Global Korea Scholarship Recipient from India, Aysha Nawaz Khan, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Korean–English Translation and Interpretation at Busan University of Foreign Studies

My name is Aysha Nawaz Khan, and I am from India. I was awarded the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) to pursue a Master’s degree in Korean–English Translation and Interpretation at Busan University of Foreign Studies (BUFS) in 2025.
Prior to this, I had already completed my bachelor’s degree and was in the process of finishing my master’s when I applied for a second master’s through GKS, as I wanted to further specialize and strengthen my academic and professional profile.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a fully funded scholarship provided by the Government of the Republic of Korea for international students who wish to pursue higher education at Korean universities. It is highly competitive, as it not only covers full tuition fees but also provides a monthly stipend. For graduate students, the stipend amounts to 1,180,000 KRW per month, which allows students to focus fully on their academic goals.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

At my previous university, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, top-performing students were awarded a scholarship equivalent to the tuition fee through a collaborative initiative between the university and the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS). I was fortunate to receive this scholarship once during my bachelor’s program, which further motivated me to continue striving academically.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Korean Language, Literature, and Culture from Jamia Millia Islamia University, where I graduated with a CGPA of 9.02/10.0, securing the second position in my class. I then continued my Master’s in Korean Studies (English) at the same institution.
Maintaining one of the highest GPAs in my cohort played an important role in strengthening my GKS application, as it reflected both consistency and commitment to my field of study.

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Institutions?

I had been aware of the GKS scholarship since my university days, and it had always been one of my long-term goals. I gathered information through multiple sources, including YouTube, previous GKS scholars’ experiences, and by carefully reviewing the official guidelines several times to ensure accuracy and completeness in my application.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests?

I took both TOPIK and TOEFL, as they were required for my degree and the scholarship application. My academic background in Korean helped me achieve TOPIK Level 3, which met the minimum requirement. As English has been my primary language of instruction throughout my education, I did not require extensive preparation for the TOEFL.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Given that GKS receives applications from thousands of students each year, I believe my application stood out due to a balanced combination of strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement. Additionally, I put considerable effort into writing a clear statement of purpose and a well-structured study plan, which helped present my academic goals and motivations more effectively.

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

Looking back, I do not think there is anything significant I would change. Although the application process is lengthy, I approached it carefully and ensured that every document was prepared thoroughly and thoughtfully.

What Advice Would You Give to Future Applicants?

I would strongly advise applicants to research Korean universities carefully and choose institutions that align well with their intended major. If applying to multiple universities or majors, it is important to write a study plan that can be adapted across programs without losing clarity.
Additionally, I recommend taking language proficiency tests in advance, regardless of the major. Having a foreign language certification can significantly strengthen an application and demonstrate readiness for an international academic environment.