How an Indonesian Student Received the Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Marketing at Seoul National University in South Korea

Hello, my name is Karina, and I’m from Indonesia. I am currently studying at Seoul National University (SNU) Business School, majoring in Marketing. I decided to pursue further education in this field because marketing plays a vital role in shaping consumer behavior, brand identity, and business strategy—areas I’ve always been passionate about. This program aligns closely with my future goal of working in international brand management and eventually contributing to the growth of Indonesian businesses on a global scale.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I received the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) offered by the Korean government. The scholarship covers full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and also 1 year of language class in a Korean language institution. Ultimately, I committed to this one because of the comprehensive support and the opportunity to study at a top-ranked university like SNU.

Educational Background

Before joining SNU, I completed my undergraduate degree at Gadjah Mada University, with a major in Accounting, graduating with a GPA of 3.83 out of 4.00. After graduation, I pursued a professional career in management consulting and other industries such as tech and e-commerce. My academic and professional background equipped me with foundational knowledge in business concepts, strategic thinking, and data analysis, which helped me transition smoothly into the Marketing program at SNU.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Seoul National University?

I began preparing well in advance by researching universities that offered strong business programs with a focus on marketing. I looked into course structures, faculty profiles, and student reviews. One of the first steps I took was checking university ranking websites such as QS World Rankings and Times Higher Education to shortlist top institutions known for their business programs. I found most of my information through university websites and scholarship portals. I also reached out to alumni and current students through LinkedIn to gain real insights into the programs.

Since I was applying to an international program, I took the TOEFL exam to demonstrate my English proficiency and scored 116 out of 120. I prepared for the exam by using official TOEFL prep books, practicing mock exams regularly, and improving my academic writing and speaking skills. At that time, my weakest point was speaking – because I don’t use the language regularly, so speaking English was not natural for me. That’s why I practiced speaking over and over again until I was comfortable with it, and my effort rewarded me with a perfect score in speaking.

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

For the scholarship, I thoroughly reviewed the eligibility criteria and tailored my application accordingly. I spent a lot of time perfecting my personal statement, ensuring it reflected my academic journey, career aspirations, and the impact I hoped to make in my field. I also gathered strong recommendation letters from my work supervisors who knew me well and could vouch for my abilities and character.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was the clarity of my goals and how well they aligned with the scholarship’s mission. When applying for a sponsored scholarship, it's important to first understand the sponsor's objectives and consider what we can offer in return for the sponsored education. In my personal statement, I emphasized that I would be honored to receive the scholarship, as it would allow me to continue growing both academically and personally, while contributing to the development of the relationship between Korea and Indonesia. I clearly outlined how I intended to use my education to give back to my community and support my country’s business sector. My academic record, relevant experiences, and strong commitment to my field helped present me as a well-rounded and motivated candidate.

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

Since I discovered the scholarship quite late, there was a short time to prepare everything. If I were to go through the process again, I would start my preparations even earlier, especially when it comes to gathering recommendation letters and preparing for standardized tests. There are also a lot of administrative requirements, such as getting my certifications apostilled, that I was not aware would take quite some time. I would also seek more feedback on my essays and perhaps apply to a few more programs to broaden my options.

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

My advice is to first take time to truly understand the scholarship’s mission and consider whether it aligns with your own goals and values. A strong application shows not just who you are, but also why you are a good fit for what the sponsor is looking to support. Once that alignment is clear, start early, do thorough research, and believe in your story. Highlight your strengths, but also be honest about the challenges you’ve faced and how you’ve overcome them. Tailor every part of your application—from your CV to your personal statement—to reflect your passion, purpose, and how the scholarship will help you grow. Don’t hesitate to seek advice or support from mentors, alumni, or online communities. Most importantly, stay confident and persistent throughout the journey, because rejections are common, but each one is a step closer to the right opportunity.