How an Indonesian Student Received the Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Korean Language Education at Jeonbuk National University in South Korea

Hello, I am Dwina Rahmaniar Hapsari from Indonesia. I am currently studying at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Language School in preparation for my master's degree in Korean Language Education as a Second Language, which I will begin in September 2025. I chose to pursue my master's degree at JBNU because of my deep interest in Korean Language Education and my desire to contribute to the field, especially as the Korean language continues to gain popularity in Indonesia. JBNU is also well known for its strong academic programs and beautiful traditional architecture, which creates an inspiring learning environment. I believe that studying here will provide me with the knowledge and experience needed to support Korean language learners in Indonesia and beyond.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I am deeply grateful to have been accepted as a Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) awardee by the Korean Ministry of Education. This prestigious scholarship provides numerous benefits, including full tuition coverage for both the Korean language program (for one year, if the recipient does not possess TOPIK Level 5) and the degree program for two years. Additionally, it covers round-trip airfare (economy-class flight tickets to and from Korea) and offers various financial support, such as a settlement allowance, a monthly stipend, medical insurance, and study incentives.

Beyond financial support, the GKS also provides a valuable opportunity to immerse myself in the Korean language and culture, build international connections, and gain a deeper understanding of Korea’s education system. I am truly honored to receive this scholarship, and I look forward to making the most of this opportunity by furthering my studies and contributing to the field of Korean Language Education in the future.

Educational Background

I graduated with a degree in Korean Language Education from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia in 2022 with a GPA of 3.85/4.00. My academic background played a significant role in securing this scholarship.

In addition, I have experience studying abroad at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, United Kingdom, and Chungnam National University in Korea, both through fully funded scholarships. During my university years, I was also actively involved in various extracurricular activities, including volunteering as a mentor, working in the financial bureau, and participating in other student organizations.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Jeonbuk National University?

I had been interested in applying for the GKS for a long time, so I started preparing the necessary requirements well in advance. The application process may seem overwhelming at first due to the number of required documents, but once you break it down and prepare step by step, it becomes much more manageable.

The required documents include the application form, personal statement, study plan, research proposal, letters of recommendation, applicant agreement, personal medical assessment, and consent to collect and use personal information, all of which are provided in the application packet. Additionally, essential documents such as the graduation certificate, academic transcript, and proof of citizenship must be apostilled—in my case, this was a crucial step.

Apart from fulfilling the general GKS requirements, I also checked the specific document requirements set by JBNU. Since I applied through the University Track, I submitted all my documents via post.

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

I created a schedule to prepare my documents, especially the essays, which required a lot of time and effort! Since the essays play a crucial role in the selection process, I made sure to allocate enough time for brainstorming, drafting, revising, and proofreading. To stay organized, I planned out what to write each week or month, breaking the process into manageable steps.

For example, I started by outlining key points for my personal statement and study plan, then gradually developed each section while ensuring my writing remained clear and compelling. I also sought feedback from others to refine my essays and make them more impactful. Having a clear plan not only helped me manage my time effectively but also reduced stress, allowing me to submit well-prepared documents with confidence.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My exchange background played a significant role in strengthening my application. Having studied abroad at both the University of Strathclyde in the UK and Chungnam National University in Korea, I was able to demonstrate my adaptability, global perspective, and academic dedication. Additionally, my language proficiency, with a TOPIK 4 certification in Korean and a TOEIC score of 880/990 in English, helped showcase my ability to thrive in a multilingual environment.

Beyond academics, my active participation in university activities, such as mentoring and working in the financial bureau, also contributed to making my application more well-rounded. These experiences reflected my leadership skills, initiative, and commitment to contributing to my academic community.

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

Even if you feel confident about your application, there will always be small mistakes that might go unnoticed. Looking back, I would have dedicated even more time to thoroughly checking my documents, ensuring everything was perfectly formatted and error-free. Having someone else review your application can also be extremely helpful, as fresh eyes can catch mistakes you might overlook.

Additionally, I would have started preparing my essays even earlier. Writing compelling personal statements and study plans takes time, and revising multiple drafts helps improve clarity and impact. If I were to go through the process again, I would set even more structured deadlines for each stage of preparation to reduce last-minute stress.

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

1. Read the guidelines carefully! Many applicants ask questions that are already answered in the official documents. Misunderstanding or overlooking details can lead to unnecessary mistakes. Strong reading comprehension is crucial—not only for the application process but also for navigating life as a scholarship student in Korea.
2. Start early and plan your timeline. Preparing documents, writing essays, getting recommendations, and apostilling certificates all take time. Break the process into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
3. Strengthen your language skills. While GKS does not require Korean proficiency, having at least TOPIK 3 or 4 can be a big advantage academically and socially. If you're not fluent in Korean, having a good English score (such as TOEFL or TOEIC) can also help demonstrate your ability to handle coursework in Korea.
4. Make your application unique. Highlight your academic achievements, leadership experiences, community involvement, and personal motivations. Instead of just listing qualifications, explain how they have shaped your goals and why you are the ideal candidate for the scholarship.
5. Stay persistent and don’t get discouraged. The application process can be competitive and overwhelming, but preparation and dedication will make a difference. Learn from other successful applicants, seek advice, and continuously improve your application until you’re confident in what you submit.