Guide
GKS-U university list: Type A and Type B
Which universities can you actually pick for GKS-U? On the embassy track they are split into Type A and Type B, with a rule that catches people. Here are the lists and how to choose.
This guide lists the GKS undergraduate universities and explains how to choose. For the program overview, see the GKS-U complete guide, and for how the tracks differ, the embassy vs university track guide. The lists below are from the most recent official guidelines; NIIED republishes the official "University Information" file every cycle, so confirm the current list and the departments each university offers before you apply.
- Embassy track universities split into Type A and Type B. Type A is around 30 institutions including many of the largest names; Type B is around 39.
- You can list up to three, and at least one must be Type B. Putting a Type A university in a Type B slot can get your application excluded.
- You cannot list three departments from a single university, or three universities that are all the same one.
- The university track is different: you pick one university and department, including the UIC engineering programs.
- Apply only to universities and departments on the official list. An incorrect or unlisted department can disqualify your application.
Type A universities (embassy track)
Around 30 institutions, including many of Korea's largest and most competitive universities:
Ajou University, Chung-Ang University, Dankook University, Dongguk University, Duksung Women's University, Ewha Womans University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Hansung University, Hanyang University, Hongik University, Incheon National University, Inha University, Konkuk University, Kookmin University, Korea University, Kyung Hee University, Myongji University, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Seokyeong University, Seoul National University, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Shinhan University, Sogang University, Sookmyung Women's University, Sungkyunkwan University, Sungshin Women's University, Tech University of Korea, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), University of Seoul, and Yonsei University.
Type B universities (embassy track)
Around 39 institutions, including many strong regional and national universities:
Busan University of Foreign Studies, Cheongju University, Chonnam National University, Chosun University, Chungbuk National University, Chungnam National University, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu University, Dong-A University, Dongseo University, Gyeongkuk National University, Gyeongsang National University, Hannam University, Hoseo University, Inje University, Jeju National University, Jeonbuk National University, Kangwon National University, Keimyung University, Kongju National University, Konyang University, Korea Maritime & Ocean University, Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH), Korea University Sejong Campus, Kunsan National University, Kyungpook National University, Kyungsung University, Mokwon University, Pai Chai University, Pukyong National University, Pusan National University, Semyung University, Silla University, Soonchunhyang University, Sun Moon University, Sunchon National University, University of Ulsan, and Yeungnam University.
University track: UIC departments
On the university track, the UIC (University-Industry Cooperation) program offers specific engineering and science departments at a set of universities, and you apply to one. Recent examples include:
| University | Department(s) |
|---|---|
| Ajou University | Software and Computer Engineering |
| Daegu University | Division of Electronic Engineering |
| Dong-A University | Food Science and Nutrition; Medicinal Biotechnology |
| Inje University | AI Software; Food Nutrition and Food Engineering; Medical Information Technology; Mechanical and Electrical Automotive Engineering |
| Keimyung University | Mechanical Engineering |
| Konyang University | Artificial Intelligence; Smart Security |
| Kookmin University | Software |
| KOREATECH | Mechanical Engineering; Computer Engineering |
| Sungshin Women's University | Statistics / Big Data Science |
| Yeungnam University | Environmental Engineering |
The UIC program is open to applicants from all countries, not only GKS-invited ones, which makes it an important option if your country is not on the embassy-track list.
University track: associate degree institutions
The associate degree programs run at a smaller set of institutions, including Dong-Eui Institute of Technology, Gumi University, Hanyang Women's University, Hosan University, Korea University of Media Arts, Kyungbok University, Osan University, Vision College of Jeonju, and Yeungjin University.
How to shortlist
Do not start from "which is the best university in Korea." Start from which universities offer your field, accept your profile, and fit the Type A / Type B rule. Browse Korean universities by field and city in the KoreaAdmit universities directory, then check each one against the official GKS list before you commit.
What to do next
- Confirm you qualify in the eligibility guide.
- Decide your route in the embassy vs university track guide.
- Run the KoreaAdmit quiz to match your profile to universities, and read the GKS-U scholarship page.