Ph.D. Marine Biology Student Buhari Lawan Muhammad from Nigeria Shares His Journey of Studying at SangMyung University, South Korea

My name is Buhari Lawan Muhammad, and I am originally from Nigeria. I am currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at SangMyung University in South Korea. I completed my PhD in Marine Biology through the Global Korea Scholarship program, where my research focused on the evolutionary genomics of toxic marine species and their environmental impacts.
I decided to pursue further education in this field because I am passionate about understanding harmful species and their implications for marine ecosystems, public health, and climate change. Advancing my studies allowed me to combine molecular biology, bioinformatics, and environmental science to address real-world ecological challenges while contributing to global scientific knowledge.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I received the Global Korea Scholarship to pursue my PhD at SangMyung University in South Korea. This is a fully funded government scholarship that covered my full tuition fees, provided a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, Korean language training, and research support throughout the duration of my doctoral program. The comprehensive funding allowed me to focus entirely on my research and academic development without financial constraints.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was offered other scholarships prior to and during my academic journey. For my Master’s degree, I received a fully funded scholarship from the Kano State Government, which supported my MSc in Botany in India, covering tuition and living expenses.

I was also awarded a PhD scholarship at Huazhong Agricultural University under the China Scholarship Council (CSC), which was a fully funded program including tuition, stipend, and accommodation. However, I opted to decline this offer to accept the Global Korea Scholarship for my PhD in South Korea.

Educational Background

I have a solid academic foundation in biological sciences, supported by consistently strong CGPAs throughout my studies. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Botany from Bayero University Kano, Nigeria, where I graduated with a high CGPA that reflected my strong performance in core subjects such as genetics, ecology, and molecular biology. This academic excellence made me a competitive candidate for international postgraduate scholarships.

I then pursued my MSc in Botany in India under the Kano State Government scholarship, where I again maintained a strong CGPA and developed advanced knowledge in plant Molecular Biology. My high academic performance and research publications during my Master’s program demonstrated my preparedness for rigorous research training and strengthened my eligibility for fully funded doctoral opportunities.

These strong backgrounds and high CGPAs across both undergraduate and master’s levels played a crucial role in securing competitive scholarships, including offers from the China Scholarship Council and ultimately the Global Korea Scholarship at SangMyung University. Academically, my performance provided the theoretical depth and analytical skills required to transition into my current specialization in marine genomics, transcriptomics, and evolutionary biology.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to SangMyung University?

How Did You Find Information About the Global Korea Scholarship and SangMyung University?

I actively searched for scholarship opportunities through multiple reliable sources. I regularly monitored official scholarship portals, university websites, and government education platforms such as the Global Korea Scholarship website and the China Scholarship Council portal. I also followed academic mailing lists, research groups, and social media communities dedicated to international scholarships.

In addition, I reached out directly to potential supervisors at universities to learn about available research positions and funding opportunities. Combining official sources, academic networks, and mentorship platforms helped me identify credible scholarships and choose programs that aligned well with my research interests and career goals.

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

I did not take any

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

I prepared by maintaining a strong CGPA throughout my studies and developing a clear research focus aligned with my career goals in marine genomics and environmental biology. I prepared key documents early, including my personal statement, research proposal, transcripts, and recommendation letters. I also carefully reviewed the requirements of programs like the Global Korea Scholarship and contacted potential supervisors at various Universities to ensure strong research alignment and a competitive application.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean? 

My classes were conducted in both Korean and English, depending on the course and professor. However, my laboratory meetings, research discussions, and scientific writing were primarily in English at SangMyung University.

What Did You Pursue After the Scholarship? (Work, Further Study, Research, or Something Else?)

After completing my PhD through the Global Korea Scholarship at SangMyung University, I continued in academia as a Postdoctoral Researcher.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Korean?

In my experience studying in South Korea, not knowing the native language initially was not a major academic barrier because my degree program and research activities were conducted in English. Even though the courses may be in Korean or English, many professors and research labs communicate effectively in English.

However, learning basic Korean was still very helpful for daily life, administrative tasks, and better cultural integration. Therefore, while it is possible to succeed academically without fluency in the local language, making an effort to learn the basics significantly enhances the overall study experience.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out due to a combination of strong academic performance, a clear research focus, and demonstrated commitment to global impact. My high CGPAs across undergraduate and master’s studies showed consistent academic excellence, while my research proposal aligned closely with current environmental and genomic challenges.

In addition, in my personal statements, I highlighted my research experience, publications, and long-term vision to contribute to environmental science. Securing multiple scholarship offers before ultimately accepting the Global Korea Scholarship also demonstrated my competitiveness and preparedness for advanced research training.

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 start preparing even earlier, especially in contacting potential supervisors and tailoring my research proposal more specifically to each program. I would also apply to a wider range of scholarships simultaneously to increase my options.

Although I was successful in securing offers such as the China Scholarship Council and ultimately the Global Korea Scholarship, starting earlier and diversifying applications would have made the process less stressful and even more strategic.

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

As the co-founder of the Gamji Educational and Mentorship Forum (www.gamjieduforum.com), I always encourage students to start early, maintain a strong CGPA, and clearly define their academic and career goals. I encourage applicants to attend mentorship sessions and webinars designed to guide them on preparing strong personal statements, research proposals, and scholarship documents. I also emphasize applying to multiple opportunities and staying persistent, because securing competitive scholarships requires preparation, consistency, and a clear vision for future impact.