Global Korea Scholar, Anisatul from Malaysia, Pursues a Master’s in Chemistry at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)

My name is Anisatul Aqidah Tagiling, born and raised in Tawau, a small town in the Land Below the Wind – Sabah, Malaysia. I am the fourth of six siblings and the first daughter of a businessman and a retired teacher.

I have a background in Chemical Sciences from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), where I developed a strong fascination for chemical synthesis and its applications in biology and materials science. Today, I am pursuing a master’s degree in chemistry at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), specializing in chemical synthesis for advanced organic materials, under the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-Graduate), one of South Korea’s most prestigious government scholarships.

Unlike many top students who had their paths clearly mapped out, I considered myself average growing up. My academic journey was far from perfect. Most of my classmates went abroad or joined matriculation programs right after secondary school, while I enrolled in a local high school diploma program, which made me feel like I was being left behind. During that time, I failed every semester and thought I wasn’t cut out for science. But in my final semester, I decided to take my studies seriously and promised myself that I would give education another real chance, and for a long time, I genuinely enjoyed learning.

That decision became one of the turning points of my life. When I entered university, I rebuilt myself from the ground up – learning how to study smarter, manage time, and stay consistent. It was then that I truly fell in love with chemistry and research, especially after learning how a compound like cisplatin, a platinum-based drug, could be used to treat cancer. That moment made me realize that chemistry isn’t just about equations; it’s a language to understand and improve life itself.

From almost failing to graduating with distinction, I learned that perseverance and self-belief can change a lot of things.

Global Korea Scholarship Details 

• • Scholarship Program: Global Korea Scholarship – Graduate (GKS-G)
    • Coverage: Fully funded (full tuition, living allowance including insurance, round-trip airfare, settlement, and research allowance)
  • Institute: Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
    • Additional Support: Extra monthly allowance from the professor’s research grant (depending on the laboratory’s funding)

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Chemical Sciences from UMT with a CGPA of 3.82/4.00, where I discovered that chemistry was not just a subject but a way of understanding how the world works on a molecular level.

My passion for research grew exponentially during my final-year project on fluorinated thioureas as potential antibacterial agents, which earned me the Best Undergraduate Thesis Award 2022 from the Malaysian Solid State Science and Technology Society (MASS). I also had the opportunity to co-author two research papers during my undergraduate years, an experience that deepened my appreciation for scientific writing and collaboration. Balancing coursework, research, and leadership roles taught me the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and adaptability. Those years in UMT were truly transformative, giving me not only the technical foundation but also the motivation and confidence to pursue graduate studies abroad.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Global Korea Scholarship and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)?

How Did You Find Information About Global Korea Scholarships and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)?

I first learned about GKS from a friend who shared the same dream of studying abroad. Having just missed an application to study in Europe, I treated this as a second chance.

Since the scholarship program was still new to me, and the information provided on the website was fairly vague for a first-timer, I was still at a loss. Thankfully, many previous GKS scholars from other countries shared their journey on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. Their stories and step-by-step documentation helped me navigate the process clearly – from document preparation to interviews.

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

In my case, I did not take any international standardised language test, such as TOEFL or IELTS, as they were only optional for GKS and UNIST, not strictly required.

Instead, I submitted a nationally recognised Malaysian English proficiency certificate, in hopes that both GKS and UNIST would accept it. Although I didn’t hold any international certificates, I demonstrated my language skills during the interview and through my undergraduate publications. But of course, any certificate would strengthen your application and align you with other candidates.

Later, as part of the GKS program, I completed a one-year mandatory Korean language course, where I successfully passed the TOPIK exam before progressing to my master’s program.

How Is (was) Your Experience at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)?

Being at UNIST has been both intellectually demanding and challenging, but deeply rewarding. Although it is a relatively young university (established in 2009), UNIST has rapidly built its reputation in global rankings and has been placed among Asia’s competitive research-oriented institutions. Over the years, it has appeared in the top 200 universities worldwide and is recognised as one of South Korea’s top institutions for academic and research excellence.

The academic environment is fast-paced and rigorous, yet it strongly encourages innovation, independence, and creative problem-solving. Professors and lab supervisors hold students to high standards, fostering a culture where efficiency, precision, and curiosity go hand in hand. Every challenge, whether in coursework, research or lab work, has taught me valuable lessons in discipline, teamwork, and adaptability.

While it can be challenging and daunting being the only Malaysian after my seniors graduated, I’ve been blessed with a genuine and close-knit circle of international and Korean friends whose support and kindness make UNIST feel more like a real community than just a school. Their encouragement and collaboration remind me that academic excellence grows best within a caring community.

How Do You Rate Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Academically and Why?

10 out of 10 – nothing less, only beyond.

Academically, UNIST stands out as one of South Korea’s most dynamic and research-driven universities. Despite being a young institution, it has rapidly climbed the ranks and is on par with other well-established and long-standing institutes.

UNIST’s academic framework is built around interdisciplinary education, where science, engineering, and emerging technologies converge. The university maintains a low student-to-professor ratio, which allows for close mentorship and hands-on research engagement. Students are encouraged to think independently, explore innovative ideas, and publish high-quality work even at the graduate level.

And since UNIST is located in Ulsan, the industrial heart of South Korea, it encourages and is actively involved in a plethora of collaborations with multiple industries. The facilities here are world-class, and the professors are deeply involved in cutting-edge research. This creates an environment where academic rigor is balanced with creativity and collaboration, preparing students to excel both in academia and industry.

How Does Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Support International Students? 

The Centre for International Affairs (CIA) of UNIST provides immense support to international students. They offer cultural programs, counselling, and academic guidance, ensuring students are well integrated into both campus and local communities. When it comes to documentation and visa extensions, they are more than willing to help and provide guidance on the preparations. They will also let you know of any job fairs happening in the country and provide the necessary information for international students to attend.

Additionally, several student clubs and associations are also open to international members, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

All classes in UNIST are conducted in English as it is the official medium of instruction here. Professors and lab supervisors are proficient in English, making it easy for international students to follow coursework and research discussions.

Although everyone in UNIST is good or fluent in English, learning basic to intermediate Korean greatly improves day-to-day communication.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Korean?

It is a bit tricky for me to answer this question, as I came to UNIST already with an intermediate level of Korean.

However, if I were to answer this question as someone with zero Korean language skills, I would say that students would not have much of a problem. Academically, students can manage well since classes, research, and communication are conducted in English. Even now, I still rely on English for most academic communication.

That said, learning basic Korean is highly recommended. It helps with daily interactions, lab communication, and living more comfortably in Korea. Even a simple effort to speak Korean is appreciated by locals and lab members. Also, many international students enrolled in UNIST, including those under different scholarship programs with little or no prior Korean education, would enroll in the school’s Korean Language classes.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was a combination of academic excellence, research experience, leadership and authenticity. I was also supported by strong recommendation letters from mentors who knew me well and could speak sincerely about my work ethic, character, and potential.

Of course, I can’t say for certain what the reviewers focused on, but I believe my interview performance played a key role among others. My GKS University-Track interview was conducted by three professors from the Department of Chemistry, and instead of feeling like a rigid evaluation, it flowed naturally as a friendly and engaging conversation. That exchange reflected genuine curiosity and connection.

Additionally, I think my ability to communicate confidently, combined with my multilingual background, undergraduate research publications, and active leadership roles, helped demonstrate that I was not only academically capable but also socially responsible and proactive, someone ready to contribute meaningfully to both the university and the broader community.

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

If I could go through the process again, I would be kinder and more confident in myself. As GKS was my first-ever scholarship application, I put immense pressure on myself to make every part of it perfect. I wanted it to stand out not only among Malaysians but also around the world, and that constant pursuit of perfection made the process incredibly stressful.

Looking back, I would remind myself to trust the process, breathe, and appreciate how far I had already come. And most importantly, to believe in Him too, even when the path feels uncertain. Genuine effort and authenticity matter far more than trying to be flawless. If I had been gentler with myself and believed more in my own story, I would have enjoyed the journey just as much as the outcome.

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

To future candidates applying for the GKS or any other competitive programs:

1. Be confident in your story and don’t be shy to sell yourself. You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to be genuine and clear about what makes you stand out. Share your experiences, strengths, and lessons learned with confidence. It’s not bragging if it’s true. Everything you express in your essays will eventually align and shine through during the interview.
2. Start early and stay organized. Scholarship applications follow strict timelines, and some documents (eg, English proficiency tests, certificate translations, or apostille verifications) can take time and money to process. Begin your preparation early so you can also focus on presenting your ideas clearly rather than rushing at the last minute.
3. Seek help and fresh perspectives. Don’t hesitate to reach out for advice from past scholars, mentors, or even family and friends. Sometimes, an outsider’s point of view helps highlight strengths in your story that you might have missed.

Every applicant’s journey is different, but preparation, patience, and confidence will always set you apart. The process may feel stressful at times, but remember why you started – it’s not just about getting the scholarship, it’s about growing through the journey itself.