APPLICATION PROCESS
Admissions Consultation
Families begin by submitting a simple initial application and meeting with our admissions team.
During this consultation, we introduce GIS—our academic programs, curriculum, learning environment, and admissions process—while answering any questions parents may have.
If the family wishes to continue, we guide them through the next step of reserving an Admissions Assessment.
Test Application & Pre-Assessment Documents
To reserve an Admissions Assessment appointment, parents must submit the Test Application and prepare the following:
- Academic transcripts or school records from the past 3 years
- Test Assessment Fee: 100,000 KRW (paid prior to assessment)
- Middle & High School applicants: 2 confidential recommendation letters from teachers or school administrators (GIS will send the recommender link directly)
*Note: The Admissions Assessment date is set only after documents and fee are received.
Admissions Assessment
The GIS Admissions Assessment provides a well-rounded picture of each student and includes:
- MAP Screening Test (Mathematics & Reading Comprehension)
- Age-appropriate English writing activity
- 1:1 interview evaluating motivation, academic readiness, communication skills, behavior, and emotional preparedness
After the assessment, the admissions staff provides parents with immediate feedback, including MAP results and interview/writing activity.
Admissions Decision
Admissions decisions are made after reviewing the assessment results and submitted documents. Families will receive the official decision within approximately one business week.
Document Submission (On/Offline)
Once a student is accepted, the admissions office will guide families through the next steps, including the GIS Online Application Form and GIS Application Checklist. Parents must complete and submit all required online and offline documents as instructed.
Payment & Enrollment
To finalized enrollment at GIS:
- Complete tuition and fee payment
- Final enrollment confirmation
Enrollment is officially confirmed once both steps are completed.
ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Eligibility Requirements
Gwangju International School accepts applications from both Korean and foreign students for Grades 1 through 12.
Grades 1–12 (Elementary, Middle & High School)
Korean (Domestic) Students:
Students holding Korean citizenship
- No overseas residency requirement
- Domestic student enrollment is limited to up to 50% of total school capacity
Foreign Students:
Students with at least one parent holding foreign nationality
- Student nationality does not affect classification
- If both parents hold Korean nationality (including dual citizenship), the student is classified as a domestic student
Note: The overseas residency requirement has been completely removed for Grades 1–12 in accordance with the newly enacted Gwangju City Ordinance.
Pre-K & Kindergarten (Early Childhood Program)
- Pre-K (PK): Must be 4 years old by September 1
- Kindergarten (K): Must be 5 years old by September 1
Eligibility requirements for Early Childhood admissions are as follows:
- Students with at least one parent holding foreign nationality, OR
- Korean nationals who have resided overseas for a minimum of three (3) years
Note: The recent law revision applies only to Grades 1–12.
Pre-K and Kindergarten admissions continue to follow national regulations set by the Ministry of Education.
Legal Basis for Admissions
Admissions at GIS are conducted in accordance with the following laws and regulations:
「 Elementary and Secondary Education Act of Korea 」 and 「 Regulations on the Establishment and Operation of Schools and Kindergartens for Foreigners 」 (Article 10)
「 Special Act on the Promotion of Special Research and Development Zones 」
(Effective April 23, 2025)
「 Gwangju City Ordinance on Korean Admissions to Gwangju International School 」
Grade/Age Eligibility Chart
