GKS Embassy Track vs. GKS University Track: Which One Should You Choose?

GoKorea Study Staff
Jul 6
2 min read

🌍 Introduction – Two GKS Tracks, One Life-Changing Opportunity

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is one of the most prestigious and generous scholarships for international students in Korea.

To apply for GKS, you must choose one of two tracks:

GKS Embassy Track
GKS University Track

Both tracks lead to the same scholarship, but the application process, competition level, and strategy differ significantly. This guide will help you decide which path is right for you.

📘 What Are the GKS Embassy Track and University Track?

Track Type	Who You Apply To	Number of Universities	Selection Steps
Embassy Track	Korean Embassy in your country	Up to 3 universities	Embassy → NIIED → University
University Track	A single Korean university	Only 1 university	University → NIIED

Both tracks follow the same GKS eligibility criteria (age, GPA, nationality), but differ in the selection process and level of flexibility.

🔍 Key Differences Between GKS Embassy and University Track

Category	GKS Embassy Track	GKS University Track
University choices	Up to 3 universities	Only 1 university
First selection	Korean Embassy in your home country	The Korean university directly
Second selection	NIIED + universities	NIIED only (after university decision)
Competition	High (nationwide pool)	Medium to low (especially regional schools)
Flexibility	More options but more steps	Faster, simpler, but limited choices
Who it's for	Top students with strong records & language	Focused applicants with specific goals

🎯 Which GKS Track Is Best for You?

Use the following scenarios to guide your decision:

✅ GKS Embassy Track – Best if you:

Want to apply to multiple universities and majors
Have competitive grades or awards
Are confident in interviews and paperwork
Come from a country with a high GKS quota
Are flexible with location or school

✅ GKS University Track – Best if you:

Already know exactly which school and major you want
Prefer a faster and simpler process
Want to apply to regional universities (Type B quota)
Have a strong fit with one university’s department or professor

📊 Pros and Cons of Each GKS Track

Track	Pros	Cons
Embassy Track	• Apply to 3 universities • Wider exposure across schools • Possible to switch universities during process	• Higher competition (nationwide) • Longer process with more steps • Embassy rules vary by country
University Track	• Simpler, faster process • Direct communication with university • Great for regional (Type B) or niche majors	• Only 1 university option • Some universities don’t offer GKS slots every year