Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Recipient from Indonesia Shares Her Journey to a Fully Funded Master’s in South Korea

Hello, my name is Almala Nur Fitriana, and I am from Bandung, Indonesia. From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a teacher, and at 23 years old, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Geography Education from the Indonesia University of Education in Bandung.

Pursuing the dream of studying abroad seemed financially challenging, so I decided that the best way to make this dream a reality was through a scholarship. I dedicated myself to preparing for this opportunity, and in 2024, I was honored to be selected as one of the recipients of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) in Educational Technology and Evaluation (GKS-G) at Gyeongsang National University in Jinju, South Korea.

As an educator, I understand the profound importance of education for the country, the future, and for personal growth. This is why I decided to continue my studies in the field of education, striving to deepen my knowledge and contribute to the advancement of educational practices.

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Details

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is a fully funded scholarship offered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) and managed by the Ministry of Education of the Korean government. This scholarship is available for undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, research, and exchange programs. It covers tuition fees, language training fees, airfare, as well as research and settlement allowances.

To apply for this scholarship, there are two application pathways: the Embassy Track and the University Track. The Embassy Track involves selection by the embassy first, followed by NIIED, while the University Track is handled directly by the universities, with final approval from NIIED. I applied for the GKS through the University Track, submitting my application directly to Gyeongsang National University.

Educational Background

After graduating from high school, I continued my education at the Indonesia University of Education (UPI), majoring in Geography Education. During my time in college, I took several relevant courses within my department and developed a strong academic understanding of educational issues, particularly in educational technology (EdTech). This sparked my interest in EdTech, which led me to write my thesis on the use of technology as a learning medium. Although college life was challenging, I eventually graduated with a cum laude distinction and a CGPA of 3.66/4.00.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I actively participated in various extracurricular activities at the university. I spent six months teaching in rural areas through a program organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Education. After graduation, I worked as a part-time teacher at an elementary school. This teaching experience allowed me to enhance my skills and gain a deeper understanding of the real educational system in my country.

For this scholarship application, in addition to the required documents, I also submitted my Korean and English proficiency scores, as well as other social activities related to my major. While not required, submitting these documents could earn additional points. Therefore, I believe that thorough preparation is key to securing a scholarship.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Gyeongsang National University?

Before applying for this scholarship, I realized that my English skills were not yet sufficient, so I enrolled in an English course at my university for six months. Afterward, I took the TOEIC test to assess my English proficiency and scored 725 out of 990. Since GKS is a Korean scholarship, I also took the TOPIK I test held in Indonesia. Despite it being my first attempt, I achieved TOPIK I Level 2 with a score of 198/200 after three months of self-study. After studying in Korea for five months, I took the TOPIK II test and achieved Level 4 with a score of 184/300.

How Did You Prepare to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship?

First, I conducted extensive research on this scholarship to gather as much information as possible. I also engaged in conversations with previous awardees and others who had similar intentions of applying to gain a clearer understanding of the scholarship. The next step involved preparing the required documents, which required significant time, as many needed to be apostilled, and I had to return to the university to obtain the necessary paperwork. While awaiting the opening of registration, I also began researching the major and university that would best suit my goals. Once I decided on the university and major, I started drafting my essay, which I had reviewed by other awardees to identify any mistakes and make improvements before submitting it to the university. The final step was submitting the documents and waiting for the results. I firmly believe that hard work never betrays the result, and that there is always hope, even in times of uncertainty

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

There is no perfect application, and I am no exception. The key to securing this scholarship is simply being yourself. I believe my application stood out because I stayed true to myself and shared a compelling story. I made sure to avoid any mistakes in writing the documents and submitted additional certificates that could earn extra points. Furthermore, I clearly defined my goals, which align perfectly with the university’s objectives and the government’s vision for the scholarship

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

If I were going through the process again, I would be even more prepared by actively engaging in more volunteer work and activities related to my major. I would also focus on improving my Korean and English language skills to enhance my communication abilities and better adapt to the environment. Additionally, I would make sure to seek out more opportunities for personal and professional growth to strengthen my overall profile.

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

My advice for those looking to apply for a similar scholarship is to prepare thoroughly before applying. If you’re not ready, wait until you are. It’s important to ensure that your goals align with those of the scholarship and the university. Take the time to learn more about the target country, its language, and its culture, as this will help you adapt more easily and avoid any cultural shock. Also, make sure to gather basic information on your own, as studying abroad requires independence and self-reliance.