2026 GKS-G Required Documents Checklist: Complete Guide to Forms 1-10 and Apostille/Notarization

The most energy-intensive stage of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-G) application process is undoubtedly 'document preparation.' It goes beyond simply collecting paperwork; it involves navigating unfamiliar and complex administrative procedures such as translation, notarization, and obtaining Apostille or consular verification. Notably, even if a single document fails to meet requirements or contains a formatting error, a candidate's excellent credentials may be disqualified for administrative reasons before they are even evaluated.

For a successful application, you must fully understand the 'Original Document Submission' policy and 'Verification Procedures' set forth by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). Many applicants are often confused about how to submit official documents while preserving their original diplomas, which are difficult to reissue.

This guide provides the clearest summary of the required forms (Form 1~10) and the universal Apostille and Consular Verification procedures, based on the original 2026 recruitment data. Start preparing your perfect application package today, which will determine the outcome of your success.

Key contents of this detailed guide

Complete list of mandatory forms from the application form to the personal medical assessment (Form 1~10)
Difference between and procedures for Apostille and Consular Confirmation
Principles of submitting 'Originals' and how to prepare 'Photocopies'
Essential guidelines for the translation and notarization of documents in languages other than Korean or English

1. 2026 GKS-G Mandatory Documents Checklist

You must use the 2026 latest version of all forms provided by the NIIED. Please be careful, as using outdated forms may lead to disadvantages.

1.1. Mandatory Forms (Forms 1~7)

Form 1: Application Form - Include the application track, personal details, desired universities, etc.
Form 2: Personal Statement - Describe your background, motivation for applying, understanding of Korean culture, etc.
Form 3: Study Plan - Study goals and specific academic plans after entering Korea (including language learning)
Form 4: Research Proposal - Submitted only by Research Program applicants
Form 5: Recommendation Letter - Must be received from a recommender such as an academic advisor and submitted in a Sealed state
Form 6: Applicant Agreement - Consent to scholarship regulations and collection/use of personal information
Form 7: Personal Medical Assessment - Self-assessment of physical and mental health status (medical check-up results to be submitted after final acceptance)

1.2. Evidence of Academic Background and Nationality

In principle, all supporting documents must be submitted as originals that have received Apostille or Consular Verification.

Degree Certificate: Graduation (or expected graduation) certificate for the degree program preceding the one you are applying for
- Master's application: Bachelor's degree certificate
- Doctoral application: Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates
Academic Transcript: Official document including grades for the entire course (by year) of the preceding degree
- Must indicate CGPA and percentage or class rank
Nationality Proof: Official documents confirming the nationality of the applicant and their parents
- Passport copy, Birth Certificate, Family Relation Certificate, etc.

1.3. Other Optional and Bonus Documents

Korean/English Proficiency Test Scores: TOPIK (Level 3 or higher) or English (TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS) scores (bonus points if held)
Awards and Publications: Awards related to the field of study or papers published in academic journals (photocopies accepted)
Passport Copy: A copy of the applicant's passport (if required)

2. Complete Guide to Apostille and Consular Verification

GKS-G requires very strict verification procedures to confirm the authenticity of documents issued abroad. Documents that do not pass this process will be excluded from the evaluation.

2.1. Three Types of Document Verification

Depending on the situation in your home country, you must receive one of the following verifications:

Apostille: If the document was issued in an Apostille Convention member country, you must obtain Apostille verification from the relevant government agency.
Consular Confirmation: If the document was issued in a non-Apostille Convention member country, you must obtain Consular Confirmation from the Korean Embassy or Consulate in that country.
CHSI Verification (Chinese Applicants): If you graduated from a university in China, you must submit a verification report from CHSI (China Higher Education Student Information) for your degree and transcripts.

2.2. Translation Notarization

All documents must be written in Korean or English.
Documents issued in other languages must first be translated by a certified translator and then notarized by a notary office.
Note: Translation notarization itself is not verification (Apostille/Consular Confirmation). The Apostille or Consular Confirmation stamp must be added to the notarized translation to have final legal effect.

3. Original Submission Principles and Document Preparation Strategy

The NIIED requires one set of documents submitted by the applicant to be 'Originals.' Here, an original refers not only to documents with the issuing institution's seal but also to documents that have been legally authenticated via Apostille/Consular verification.

3.1. How to Protect Your Precious Original Diploma

Since diplomas are often issued only once in a lifetime, the biggest concern is that they cannot be retrieved once submitted to the NIIED. In this case, we recommend the following:

Make a photocopy of your original diploma.
Take the copy to your school or a notary office to get a 'Certified True Copy' notarization.
Obtain Apostille or Consular verification on that notarized photocopy.
This becomes the 'Original for Submission' recognized by the NIIED.

3.2. Composition of Submission Sets by Track (Important)

Embassy Track: 1 set of verified originals + 3 sets of simple photocopies (Total of 4 sets)
University Track: 1 set of verified originals (Check individual university guidelines as some may require additional copies)

4. Mandatory Precautions and Checklist Before Submission

Before submitting your documents, check the list below to prevent disqualification due to administrative errors.

No Staplers: Fix all documents with clips or binder clips. Staples cause damage to documents during scanning.
A4 Standardization: If a document is smaller than A4, attach it to an A4 sheet. If it is larger, fold it within a range that does not hinder readability.
Use Indexes (Post-its): Attach an index with the document name in English (e.g., 'Form 1', 'Bachelor's Diploma') to the top right of each document to increase evaluation efficiency.
Non-returnable Documents: Once submitted, documents will never be returned regardless of the selection result. Prepare mainly with documents that have an expiration date or can be reissued.
Postal Submission: Documents must reach the Embassy or University within the deadline. Use a trackable shipping method.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I get my original diploma back if I submit it?
A: No, all submitted documents will not be returned to the applicant regardless of the selection results. Therefore, instead of the original diploma that cannot be reissued, please be sure to submit a 'Notarized Copy' that has been verified with an Apostille or Consular confirmation.

Q: Should I get an Apostille or Consular confirmation?
A: If the issuing country is an 'Apostille Convention member,' you must get an Apostille from the government agency; if it is a 'non-member,' you must get Consular confirmation from the Korean Embassy/Consulate in that country.

Q: Do I need translation notarization if the document is in English?
A: No, documents written in Korean or English do not require translation notarization. Only documents written in other languages must be submitted with a certified translation and notarization.

Q: Do all 3 sets of copies need to be notarized when applying for the Embassy Track?
A: No, once you have prepared 1 set of verified originals, the remaining 3 sets can be simple photocopies. It is not necessary to have all 4 sets notarized.

8-Step Detailed Guide Series for GKS-G Success

Applying for the 2026 GKS-G is a sophisticated process that takes over 4 months from document preparation to final announcement. Check the detailed contents of the official guidelines for each stage and build your winning strategy through the guide series below.

Guide to Recruitment Tracks and University Selection: Differences between Embassy/University tracks and how to choose the right one for you
Detailed Guide to Eligibility (Grades, Age, Academic Background): Confirming CGPA 80% achievement and dual citizenship restrictions
Required Documents Checklist and Notarization Procedures: Perfect manual for Form 1~10 and Apostille verification
Selection Process and 2026 Official Timeline: A long journey from the February announcement to the final announcement in June
Application Writing and Assessment Core Strategy: TOPIK and language score management for an extra 10% bonus points
Summary of Scholarship Benefits and Support: All financial support including living expenses (1.38 million KRW/month), tuition, and airfare
Double Application Restrictions and Important Notes: Double application regulations that lead to disqualification and dropout rules
Official Inquiries and Contact Information: How to contact the NIIED and embassy representatives

Start your first step as a Korean government scholarship student now. This guide will serve as a reliable lighthouse for your successful journey of studying in Korea. If you have more specific questions, please check the detailed guide for each stage or contact the official authorities for accurate information.