korea Standard Time. Late submissions, even by minutes, are not accepted under any circumstances and there are no extensions.

Final Selection Requirement

• Must receive an admission offer from at least one selected university
• Applies after passing the embassy and NIIED stages
• Separate step from embassy nomination
• Final decision depends on the university’s admission review of your academic profile

After the embassy round, selected candidates who advance to the NIIED and university stage must secure an actual admission offer from at least one of their chosen universities before the scholarship can be finalized. This is a separate step from the embassy nomination and depends on the university’s own admission committee reviewing your academic file.

Step 6: Prepare for and Attend the Interview

• Interview is scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks after application deadline
• Conducted at the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu, usually in English
• Covers motivation for studying in Korea and chosen field
• Questions on academic background and career goals
• Assesses leadership, experience, and extracurricular activities
• Evaluates understanding of Nepal Korea relations and contribution plans
• Prepare by understanding GKS purpose and your study field relevance
• Practice clear and confident English communication
• Dress professionally for the interview
• Some universities may conduct additional interviews at later stages

If your Embassy Track application passes the initial document screening, you will be notified for an interview, typically within one to two weeks after the application deadline closes.

The interview is conducted by a panel at the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu, generally in English. The topics covered include your motivation for studying in Korea specifically, your academic background and how it connects to your chosen field, your career goals after completing the program, your leadership potential and any relevant extracurricular or professional experience, and your understanding of and commitment to Nepal Korea relations and how your education might contribute to that relationship.

Strong preparation for this interview includes knowing the GKS program’s purpose and history, being able to clearly explain how your chosen field of study connects to development needs in Nepal, practicing answering interview questions in clear and confident English, and dressing professionally for the interview itself.

If you advance past the embassy interview to the NIIED and university stage, some universities additionally conduct their own phone or video interviews with shortlisted candidates as part of their admission review. Preparation for these follows the same principles, with additional focus on department specific questions about your intended research or coursework.

Step 7: Final Results, Visa, and Departure

• Final results are announced through the Study in Korea portal and confirmed by the embassy
• Selected candidates receive a scholarship certificate from NIIED and an admission letter from the university
• Use these documents to apply for a D 2 student visa at the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu
• Visa documents include passport, application form, admission letter, scholarship certificate, photos, and medical report
• Embassy provides a list of approved clinics for medical examination
• Scholars usually arrive in Korea about one month before the program starts
• Orientation and health check are conducted after arrival
• One year Korean language program is mandatory before degree studies
• Scholars must maintain academic performance and attend all required activities
• Must achieve required TOPIK level, usually Level 3 or 4, to continue to degree
• Failure to meet language requirement can affect continuation of the scholarship

Final GKS scholar selections are announced by NIIED through the Study in Korea portal, with the Embassy in Kathmandu also confirming selections to candidates directly.

Once selected, you will receive an official Certificate of Scholarship from NIIED along with an admission letter from your confirmed university. With these two documents, you apply for the Korean D-2 Student Visa at the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu. Required visa documents include your passport, the visa application form, your admission certificate, your scholarship certificate, passport photographs, financial guarantee documentation if requested, and a completed medical examination report from an approved clinic in Nepal. The embassy provides a list of approved doctors and clinics after your admission is confirmed. For visa specific questions, the Korean Embassy in Nepal’s visa email is nepvisa@mofa.go.kr.

GKS scholars typically arrive in Korea approximately one month before the start of the language program for an orientation period and an additional health check upon arrival. The mandatory one year Korean language course at a partner language institute begins early in your first year regardless of any prior TOPIK level you held before arrival.

GKS recipients have ongoing obligations during the scholarship period. These include maintaining good academic standing throughout the program, attending mandatory language classes and program activities, and achieving a minimum TOPIK level, generally Level 3 for some programs and Level 4 for others, by the end of the first year as a condition for continuing into the actual degree coursework. Failing to meet this language milestone can affect continuation of the scholarship, so treating the language year with full seriousness from day one is essential.

Complete Document Checklist for GKS Application

Use this checklist to confirm your application package is complete before submission.

• GKS Application Form fully completed and signed
• Personal Statement of 500 to 1000 words
• Study Plan of 500 to 1000 words or Research Proposal for PhD
• Two to three Recommendation Letters on official GKS format
• Academic Transcripts with MoFA attestation and English translation
• Degree Certificates with MoFA attestation and English translation
• Passport copy valid for at least 6 months
• Parents’ ID or passport copies
• Birth Certificate or family relationship document with MoFA attestation
• Health Certificate including self assessment and doctor report
• Language test scores such as TOPIK or IELTS or TOEFL if available
• Certificate of Employment if applicable
• Signed Consent for Collection of Personal Information form
• Additional documents such as publications or awards if available

The GKS Application Form, fully completed and signed. Personal Statement of approximately 500 to 1,000 words. Study Plan of approximately 500 to 1,000 words for bachelor’s and master’s, or Research Proposal of approximately 3 to 5 pages for PhD applicants and where required for master’s. Two to three Letters of Recommendation on the official GKS form. Official Academic Transcripts for all completed levels, with MoFA attestation and certified English translation. Degree Certificates or graduation certificates, with MoFA attestation and certified English translation. Copy of your passport identification page, valid at least 6 months. Copies of both parents’ passports or national identity documents. Birth Certificate or equivalent family relationship document, with MoFA attestation. Health Certificate including the GKS self health assessment and a doctor’s medical report. Proof of language proficiency through TOPIK or IELTS or TOEFL scores, if available. Certificate of Employment, if applicable to your situation. Signed Consent for Collection of Personal Information form. Additional supporting documents including publications, awards, or professional certificates, optional but recommended particularly for graduate applicants.

Common Mistakes Nepali Applicants Make

• Missing the deadline due to time zone confusion
  Always convert the deadline properly and submit at least one day early
• Starting document attestation too late
  MoFA attestation and translation can take several weeks
• Submitting a generic Study Plan or Personal Statement
  Must clearly match your chosen universities and field
• Choosing only Type A universities for Embassy Track
  At least one Type B university is mandatory
• Applying to programs not listed in the current University Information File
  Only listed departments are eligible for that cycle
• Submitting inconsistent personal information across documents
  Names, dates, and details must match exactly everywhere
• Ignoring expected graduation deadlines
  Final certificates must be submitted on time or selection can be cancelled

Missing the deadline due to time zone confusion is one of the most common and entirely avoidable mistakes. Always convert the stated Nepal Time deadline to your own calendar with a buffer of at least one full day, and never plan to submit in the final hours.

Starting document attestation too late is the second most common mistake. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation process, combined with certified translation of any Nepali language documents, routinely takes several weeks and can take longer during peak periods immediately following NEB or university result publications. Beginning this process only after the GKS notice is published almost guarantees you will miss the window.

Submitting a generic, untailored Study Plan or Personal Statement is a frequent weakness. NIIED and embassy reviewers read large volumes of applications, and a study plan that does not specifically name your chosen universities, departments, and how your background connects to your intended field stands out immediately, and not in a good way.

Choosing only Type A universities for an Embassy Track application is a disqualifying error. The requirement to include at least one Type B regional university in your list of up to 3 is strict and non negotiable for the Embassy Track.

Applying to a university or department not listed in the current year’s University Information File is another frequent error. Program availability changes year to year, and assuming a department that was open last cycle remains open this cycle without checking the current file leads to wasted applications.

Submitting inconsistent information across documents, such as your name spelled differently on your passport versus your transcript versus your citizenship certificate, causes delays and can lead to outright rejection during document screening. Reviewing every document for name, date of birth, and date consistency before submission is essential.

Ignoring the expected graduation deadline is a final common issue for applicants who are still completing their current degree at application time. If you apply as an expected graduate, you must provide your final certificate and transcript by the stated deadline, generally July 31 of the scholarship year for graduate programs, and failing to do so can result in your scholarship being withdrawn even after initial selection.

Tips for a Stronger Application from Nepal

• Start preparation 6 to 9 months before the deadline
• Read the full official GKS guidelines for the current year carefully
• Make your study plan and personal statement specific to your chosen universities and field
• Clearly connect your studies to Nepal’s development and future goals
• Graduate applicants should include research, publications, or academic work if available
• Keep copies of all documents both physical and digital
• Use local resources like Korean Educational Consultancy Association of Nepal for guidance
• Connect with Nepalese Students’ Society in Korea and NRNA Korea for real experiences
• Attend Korea education fairs in Nepal when available

Begin preparation 6 to 9 months before your target deadline. This is not an exaggeration given the document attestation timelines and the depth required for a genuinely tailored study plan.

Read the official GKS Application Guidelines for the current year in full, not a summary, since small but important details such as exact form numbers, page limits, and submission formats change between cycles.

Make your study plan and personal statement specific. Name the actual universities and departments you applied to, explain concretely why those specific programs fit your background, and connect your study plan to a realistic post graduation plan that ties back to Nepal where relevant. This connection to Nepal Korea relations and your home country’s development is something embassy interviewers consistently look for.

For graduate applicants, having published papers, conference presentations, or documented research experience meaningfully strengthens your file even though it is listed as optional. If you have any research output from your bachelor’s or master’s thesis, include it.

Keep photocopies and digital copies of every single document you submit, both for your own records and in case any document needs to be resubmitted or referenced during the NIIED or university stage.

Reach out to community resources for guidance specific to the current cycle. The Korean Educational Consultancy Association of Nepal, known as KECAN, brings together Nepali education consultants familiar with the GKS process. The Nepalese Students’ Society in Korea, known as NSSK, and NRNA Korea connect you with Nepali students and alumni already in Korea who can share firsthand experience of the application and interview process. Korea Education Fairs held periodically in Nepal are also worth attending when scheduled.

Official Contacts and Resources

The Study in Korea portal at www.studyinkorea.go.kr is the official application portal and the source for the GKS Notice, application guidelines, application forms, and the University Information File for each cycle, found under Plan your studies and then GKS Notice.

NIIED, the National Institute for International Education, is the government body administering GKS, with general inquiries directed to gksniied@korea.kr.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kathmandu is located at Ravibhawan, Kathmandu, with telephone 01-5370172. General inquiries go to konepemb@mofa.go.kr, visa specific questions go to nep_visa@mofa.go.kr, and document verification questions go to nep_docs@mofa.go.kr. Check the embassy’s official notice board regularly for the current cycle’s exact dates.

For University Track applicants, each participating Korean university maintains its own GKS coordinator or international admissions office. As examples, Yonsei University’s graduate admissions contact is ysgrad@yonsei.ac.kr, KAIST’s international office is international@kaist.ac.kr, and Seoul National University’s GKS contact is gks@snu.ac.kr. Always check your specific target university’s current international admissions page for the GKS program contact, since these addresses can change.

Nepal’s Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration at www.mofaga.gov.np is relevant for broader government coordination questions, and Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is where document attestation is processed.

For our complete guide on the GKS scholarship eligibility, benefits, and university list specific to Nepal, read our guide on GKS scholarship Nepal. For a comparison with KOICA, another Korean government scholarship with different eligibility, read our guide on GKS scholarship vs KOICA scholarship.

If you want to know more about studying in Korea from Nepal, you can read study in Korea from Nepal.

Frequently Asked Questions