How an Indian Data Analyst Won the GKS Fully‑Funded Big Data Science Master’s at Korea University

Hi, my name is Lakhwinder Kaur, and I hail from India. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Delhi. Following my graduation, I began my professional journey with the India Justice Report collective, initially serving as a Research Assistant and subsequently as a Data Analyst. During this period, I had the opportunity to work extensively with large-scale national datasets, which significantly deepened my appreciation for the transformative power of data.

Over the span of four years, my fascination with data science grew steadily, ultimately motivating me to pursue advanced studies in the field. This academic and professional trajectory culminated in my acceptance into the Master’s Program in Big Data Science at Korea University, a prestigious institution in South Korea.

Currently, I am residing in South Korea as a recipient of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), under which I am undergoing a one-year Korean language training. Upon completion of this language program, I will commence my master’s studies in Big Data Science.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

The Global Korea Scholarship is a fully funded program administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), a branch of the Ministry of Education, South Korea. The program is designed to foster international academic exchange and promote cultural understanding by providing meritorious students worldwide the opportunity to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies at Korean universities. The application forms come out every February (Graduate Degree, PhD, Research Program) and October (Undergraduate degree, Research Assistant).

There are two tracks through which you can apply for this scholarship:

1. Embassy Track, where candidates apply through the Korean Embassy in their home country (enabling applications to up to three universities)
2. University Track, where the application is submitted directly to a designated Korean university (limited to one university)

The Embassy Track allows you to apply to up to three universities (with the same major), whereas the University Track limits you to just one university. Each track has its own set of procedures. The Embassy Track involves three rounds of evaluation, while the University Track generally comprises two

I chose to apply via the University Track to Korea University and was selected for the 2024 Graduate Degree Scholarship, which includes one year of Korean language training followed by a two-year master’s program. Scholarship Benefits:

• Round-trip airfare
• Full tuition coverage
• Monthly stipend: Korean language program: KRW 1,180,000/month (KRW 14,100,000/year), Graduate degree program: KRW 1,308,000/month (KRW 15,700,000/year)

Additionally, I was shortlisted for the interview stage of the POSCO Asia Fellowship. However, given that I had already secured the GKS award and had begun the final administrative processes (including documentation and travel arrangements), I made the informed decision to withdraw from the POSCO selection process. Both scholarships offered comparable benefits, and I felt confident in proceeding with GKS.

Educational Background

I have consistently performed well academically. For GKS eligibility, candidates are typically expected to have at least 80% aggregate marks or rank in the top 20% of their cohort. My solid academic record, coupled with practical experience in data analytics and social research, significantly strengthened my application. My undergraduate education in mathematics laid a strong quantitative foundation, while my professional exposure further honed my analytical and technical skills, both of which aligned well with the Big Data Science program.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Korea University?

Once the scholarship is announced, a comprehensive list of universities and available courses for GKS applicants is provided, along with information about the language of instruction. This makes the research process much easier for applicants. Since I wasn’t very familiar with all the universities in Korea or whether they offered the program I was interested in, this document was extremely helpful in shortlisting the right university for my master’s degree.

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

I also explored resources such as YouTube channels, scholarship forums, and detailed guidelines to fully understand the requirements. The application involved the preparation of several critical documents, including:

• Academic transcripts and certificates (apostilled and, where necessary, translated)
• Personal statement and study plan
• Letters of recommendation

I dedicated considerable time to drafting and refining my personal statement and study plan. These documents underwent multiple iterations, with input from colleagues and friends, to ensure clarity, coherence, and purpose.

One key reason I opted for the University Track was its relatively streamlined process, which aligned better with my temperament and time constraints. It also allowed me the invaluable opportunity to correspond directly with professors in my chosen department—an engagement that, based on feedback from Embassy Track applicants, is not always available.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Looking back, I believe that a combination of academic merit, relevant professional experience, and a clear passion for the field of data science contributed to the strength of my application.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I might begin preparations even earlier to allow for additional time to polish each component of the application.

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

For prospective applicants, my advice is straightforward:

• Thoroughly read and understand the official scholarship guidelines
• Invest time in self-research and document preparation
• Seek feedback and continuously revise your application materials

Although I initially tried to reach out to past scholarship recipients, I was largely unable to connect with them. Nevertheless, I was able to navigate the process independently through determination and strategic planning. I also recommend exploring resources like globalscholarship.com, managed by Hyun Lee, which provides detailed scholarship insights and opportunities to connect with past recipients. Had I discovered it earlier, it would have significantly benefited my own preparation.