Fully Funded by the Global Korea Scholarship An Indonesian Student Pursues Her Bachelor's Degree in Medical IT Engineering at Soonchunhyang University

Hello, my name is Ferlinda Amalia Sandyaputri (아맬리아) from Indonesia. I am a recipient of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2024 for an undergraduate degree at Soonchunhyang University in South Korea. Currently, I am enrolled in the Korean Language School and will begin my Bachelor’s program in Medical IT Engineering in the Spring Semester of 2025.

Previously, I studied Pre-Dentistry for two years in my home country but decided to take a break from that path. My decision to pursue this new and challenging direction was driven by my curiosity about the role of technology in forensic science.

Global Korea Scholarship Details 

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a fully funded program organized by the prestigious National Institute for International Education (NIIED). This scholarship covers round-trip airfare, a monthly stipend (approximately 1,066,000 KRW for Korean language students), and health insurance fees. The monthly stipend amount varies depending on the degree level. Additionally, the scholarship includes a one-year Korean language program prior to the start of the degree program.

Educational Background

Since high school, I have been deeply interested in natural sciences, driven by my passion for medical science. I consistently maintained grades above 90/100 every semester until graduation. This academic foundation led me to pursue a Pre-Dentistry major after high school, where I discovered fascinating fields of study that inspired me to seek opportunities abroad due to the limited facilities available in my country.

I believe that through this scholarship, I can gain deeper knowledge about the integration of technology and medical science by pursuing a major in Medical IT Engineering.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for Soonchunhyang University?

I began researching scholarship programs in various countries and discovered the fully funded Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). I carefully reviewed the requirements for applying, including the necessary language proficiency tests. The scholarship requires applicants to submit IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or TOPIK scores, with additional points awarded to those who hold these certificates.

To meet the language proficiency requirements set by the GKS Committee, I took the TOEFL iBT and TOEIC tests. I prepared independently for two months using resources such as YouTube videos and the ETS website. As a result, I achieved an intermediate level.

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

I started to prepare by gathering the required documents, including graduation certificates, transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters. For the essays and recommendation letters, templates and specific questions were provided, which applicants must follow carefully.

For the GKS application, you are required to write two essays: a personal statement and a study plan. Detailed instructions for these essays are clearly outlined in the official guidelines, which can be found on the Study in Korea website (studyinkorea.co.kr).

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

In reality, we cannot be entirely sure how the GKS committee’s assessment system works. However, I believe they place significant emphasis on the essay documents. Through the essays, applicants share their background, reasons for choosing the university and scholarship, future goals, and more. These essays give the committee insight into the candidates’ motivations and potential.

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

Maybe I would do thorough preparation for the language proficiency tests, including learning Korean before applying and taking the TOPIK exam. Developing a basic understanding of Korean will be highly beneficial for adapting to life in South Korea.

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

Don’t be afraid to try and take risks. We can’t know exactly how the scholarship committee evaluates applications, so even if you feel you don’t have significant achievements, such as winning a competition, just apply. Focus on maximizing your application by writing a strong essay and improving your language proficiency. There are many ways to stand out and increase your chances of becoming an awardee. Fighting! 화이팅! Korea is waiting for you.