How a Business Analyst from India Secured the Fully Funded GKS Scholarship to Study International Trade in South Korea

Hello! I’m Ganga from Kerala, India, and a proud GKS-G 2024 scholar, currently pursuing my Master’s in International Trade at Inje University, South Korea.

Prior to this, I worked as a Senior Operations Analyst at a US-based wealth management firm, with over 4.5 years of experience. With a strong foundation in business, choosing international trade felt like a natural next step in both my academic and professional journey.

South Korea appealed to me not only as a global business hub but also for its innovation and tech-driven environment, which aligns with my IT experience. It had always been a dream destination, and discovering the fully funded GKS scholarship opened the door to making that dream a reality.

This is the story of how I overcame challenges to reach this milestone—welcome to my journey.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

The GKS is a prestigious, merit-based scholarship funded by the Korean government through NIIED, supporting exceptional international students to pursue graduate studies in Korea. I was selected through the University Track, one of the two application pathways offered by the program.

As of 2024, the scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 1.3 million KRW, in addition to covering full tuition fees, round-trip airfare, resettlement allowance, medical insurance, and one year of intensive Korean language training, if required. It is one of the most competitive government scholarships globally, with thousands of applicants vying for a limited number of slots each year.

Educational Background

Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) – 80% (Rank holder, University of Kerala)

Bachelor’s in Commerce (B.com) – 89.2% (Rank holder, University of Kerala)

My academic background has always been centred around business and commerce, providing me with a strong foundation for further study in international trade. Pursuing a Master’s in International Trade felt like a natural continuation of my previous studies, allowing me to explore the global aspects of business, specifically, how countries and businesses collaborate to trade goods and services.

 How Did You Prepare to Apply to Inje University?

The first step in my journey was confirming my major—International Trade—and researching universities both inside and outside Seoul that offered similar programs. I carefully examined their curricula to ensure they aligned with my goals. Once I had a shortlist, I reached out to GKS alumni and other international students via LinkedIn to gather insights about university life and determine if it was the right fit for me. With so many top-tier universities to choose from, this step was crucial in narrowing down my options.

After selecting Inje University, the next challenge was getting admitted. Language certifications, such as TOPIK and IELTS, were optional but could strengthen my application. Since I was a beginner in Korean, I couldn’t opt for the TOPIK exam, so I decided to take the IELTS exam instead. Initially unaware of how competitive the GKS scholarship was, I soon realized that most applicants had at least one language certification, which lowered my confidence. With only two weeks to prepare, I managed to achieve the required score, but I regret not having more time to prepare properly.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the GKS Scholarship?

I started by diving into the scholarship guidelines, even though they were overwhelming at first—they were my roadmap. I carefully gathered and apostilled every required document, knowing how strict the process is. Along the way, I connected with GKS alumni on LinkedIn and watched countless YouTube videos to understand each step better. Submitting my IELTS score was a choice I made to give my application an extra push. It wasn’t easy, but staying organized and consistent helped me get through it.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it was genuine and well-rounded. I didn’t try to make it sound perfect—I simply shared my real story and why studying in Korea meant so much to me. Along with my academic records, I included extracurriculars, certifications, and most importantly, my work experience in a related field, which added practical value and showed that I’m more than just grades.

One of the strongest parts was the recommendation letter from my previous institution, which honestly reflected both my academic performance and personal strengths. In the end, I think staying true to myself and presenting a complete, authentic picture made all the difference.

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

If I had the chance to go through the GKS process again, I would definitely start earlier. I would prepare more seriously for the IELTS, take the TOPIK exam, and try to participate in events or programs organized by the Korean Embassy to better understand the culture and build relevant experience. I also would’ve spent more time collecting meaningful certifications and refining my essays, instead of rushing through the final drafts. Every detail counts in such a competitive process, and giving myself more time would’ve helped me approach it with more confidence and clarity.

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

For anyone planning to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) or similar fully funded programs, my biggest advice would be to start early, both in terms of research and preparation.

 Understanding the GKS Process

The first and most important step was carefully reading the official guidelines published by NIIED. Although the document is lengthy (around 50–60 pages), it contains all the essential information. For beginners, it might feel overwhelming, but going through it thoroughly is crucial to understanding the process and avoiding mistakes.

Documents and Essays
Your essays—especially the personal statement and study plan—are key to the GKS application. I learned it’s not about exaggeration, but about being honest and clearly showing your motivation to study in South Korea.

The document checklist for GKS is strict. Everything must be properly apostilled, and even a small mistake can lead to rejection. I remember how stressful it was, constantly double-checking every detail to avoid errors.

Though TOPIK or IELTS are optional, they really strengthen your application.

Timeline Planning
One thing I quickly realized is that the GKS application process is not something you can rush. The documentation alone—like collecting educational records and getting everything apostilled—takes a lot of time and energy. Honestly, there were days I felt completely drained by the procedures.

And when it comes to the essays—your personal statement and study plan—you’ll likely rewrite them several times before you feel they truly reflect who you are. I remember going through multiple drafts, constantly thinking, “Is this convincing enough?” After reading some incredible essays from previous scholars, I understood just how much effort goes into standing out.

A small but important note: GKS happens only once a year. If your application doesn’t make it, the next chance is a whole year away. So my advice is—start early, pace yourself, and don’t wait until the last minute.

Guidance and Support
For anyone applying, YouTube videos from previous scholars are a goldmine. They cover everything from application guidelines to the interview process, and they were incredibly helpful to me. Connecting with past scholars on LinkedIn was also invaluable—they shared insights that made the process easier.

However, be cautious about oversharing with others who are also applying. While it’s great to exchange information, I found that some applicants might unintentionally (or intentionally) mislead others in hopes of securing their own spot. Trust the guidelines first and foremost, and when in doubt, refer to reliable sources like YouTube or past scholars.

Challenges
The GKS application process was exhausting, and the strict document requirements made it easy to get rejected over small mistakes. I was confident with my academic background, work experience, and extracurriculars, so I applied through the Embassy track first—but I was rejected. It really shook my confidence, especially since I never knew the exact reason for the rejection.

However, I had a Plan B ready to go and applied through the University track. Thankfully, that paid off, and I was selected. The experience taught me that the process is unpredictable, and resilience is key.

Lastly, don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Even if you feel others are more qualified, remember—your story, your motivation, and your effort matter most. Stand out by staying true to yourself. All the time and energy you put into this process is worth it. Keep pushing forward, and the results will follow. Hard work pays off! Fighting!