GKS Newsletter July 2026: next steps applicants and selected students should check

As of June 28, 2026, the Study in Korea scholarship notice list includes GKS Newsletter(July, 2026), dated June 26, 2026. The same list also includes notices by selection stage for the 2026 GKS Graduate Degree Program, including second-round results, Embassy Track, and University Track.

This article does not replace the full newsletter. It is a practical guide that organizes what applicants and selected students should check now. The real difficulty of GKS increases not when you first see the scholarship notice, but when you connect selection stage, documents, entry to Korea, Korean language training, degree program, and living costs.

Core answer

GKS applicants should not look only at the scholarship amount. They need to check selection track, original documents, degree program, Korean language training, settlement after arrival, and post-graduation plan together. Selected students are not finished after preparing airfare and entry. They still need to manage university registration, dormitory, insurance, bank account, Korean language, and living expenses.

Embassy Track and University Track must be separated

GKS is often called “government scholarship” in one phrase, but the track matters in actual application. Embassy Track is structured around applications through overseas diplomatic missions and can include several university choices. University Track proceeds mainly through university recommendation. Detailed yearly conditions and eligible universities differ by notice, so students must check based on the relevant year’s announcement on Study in Korea.

Choosing the wrong track can weaken the application strategy. Students who want to compare several universities should understand the structure of Embassy Track. Students with a clear target lab, major, or university may consider University Track. However, restrictions on duplicate applications in the same year, university-specific document requirements, and mission-specific submission methods must be checked in the official notice.

Cost questions remain after selection

NIIED’s GKS Degree Program guidance explains that GKS provides international students with opportunities to study at higher education institutions in Korea and aims to promote international education exchange and friendship between countries. The Graduate Program is commonly described as one year of Korean language training plus two years for a master’s degree or three years for a doctoral degree.

However, even with a scholarship, personal costs do not disappear completely. Initial entry preparation, document issuance, personal items, mobile phone, living expenses before opening a bank account, vacation plans, and family support are separate. Selected students should record scholarship-covered items and personal expense items separately.

GKS checklist

CTA

Students preparing for GKS should not look only at scholarship possibility. They should also check major fit and cost risk. The K-Study Times scholarship and cost readiness check can help identify document and schedule risks that need attention now.