Madagascan Scholar Awarded the Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship to Pursue Master’s in Urban Planning and Design at Korea University

My name is Anjavola Rasolonjatovo, and I’m from Madagascar. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Urban Planning and Urban Design at Korea University in Seoul, supported by the Global Korea Scholarship, which I received in 2022. Applying for the scholarship was a spontaneous decision—I prepared all the required documents in just about two weeks. Fortunately, I was selected, and the opportunity to study in Korea has been truly enriching. Beyond academic growth, I’ve had the chance to experience Korean culture firsthand and build meaningful friendships with people from diverse countries and backgrounds.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), offered by the Korean Government. This prestigious scholarship provides full financial support, including tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, airfare, and insurance. For Master’s degree students, the scholarship covers a total of 3 years—1 year for Korean language training (for those who are not yet proficient in Korean), followed by 2 years of academic study. For Ph.D. students, it extends to 4 years in total.

Educational Background

My academic background began with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, which provided me with a strong foundation in management, economics, and organizational strategy. I later transitioned into a Master’s program in Urban Planning in Madagascar, where I developed a deeper understanding of spatial planning and urban development. I was already enrolled in this Master’s program when I applied for the Global Korea Scholarship, and I believe this ongoing academic experience significantly strengthened my application. It demonstrated both my commitment to the field and my readiness to pursue further studies in Urban Planning and Design at an international level.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Korea University?

When I applied, I did not have any official standardized language test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS. Instead, I submitted an English proficiency certificate issued by the English academy I attended. I found information about the Global Korea Scholarship and the application process mainly through the Korean Embassy in my country and online research, including official government websites. Since the scholarship did not require a standardized test score if applicants could prove their English proficiency through other means, I focused on gathering strong supporting documents and preparing a solid personal statement to strengthen my application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the GKS Scholarship?

As I mentioned earlier, my application process was quite rushed, as I hadn’t initially planned to apply. It was actually one of my family members who encouraged me to go for it, and that motivation pushed me to start preparing the necessary documents just two weeks before the deadline. Despite the short preparation time, I believe my academic background and prior experiences played a key role in building a strong application. My ongoing studies, previous achievements, and genuine interest in urban planning helped create a solid profile that aligned well with the goals of the scholarship.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was the unique combination of my academic background. Coming from a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and then transitioning into a Master’s program in Urban Planning showed versatility and a multidisciplinary perspective, which can be a strong asset in fields like urban design. Additionally, I think having a clear and sincere motivation is crucial. A well-written personal statement and study plan that reflects your goals and passion can really set you apart. When your purpose is strong and well-articulated, it shows the reviewers that you’re genuinely committed to your chosen field.

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 definitely spend more time researching universities, available majors, and all aspects related to the academic side of the application. Understanding the specific focus of each program and how it aligns with my goals would have helped me make more informed choices and potentially strengthened my application. Proper preparation in this area not only improves your chances of being accepted but also ensures a better academic and personal fit once you begin your studies.

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

My biggest piece of advice is to do thorough research before applying, especially when selecting your universities and intended major. In my case, due to time constraints, I didn’t have the chance to properly analyze the programs I was applying to. As a result, I chose the wrong major for two of my three university options, which may have led to my application being rejected by those institutions. Fortunately, I selected the right major for one university, and that’s where I was accepted.

It’s also important to choose a field that truly aligns with your interests and long-term goals. Studying abroad can be challenging, but if you're passionate about what you're doing, it makes the journey much more rewarding and manageable. Lastly, once you’re accepted, make the most of the experience—learn, explore, connect with others, and enjoy every moment. Time passes quickly, but the memories and growth you gain will stay with you forever.