How an Indonesian Student Received the Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Film Production at Dongseo University in South Korea

My Name is Luisa Tiara Purnomo, and I’m an international student from Indonesia who is currently taking a master’s degree in Film Production at Dongseo University, Busan. The program at Dongseo University teaches and trains us for various tasks in the industry, like scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, etc. I decided to enter this program because I am interested in becoming a screenwriter. I believe that to be a good screenwriter, it is important to learn and understand the different aspects of filmmaking, so I decided to enroll to fill that gap.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Global Korea Scholarship in 2024 for a graduate degree. The scholarship covers your tuition and living expenses for your studies in 70+ universities in Korea.

Educational Background

I completed my schooling in Indonesia, where a few years ago the education system required high school students to choose a major. Most students picked either science or social studies, but my school also offered a language track, which I chose. That decision sparked my interest in arts and culture.

For my undergraduate studies, I attended Monash University in Australia, where I majored in Media and Communication. I graduated with a GPA of 3.813 out of 4. I particularly enjoyed exploring film-related subjects, which became a strong area of interest for me. Outside the classroom, I pursued this passion by working as a programmer for a student-led film festival and interning at several production companies. These experiences not only deepened my interest but also helped strengthen my profile for future applications.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Dongseo University?

I had been preparing for quite a while. While I was still pursuing my bachelor’s degree, I knew I wanted to continue my studies in Film. So I spent a lot of time researching different programs, universities, and scholarships. I was especially interested in studying in Korea, and during my research, I came across the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). I decided early on that I would apply for it right after graduation. Altogether, the process took around four years of preparation.

During that time, I tried to gain as much relevant experience as possible through student clubs, internships, and other activities related to film. I think this kind of preparation is especially important for anyone planning to apply for a master’s degree straight after undergrad, especially if the major is different from what they studied before.

As for the GKS, there are no required standardized tests. However, language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or TOPIK can give you an advantage. In some cases, they might be required if your program demands a certain language proficiency. For me, having these certificates helped show not only my academic abilities but also my capacity to communicate and work with people from different backgrounds. So yes, they’re definitely a plus.

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

There was a lot of research involved, both technical and personal. It’s important to understand how to prepare your documents because GKS requires quite a bit of paperwork, and the process can vary depending on your country. If you have special circumstances, like I did, it might take even longer. I graduated from a university in Australia, but applied for the scholarship using my Indonesian citizenship, which made the documentation process more complicated.

Along the way, I also spent time researching what the scholarship committee tends to look for and comparing different university programs. Based on that, I developed an application strategy. I believe it’s important to be intentional with your choices, especially when it comes to your major and the cities you apply to.

In my case, I applied twice. I didn’t get in the first time, so the second time I made more deliberate decisions. I chose a university that matched my profile more closely and, instead of applying to a school in Seoul, I picked one outside the capital where the acceptance rate was higher.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

That’s a tough question, actually. But comparing both of my GKS applications, the biggest differences were in my personal statement and overall application strategy. I think those ended up being the strongest parts of my application. It really came down to thorough research, a clear understanding of my experiences and future goals, and being able to tell my story in a way that could resonate with the admissions team.

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

I’d say the interview was the most challenging part. I was shortlisted for an interview at the embassy but didn’t make the final cut. It really made me reflect on the process. If I had the chance to do it again, I would prepare more thoroughly so I could give clearer, more practical, and well-developed answers.

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

Good research leads to a strong story, and a strong story makes a strong application. So it’s important to know what you want and also understand what the scholarship or university is looking for.