Samsung Global Hope Scholarship Recipient, Ashkenov Temirlan from Kazakhstan, Shares His Journey Studying Global Studies and Business Administration at Pusan National University

Hello, my name is Ashkenov Temirlan, a recipient of the Samsung Global Hope scholarship program in South Korea. I graduated from Pusan National University with a double degree in Global Studies and Business Administration. My interest in these fields began back in Kazakhstan in high school, where courses in Global Perspectives and Economics sparked my passion for international relations and business. At the same time, attending a specialized high school of physics and mathematics gave me a strong foundation in physics and computer science, which made the aerospace major my second choice at university.

Samsung Global Hope Scholarship Details

The Samsung Global Hope Scholarship is a scholarship given to students in Korean universities from countries in the DAC List of ODA Recipients, as well as students experiencing financial difficulties, and students who are willing to join volunteer activities. The DAC list, as well as the recipient universities list, changes over the years, so you need to check it in advance. The scholarship comes in the form of a regular stipend every semester until graduation, easing financial burdens and enabling students to dedicate themselves to both academic and extracurricular commitments.

How Did You Find Information About the Samsung Global Hope Scholarship and Pusan National University?

I found the information about the scholarship on the official website of the university and the official website of the foundation. So always check your university website announcements, as there are a lot of other scholarships similar to this one from other foundations.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Samsung Global Hope Scholarship?

To prepare for the scholarship application, I conducted extensive research on YouTube and reached out to previous recipients to learn more about the structure of the interview and essay test. Their insights helped me understand the expectations and prepare more effectively. I also learned that applicants must first be nominated by their university before being considered by the foundation. This motivated me to achieve high academic performance, actively participate in campus activities, and build a strong reputation.

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

The advice I would give to others looking to apply for similar scholarships in Korea is to immerse yourself in Korean culture and highlight your leadership qualities both in the written application and during the interview. The scholarship committee is looking for future leaders who can contribute to society rather than simply academically excellent students. They prioritize hard-working and passionate students with clear goals and interests. That being said, academic performance still remains a critical factor, and maintaining a strong GPA is essential. Furthermore, Korean language proficiency plays a huge role in evaluation. Although the minimum requirement is TOPIK Level 2, achieving a higher level will strengthen your application.