UNIST Full Scholarship Recipient, Alambek from Kyrgyzstan, Completed His Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering in South Korea

Hello World!

My name is Alambek (Alam), and I’m from the heart of Central Asia - Kyrgyzstan.

I studied Computer Science and Engineering at UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology) in South Korea, where I received a full scholarship that covered tuition, a monthly stipend, and even free meals (haha).

My fascination with computers began with video games, and slowly turned into curiosity about how simple zeros and ones can control the world. Everything a computer did felt like magic. That curiosity slowly turned into passion, and eventually into a career path in software engineering.

Today, I’m a Software Engineer based in Seoul, working on backend and cloud infrastructure. I like turning real-world issues into tech problems and solving them with the beauty of algorithms and coding.

UNIST Scholarship Details

At UNIST, all international students who are admitted receive a full tuition waiver scholarship, along with a monthly living stipend. That means the main challenge isn’t applying for a scholarship but getting accepted into UNIST. It’s highly competitive since the international quota is small and you gotta have both strong academic performance and a non-academic background.

Once admitted, you need to keep a GPA threshold each semester to maintain your scholarship, which keeps everyone motivated to stay consistent and do their best.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Alongside UNIST, I was also accepted to several other universities with scholarships, including the Stipendium Hungaricum program in Hungary, Black Sea University with a university-funded scholarship, and a Russian government-funded program.

All of them covered full tuition fees, but I chose South Korea because I believed the education quality and post-grad opportunities were stronger there.

Educational Background

I graduated from the Kyrgyz-Turkish International School with a 5.0/5.0 GPA, ranking in the top 0.1% nationwide on the ART standardized national exam (similar to the SAT).

Starting from middle school, I focused heavily on competitive programming, earning several awards such as a Bronze Medal at the Eurasian Olympiad in Informatics, an Honorable Mention at the Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad, and 3rd place in the Republic Olympiad in Computer Science.

Those experiences built the algorithmic foundation that still guides my engineering approach today, breaking complex problems into elegant, efficient solutions.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to UNIST? How Did You Prepare to Apply to the UNIST Scholarship?

When I first decided to apply abroad, I knew the process would be challenging, not just academically but mentally. I spent months preparing my application, especially my motivation letter. I refined it over and over, asking for feedback from senior students at my high school and from successful scholars from my country whom I found online. Most of them were incredibly kind and eager to help, and to this day I’m deeply grateful for their guidance. Now, whenever younger students reach out to me for advice, I try to do the same and help them in any way I can.

For language requirements, I took the IELTS and scored 7.5. Along with academic records, I included my achievements in competitive programming olympiads, as well as extracurricular activities such as being part of my school’s basketball and football teams, organizing volunteering events, and participating in debate competitions. I wanted to show that I was not only focused on academics but also active in my community and comfortable working in teams.

Almost all the universities and scholarships I applied to were discovered through online research. I believe that in today’s era of globalization, students have incredible opportunities if they learn how to make the best use of internet resources: platforms like GlobalScholarships.com are great examples of how accessible information can change someone’s path when used well.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing the Native Language of the Country

Classes at UNIST are 100% English. And all certifications from the university are also provided in both Korean and English and accepted across the world.

Despite everything being in English, life outside the university was difficult since English is not as widely spoken in Korea as I expected. I would advise learning the culture and language of the country you are planning to go to. It makes daily life and integration much easier.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was a mix of authentic motivation and consistency. I didn’t just list grades or achievements, I shared my story honestly, showing my curiosity and drive to grow.

My background in competitive programming showed strong problem-solving skills, and my extracurricular activities highlighted teamwork, leadership, and community involvement.

Together, they showed that I was not only academically capable but also well-rounded and proactive, always eager to learn, contribute, and improve.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I could go through the process again, I would start networking earlier. Reaching out to current students, alumni, or scholarship recipients provides insights that no other sources can give.

I would also spend more time on personal projects, building something small but meaningful, which demonstrates initiative far better than words alone.

Still, every part of my journey taught me something valuable, so I wouldn’t change much besides starting my preparation a little earlier.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

1. Be curious and honest. Don’t try to sound perfect, just be yourself and show genuine passion for your field.
2. Use the internet wisely. In today’s globalized world, most opportunities are a few clicks away.
3. Ask for help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people who’ve already succeeded. Most will be happy to share advice.
4. Balance academics and activities. Grades matter, but so do communication, teamwork, and the ability to adapt.

A scholarship can open doors, but your curiosity, persistence, and willingness to grow are what will truly shape your future.