GKS Documents Submission: Challenges You Might Face
(From One Applicant to Another)
Hey, have you decided to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)? That’s amazing! Everyone has their own reasons for applying to the GKS scholarship, and while we won’t dive into that, what truly matters is having a strong motive and a clear goal.
This process is more than just paperwork—it’s a test of your patience, and determination. Stay focused and committed!
Hi! I am Vishva, a graduate applicant and I am in the middle of the process. I'll be sending my documents to the embassy next week. But based on my experience so far, I can at least help you prepare for the first and most crucial step—document submission. If you know what hurdles to expect, your process will be much smoother!
So, let’s go step by step, just like I experienced it.
Step 1. Collecting the Documents, You Already Have
The first thing you need to do is check last year’s GKS application and start collecting the required documents. Remember, it takes at least four to five months to prepare all these documents, so it’s better to start early. Gather all the documents that are already with you. Trust me, you have more than you think! Open your cupboard and start collecting it.
Tip: Get a big folder – this will be your companion throughout the entire process. Keep all your documents organized in it.
✔ Extra-curricular
✔ Birth Certificate
✔ Government IDs (Voter id, Passport)
✔ Results (10th, 12th – for Undergrad, Semester mark sheets – for Graduate)
✔ Parents IDs (Voter Id or Passport)
Q.1. What if there are spelling or name errors?
Solution: Don’t panic! Let’s tackle it.
Step 2. Fixing Name & Spelling Errors
If you have spelling mistakes or name mismatches in your documents, it’s important to fix it before starting the process.
First, check your birth certificate or school records—whichever is the most consistent and reliable document you have. This will be your reference for the correct spelling of your name. Now start correcting your key documents.
If immediate corrections aren’t possible, the best solution is an affidavit. This is a legal declaration that confirms all variations of your name belong to you. To get one, visit a notary or lawyer, provide the incorrect versions, and declare your correct name.
The goal is to have your name uniform across all essential documents before applying for your passport.
Step 3. Apply for Your Passport
Your passport is one of the most important identity documents. Make sure you apply with the correct name as per your updated official records.
Also, make sure all documents are in English. If they are in another language, get them translated & notarized ASAP!
Step 4. Transcript & Provisional Degree Issues
This part is where most applicants get confused, including me! A transcript is an official document issued by your university/School that lists all the courses you have taken, along with your grades, semester-wise marks, and your CGPA or percentage. In most cases, your university/School won’t just hand over your transcript with your degree/Result like a free gift, you have to ASK for it! And trust me, it takes forever to issue. So don’t wait, buddy.
make sure your transcript:
✔ Includes all semesters and grades.
✔ Has the official signature of the registrar.
✔ Is translated into English if originally in another language.
Q.2 My final degree isn’t ready, and What is a Provisional Degree?
Solution: A provisional degree certificate is a temporary document issued by your university when your final degree certificate is not yet available. It acts as proof that you have completed your degree until you receive the original. For GKS, if your degree takes months (like mine—7-8 months!) submit a Provisional Degree Certificate instead. But confirm with your university first!
Step 5. Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Once you’re done with your academic documents, it’s time to focus on Letters of Recommendation (LORs). Choose professors who actually know you and can write a strong letter about your skills and achievements. Don’t wait till the last moment—give them at least a month to prepare it. For the embassy track, you need one original LOR and three photocopies, all signed and stamped in real time—no photocopy signatures allowed! Also, make sure the envelope is signed and stamped too. Check the photo below for reference.
Tip: These documents take their sweet time to get issued, so don’t just sit at home staring at the ceiling! Start writing your SOP and study plan. Note down ideas whenever inspiration randomly strikes (yes, even at 2 AM). And don’t forget to actually read the GKS Sop and study plan form, it literally tells you what to write!
Also why not boost your application? Join some extracurricular, collect a few certificates or even start learning Korean—because why wait until you land in Korea to realize you can’t even order food? Make good use of this time.
Step 6. Apostille & Document Authentication
It’s an official stamp that proves your document is authentic. Obtaining an Apostille for your documents is a crucial step when applying for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the designated authority for issuing Apostilles in India.
Documents Typically Requiring Apostille for GKS Applications:
✔ High school diploma and transcripts (for undergraduate applicants)
✔ Bachelor’s or master’s degree certificates and transcripts (for graduate applicants) ✔ Birth certificate
✔ Voter Id (parent’s and applicant’s). Passport doesn’t need to get apostilled so If you have Passports attach its photocopy instead.
Q.3 How much it costs:
Solution: You can check Google for agencies that offer apostille services near you or Contact the MEA directly. The cost typically ranges between ₹1,500 - ₹1,700 Per document. though it may vary by city. If you find a lower price, that’s even better!
Step 7. University selection
To do this, refer to the official university list provided in the application guidelines. If current year’s list isn’t available, you can check last year’s university file to get an idea.
Tip—especially for vegan or vegetarian applicants like me! As you know Korea is a meat-heavy country and many dormitories do not provide kitchen facilities. Instead, they require students to enroll in the dorm cafeteria meal plan which is often non-vegetarian. Eating outside every day isn’t the best solution, both financially and health-wise. So, while choosing your universities check the dormitory facilities too. Look for universities that provide a kitchen or cooking space in their dorms.
Final Thoughts:
What I’ve shared so far are just the difficult phases I faced and most of the applicants go through the same struggles. There’s a lot more to do! One thing I really want to highlight is that this process is expensive both in terms of cost and patience. There will be moments when you feel lost, frustrated, or even doubt yourself. But take it one step at a time and stay organized. The key is to focus on what’s in your control and remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place.
Fact: GKS is an extremely competitive scholarship. Thousands of applicants from around the world apply, and even with a strong profile there’s no guarantee. That’s why it’s important to have a Plan B. Have a backup plan for your career whether it’s continuing your studies in your home country, gaining work experience, or looking into other international programs.
And that’s a wrap—for now!
I’m officially submitting my documents next week (finally!!) so stay tuned for the next thrilling episode of “Will the Embassy Approve My Documents or Will I Cry?” Until then, Good luck to all future applicants, Fighting!!
