Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-G) Scholar Andreas Danniswara from Indonesia Shares Their Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at the Yonsei University, South Korea

Hi! My name is Andreas Danniswara, and I’m from a small city called Malang, Indonesia. I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea through the Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate (GKS-G).

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, where I mainly focused on water treatment research for my thesis. Ever since university, I’ve been interested in sustainability and environmental technologies, especially topics related to water and wastewater treatment. That interest eventually motivated me to continue my studies abroad and pursue graduate school in Korea.

Besides academics, studying and living abroad was also something I personally dreamed about because I wanted to challenge myself, experience a different culture, and grow outside my comfort zone. And Korea felt like the perfect opportunity to pursue those goals.

Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Details

I received the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-G) for graduate studies. Through this scholarship, I’m able to study at Yonsei University with full tuition coverage, monthly allowance, airfare support, medical insurance, and one year of Korean language training support.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was also offered the Global Scale Innovator Program for Sustainable Society (GIPS) at Tokyo City University in 2023. The program is supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan.

Although I was honored to receive the offer, I ultimately decided to pursue a different opportunity that aligned more closely with my long-term academic and personal goals.

Educational Background

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering at Brawijaya University in Indonesia. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in environmental sustainability and water treatment systems. My thesis research focused on water treatment, which allowed me to gain experience in laboratory work, data analysis, research writing, and presentations.

Academically, I tried to stay consistent and actively improve myself both inside and outside the classroom. I think my background prepared me well for graduate studies because it taught me how to approach research problems critically and independently.

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

Honestly, I spent a LOT of time researching universities and professors. I searched through university websites, lab pages, YouTube videos, scholarship forums, and experiences from previous scholarship awardees.

One thing I paid a lot of attention to was finding programs and research areas that genuinely matched my interests. Since I was interested in environmental engineering and water treatment, I tried to focus on universities and labs related to those fields. Thankfully, most universities in Korea provide detailed information about the professors and their research areas.

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

For language preparation, I focused on improving my English and Korean skills. Since most of graduate programs in Korea require proof of English proficiency, I took the IELTS Academic module test before applying for GKS-G an scored an overall band score of 7.5/9.0.

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

Preparation for the scholarship application started months before the deadline. I carefully gathered all required documents, including recommendation letters, transcripts, certificates, and my study plan. At the same time, I researched universities and professors whose research interests matched my goals, then I contacted them through email to express my interest.

One of the most important parts was writing my personal statement and study plan. I spent a lot of time reflecting on my academic journey, future goals, and reasons for studying in Korea. I revised my essays many times to make sure they clearly represented my motivation and passion for environmental engineering.

I also researched previous GKS applicants’ experiences to better understand the selection process and common mistakes to avoid.

How is Your Experience at Yonsei University?

Overall it was a meaningful and rewarding experience. Since I started my Korean Language Program at the Yonsei University Korean Language Institute, they provided me with a lot of support and assistance.

Of course there was a time I experienced difficulties from cultural and language differences but through adaptation and persistence, I was able to overcome those challenges and eventually achieved TOPIK Level 4, which was required before starting my graduate study.

In Engineering School also, I met supportive Professors and laboratory members who supported me throughout my studies both academically and socially.

How Do You Rate Yonsei University Academically?

I believe the engineering program in Yonsei University is highly regarded, as it is one of the most reputable engineering schools in Korea, even in Asia.

How Does Yonsei University Support International Students?

Yonsei provides support for internatonal students through its international office, academic advisors, and professors. They assists students with administrative procedures and campus life.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

Most of the time, it is conducted in Korean and it was challenging for me at first because technical and engineering terms are mostly given in Korean. But there is also courses taught in English in Engineering school that I took and the professors also communicate well in English.

What Did You Pursue After the Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate?

After graduating, I aspire to work either in Korea or other countries. I plan to seek for a job in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sector outside of my home country to continue to challenge myself.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Korean?

I would say, it’s not impossible to get a degree in Korea without knowing the local language but if you want to pursue degree in Korea better, especially in STEM fields, make sure to push yourself at least a bit harder to learn Korean. Trust me, it will help you a lot.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think one of the biggest strengths of my application was that my story and goals were clear and consistent throughout the whole application.

My academic background, research interests, and future goals all connected naturally to environmental engineering and sustainability. I also tried to show genuine passion instead of just listing achievements.

Another thing I focused on was being honest and personal in my essays. Rather than trying to sound “perfect,” I wanted the application to genuinely reflect who I am, what I care about, and why I wanted to study abroad especially in Korea.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would probably start preparing earlier. Starting from researching which program, university, and academic advisor in greater detail that really matches me. Other than that, some documents and administrative processes took longer than I initially expected, so having more preparation time would have reduced a lot of stress near the deadlines.

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

STAY ORGANIZED. PAY ATTENTION TO EVERY DETAILS. Be BRAVE and GENUINE.

Scholarship applications can feel overwhelming at times, but staying organized and preparing early makes a huge difference. Pay close attention to every requirement, deadline, and document because even small details matter.

At the same time, don’t be afraid to show who you really are in your application. Being genuine about your experiences, goals, and motivations can make your story much more meaningful and memorable.