Required Documents for Korean Scholarships 2026

When you apply for any Korean scholarship, your documents are the most important part.
Even a small mistake in your papers can make your application invalid.

This guide will help you prepare all the required documents for GKS, KOICA, KAIST, UST, and AKS scholarships in 2026. It also explains how to arrange, translate, and submit them safely.

Why Documents Matter

Korean universities and embassies follow a strict process.
They read hundreds of applications, so your documents must be complete, clear, and correct.

If one paper is missing or not translated, your file can be rejected automatically.
That’s why you should start preparing early — at least two months before the deadline.

Full List of Required Documents (2026)

Here is the common document list for most Korean scholarships.
Some programs may ask for more, but this is the basic checklist.

1. Application Form – Download from the official site of your program.
2. Personal Statement and Study Plan – Write in English or Korean.
3. Two Recommendation Letters – From teachers, professors, or employers.
4. Degree Certificate – Original or notarized copy of your last degree.
5. Academic Transcripts – From all years of your studies.
6. Passport Copy – Must be valid for at least two years.
7. Certificate of Nationality – Birth certificate or national ID copy.
8. Proof of English or Korean Language Proficiency – IELTS, TOEFL, TOPIK, or MOI certificate.
9. Medical Check Form – Some programs ask for this before or after selection.
10. Signed Agreement or Declaration Form – Found at the end of most official application booklets.
11. Research Proposal (for Master’s or PhD students only) – If required.
12. Portfolio (for arts or design majors only) – If your field needs it.

Special Notes for Each Scholarship

GKS (Global Korea Scholarship)

• You must send two sets of documents (one original, one copy).
• The Embassy Track requires you to apply through your local Korean Embassy.
• Documents must be arranged in the same order given in the GKS guidelines.

KOICA Scholarship

• Must include a Certificate of Employment and a Government Nomination Letter.
• All papers must be endorsed by your ministry or organization.

KAIST and UST

• Apply online, but you’ll need to upload scanned copies of your papers.
• If selected, send originals by post for final verification.

AKS Fellowship

• Needs a research proposal, CV, and recommendation from a professor.
• You must email the papers to AKS or upload them on the portal.

Translation and Notarization

If your documents are not in English or Korean, you must get them translated and notarized.

Here’s how:

• Translate by an official translator or institute.
• Visit a notary public to verify the translation.
• Attach both the original and translated copies together.
• Use clear paper, no folds or handwriting.

This is very important — many rejections happen because of poor translations.

How to Arrange Your Documents

Use this order unless your program says otherwise:

• Application Form
• Personal Statement
• Study Plan
• Recommendation Letters
• Academic Transcripts
• Degree Certificate
• Proof of Language Proficiency
• Passport Copy
• Health Form
• Other Supporting Papers

Use a file folder or binder and label every section.
Avoid staples — use paper clips or plastic covers instead.

Submission Methods

Depending on your scholarship, you’ll submit documents in one of three ways:

1. By Hand or Courier

For Embassy Track (GKS, KOICA), submit to the Korean Embassy in your country.
Make sure to get a receipt or acknowledgment.

2. Online Upload

For KAIST, UST, and some GKS University Tracks, upload your documents on the official admission portal.
Keep your files in PDF format and under the size limit.

3. Email Submission

For AKS Fellowship, you may email documents directly to the AKS team.
Always send from a professional email ID (like yourname@gmail.com).

Common Document Mistakes

❌ Submitting incomplete sets (missing recommendation or ID copy)
❌ Sending handwritten forms instead of typed ones
❌ Forgetting to sign the declaration page
❌ Using blurry or low-quality scans
❌ Not following file naming rules (like “Name_Degree.pdf”)
❌ Mixing embassy and university forms in the same application

Check every paper twice before you submit.

Tips to Make Your File Stand Out

✔ Use clean white paper and clear scans.
✔ Print everything in color if possible.
✔ Highlight your name and program on the first page.
✔ Keep one full set of copies for yourself.
✔ Send early to avoid late delivery issues.

A neat, well-organized file always gives a better impression.

Quick Summary Table

Document Type	Needed For
Application Form	All Scholarships
Personal Statement / Study Plan	All
Recommendation Letters	All
Degree & Transcripts	All
Proof of Language	All
Employment Letter	KOICA
Research Proposal	AKS, UST
Portfolio	Art or Design Students

FAQs

Final Words

Your documents are the foundation of your scholarship journey. If you prepare them correctly, half of your work is already done.

Start early, stay organized and follow each program’s checklist carefully. Even small details — like your name format or signature — matter a lot. Your dream in Korea starts with one complete file.