Global Korea Scholarship Scholar Elizabeth from Peru Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea

Hello! My name is Elizabeth, and I am from Peru. I studied Environmental Engineering at a highly ranked university in my country. During the middle of my degree, I decided to apply for an exchange program in South Korea. At that time, my decision was driven by the idea that, as a Latin American student, going to a distant continent would be an invaluable experience. The exchange program had a profound impact on me. After returning to Peru, I knew I wanted to go back to South Korea. From that moment, I began working toward obtaining one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships in the country: the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), which offers a fully funded master’s degree.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

The GKS scholarship is the official government scholarship of South Korea, and it covers round-trip airfare, one year of Korean language training, and a fully funded master’s degree.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I was determined to obtain the GKS, so I applied only to that scholarship

Educational Background

Prior to my MSc in Civil and Environmental Engineering at KAIST, I completed my undergraduate degree in Environmental Engineering in Peru. I graduated on the university honor roll and completed a one-year exchange program in South Korea in the field of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to KAIST?

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is one of the top universities in South Korea, well known for its innovation in science and technology. My strategy was to stand out as a young researcher by demonstrating both academic excellence and strong research potential.

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

In addition to reviewing the official GKS website, I attended events organized by the Korean Embassy in my country, where the application process was explained in detail, and useful tips were provided. For language preparation, I took the IELTS, TOEFL, and the TOPIK exam one year before the application period.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

After my exchange program, I set a clear goal of returning to South Korea to pursue my master’s degree and become a researcher. I shaped my application to reflect that I was already working toward this goal, not only through strong academic performance, but also through extracurricular activities and research experiences. For example, my university offered two competitive research grants. I applied to both and was awarded each one in different years for separate projects. I also participated in a volunteer research program with a research group at Imperial College London, where I received a certificate in recognition of my contribution. Additionally, my application was strengthened by a letter of recommendation from my Korean professor, with whom I worked during my exchange program.

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

I would aim to reach a higher level of Korean proficiency before starting the scholarship. At the time of applying, I had achieved TOPIK Level 2, which corresponds to a basic level. Developing stronger Korean language skills beforehand would allow you to make deeper connections with people and have more meaningful cultural experiences. South Korea takes great pride in its language, and when foreigners make the effort to speak it, it is genuinely appreciated!

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

Show the best version of yourself and stand out as a unique candidate. For me, becoming a researcher and scientist was a dream, so I prepared years in advance for the Global Korea Scholarship and demonstrated my commitment as a young researcher. Find your passion and work toward it!