How I Secured a Fully Funded Master's at Ajou University, South Korea Through the Global Korea Scholarship

My name is Lubna Maryum, and I am from Pakistan. I completed my bachelor's degree in Public Administration in Pakistan, and due to my interest in Global Development issues, I decided to pursue my Master’s Degree in International Development and Cooperation in South Korea and received the Global Korea Scholarship in 2021.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

The scholarship I received from the Korean Government is called the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), which covers 100% of the Korean Language Institute fee and graduate tuition fee. The scholarship includes a monthly stipend of 1,300,000 KRW (approximately 950 USD), a one-time settlement allowance of 200,000 KRW, Korean proficiency grants for those with TOPIK level 5 or 6, a degree completion grant of 100,000 KRW upon graduation, and a research allowance per semester.

This scholarship supported one year of the Korean language program at Daegu University, where I learned the Korean language. After completing my language training program, I began my master’s degree program, which I pursued for two years at Ajou University, Suwon Campus.

Educational Background

My bachelor’s degree was in Public Administration, and I graduated with a CGPA of 3.2. This degree consisted of diverse courses across areas such as Business Management, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, International Relations, and Business Maths. This multidisciplinary foundation helped me choose the right institution and field to pursue my master’s degree.

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

I began the journey with a simple Google search and joined multiple groups on Facebook and Instagram. After conducting preliminary research, I made a list of countries and institutions, along with specific government-sponsored programs based on my background, and started applying to those that were accepting applications. Before applying, I took the IELTS exam, for which I used online resources along with practice books. Even though IELTS was not a requirement, it strengthened my application for the GKS program, along with a strong record of community involvement and co-curricular activities. Once I was shortlisted for the interview, I watched YouTube videos and prepared by going through online resources, including interview experiences shared by previous scholars.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My main focus was on the personal statement of my application. I chose the university track for my GKS application, so I personalized my personal statement and study plan according to the institution, Ajou University, that I was applying to. I conducted research into the professors’ research areas and aligned my own interests and background accordingly. A quick review of the political and cultural history of South Korea also gave me a clearer understanding of the field I was applying to, making it easier to navigate the entire process.

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

The program no doubt provides all the support you need to learn the language, and outside the program, you will also find additional opportunities to improve your skills. However, investing more in the language before beginning your journey in Korea can help you navigate both your personal and academic life with greater ease. Language proficiency can also help you stand out in the job search process if you decide to continue living in South Korea long-term. This applies to anyone pursuing studies in a country where the native language is not English.