How Aman Kumar, an Indian Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s in International Trade, Finance and Management at Yonsei University Through the Global Korea Scholarship

My name is Aman Kumar, and I am from Bihar, India. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in International Trade, Finance and Management (ITFM) at Yonsei University's Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) in Seoul, South Korea, under the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-G) 2026.

My academic journey has been quite interdisciplinary. I initially studied Electrical Engineering before pursuing a bachelor's degree in Korean Language at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.

During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in international business, economic relations, and cooperation between India and South Korea. My professional experience, particularly working as a Marketing Specialist at the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) in Bengaluru, further strengthened this interest.

I decided to pursue graduate studies in International Trade, Finance and Management to build on my academic and professional experiences and develop a deeper understanding of international economics, business, and global markets.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees (GKS-G) 2026, a fully funded scholarship offered by the Government of the Republic of Korea through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).

I am pursuing my master's degree at Yonsei University, one of South Korea's leading universities, located in Seoul.

The scholarship provides financial support for tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, airfare, and other eligible benefits under the GKS guidelines.

Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship offers an opportunity to study in an international academic environment, develop cross-cultural connections, and experience life in South Korea.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I was fortunate to receive the POSCO Asia Fellowship in both 2023 and 2024. Those were valuable experiences and helped me build a stronger connection with Korea.

However, they were separate fellowship programs, not alternative funding offers for my current master's degree.

Educational Background

I completed a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (SLIET) in 2022, graduating with a GPA of 9.49/10 and receiving a Silver Medal for academic performance. I subsequently pursued a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Korean Language at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, graduating in 2025 with a GPA of 3.971/4.0.

Alongside my academic studies, I actively participated in academic, cultural, and professional opportunities related to Korea. I received the POSCO Asia Fellowship in 2023 and 2024 and participated in the POSCO Asia Junior Leader Fellowship program in 2025.

During my time at JNU, I studied Korean language, literature, culture, and related subjects. I also developed an interest in linguistics, international affairs, and Korea's economic development.

Alongside my academic studies, I pursued opportunities to develop my professional understanding, including the Foundations of Management program at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.

I also achieved TOPIK Level 5, demonstrating my proficiency in Korean.

My earlier engineering education helped develop my analytical and problem-solving skills, while my language education gave me a deeper understanding of Korea. Later, my professional experience working with Korean companies strengthened my interest in international trade and management.

Together, these experiences gave me a clear motivation to pursue my current master's degree at Yonsei University.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Yonsei University?

For me, choosing the right program was more important than simply choosing a well-known university.

I wanted to study something connected to my previous experiences and future career plans. Since I had studied Korean and worked in international trade, I started looking for graduate programs in Korea related to economics, business, and international management.

I went through university websites, checked the courses offered, and tried to understand whether the program would actually help me achieve my goals. Yonsei GSIS seemed like a good match for what I wanted to study.

How Did You Find Information About Global Korea Scholarship and Yonsei University?

I mainly used the official Study in Korea website and university websites to understand the scholarship requirements and available programs.

I also found the experiences of previous GKS scholars helpful, especially when trying to understand the application process from a student's perspective.

One thing I'd suggest is not relying entirely on YouTube videos or social media posts. They can be helpful, but scholarship rules sometimes change, so it's always better to check the latest official guidelines.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Since I studied Korean at JNU, I was already preparing for the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) as part of my language-learning journey. I achieved TOPIK Level 5 in November 2024.

My preparation mainly involved regular Korean study, reading, vocabulary practice, listening, and working through previous exam questions.

I also took IELTS in June 2026 and scored an overall band 7.5, although that was after my initial GKS application.

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

I think the most important part of my preparation was making sure my application told a clear story.

My background was not very straightforward. I started in engineering, moved to Korean language studies, and then became interested in international trade and management through my professional experiences. So, I had to explain why I wanted to pursue this particular master's degree and how it connected to what I had done before.

I spent time working on my personal statement and study plan, trying to make them specific to my own experiences rather than writing what I thought the selection committee wanted to hear.

I also made sure to prepare the required documents carefully and seek guidance where needed.

I feel GKS is not just about having good grades or a long list of achievements. Being able to explain your motivation and future plans clearly is equally important.

How is Your Experience at Yonsei University?

It's been a really good experience so far. I arrived in Korea in August 2026, so I'm still in my first semester and getting used to graduate school life.

What I enjoy most is the international environment. My classmates come from different countries and backgrounds, and it's interesting to hear how they look at the same issues from different perspectives.

Of course, adjusting to a new academic system has taken some effort. There's a lot of reading, discussion, and independent work. But overall, I'm enjoying the experience and looking forward to making the most of my time here.

How Do You Rate Yonsei University Academically?

So far, I'd say my academic experience has been very positive.

What I particularly like is that classes aren't just about remembering theories. We're encouraged to discuss ideas, analyze real-world cases, and develop our own arguments.

It can be challenging, especially when you're coming from a different academic background, but I think that's what makes it interesting. I'm still in my first semester, though, so there's a lot more for me to experience.

How Does Yonsei University Support International Students?

Yonsei is well known for its international environment and global exposure. One thing I really like is how international-student-friendly the campus is. You'll find places like the Global Lounge and Global Plaza, along with various programs and activities that help international students settle in and connect with others.

I'm studying at the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS), where the courses are taught entirely in English, and students come from different parts of the world. It's quite easy to meet people from different backgrounds, make international friends, and feel part of the community. I think that's one of the best things about studying at Yonsei.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

100% English

What Did You Pursue After the Global Korea Scholarship?

I'm currently in the first semester of my master's, so my main focus is on my studies.

At the same time, I want to make the most of these two years by exploring internship opportunities, attending academic and professional events, and connecting with people working in international business and trade.

I haven't decided on one specific path after graduation yet, but I'd like to build a career where I can use both my international business knowledge and my experience working between India and Korea.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Korean?

For an English-taught program like Yonsei GSIS, I don't think knowing Korean is absolutely necessary academically.

However, life outside the classroom can be different. Whether it's visiting a hospital, opening a bank account, or dealing with administrative work, knowing some Korean definitely helps.

My advice would be to learn at least basic Korean before coming. You don't need to be fluent, but being able to communicate in everyday situations can make your experience much smoother.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

It's difficult to know exactly what the selection committee liked about my application, but I think having a combination of academic and practical experiences helped.

I had a background in the Korean language, TOPIK Level 5, POSCO fellowship experiences, and professional exposure to Korean companies through my work, including at KOTRA.

At KOTRA, I worked on market research, connecting Korean companies with potential Indian business partners, and supporting business communications. Those experiences made my interest in international trade more than just something I had read about.

I think what mattered was being able to connect everything together. Instead of presenting my experiences as separate achievements, I tried to show how they led me toward the field I wanted to pursue at Yonsei.

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

Looking back, I probably would have started organizing my documents a little earlier. Scholarship applications involve quite a few requirements, and leaving things until the last minute can create unnecessary stress.

I also think spending more time reviewing your personal statement and asking others for feedback is always helpful.

But overall, I wouldn't change much about my academic journey, even though it wasn't a conventional one. Every experience taught me something that eventually helped me get here.

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

My biggest advice would be to focus on your own journey rather than comparing yourself with other applicants.

You don't need to have the exact same background or achievements as someone who has already received GKS. What matters is understanding why you want to pursue a particular program and being able to communicate that clearly.

Start preparing early, read the official guidelines carefully, and give enough time to your personal statement and study plan. Try to make them genuinely yours, with real experiences and specific goals.

Also, don't apply to a program just because the university is famous. Look at what you'll actually study and whether it fits your interests.

And finally, don't let an unconventional academic background discourage you. I moved from electrical engineering to Korean language studies and then to international trade and management. If you can explain your choices and show how they connect to your future plans, your different experiences can become a strength.