Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Scholar Manasi from India Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's Degree at the Chonnam National University, South Korea

Hello, my name is Manasi, and I am from India. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Maharashtra.
Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s in Environment and Energy Engineering. My interest in this field developed during my undergraduate studies.

I became more interested in the environmental side of civil engineering, especially topics like pollution and water treatment. I realized that, along with infrastructure, managing environmental issues is equally important. This motivated me to gain deeper knowledge, which is why I chose this field for my master’s

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I am honored to be a recipient of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) in 2024, and I am currently pursuing my master’s degree at Chonnam National University.

The Global Korea Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered by the Korean government. Each year, it selects a limited number of students from all around the world, making it highly competitive. The scholarship supports both undergraduate and graduate students and covers full tuition fees, and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses. The scholarship also covers airfare, including a one-time ticket when I first arrive in Korea and another when I return after completing my degree.

What makes GKS truly special is not only the financial support but also the opportunity to study in a global environment, experience Korean culture, and build strong international connections. Being selected for this scholarship is a great honor for me, and it motivates me to work harder and make the most of this opportunity.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering with a GPA of 8.5/10, meeting the eligibility criteria for the Global Korea Scholarship. During my studies, I developed an interest in environmental engineering and water treatment. I became more interested as I understood real-world environmental problems and solutions. This made choosing Environment and Energy Engineering for my master’s a natural next step.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Chonnam National University?

I first learned about the Global Korea Scholarship during COVID-19 through a YouTube video, which inspired me to apply.

While choosing a university, I got insights from a friend studying at Chonnam National University. Since I already had a clear interest in my field, I searched for relevant departments. During this process, I found my advisor, Professor Sokhee Jung, whose research matched my interests.

To strengthen my application, I took the IELTS exam and scored 7.5. I prepared on my own using online resources and regular practice.

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

While preparing for the GKS application, I realized that documentation is very important. I carefully followed the guidelines and made sure all required documents were ready. Some documents needed an apostille, like my birth certificate and degree certificate.

I also prepared key documents such as Letters of Recommendation, a Personal Statement, and a Study Plan. I focused on writing them clearly and honestly to reflect my goals. Overall, I stayed organized, double-checked everything, and prepared step by step.

How is Your Experience at Chonnam National University?

The experience at the institution has been very positive so far. The professor is very supportive and provides good guidance in research work. As I work in the lab, my labmates are friendly and helpful, which makes it easier to learn and adjust. Overall, the environment is encouraging and helps in both academic and personal growth.

How Do You Rate Chonnam National University Academically?

I would rate the institution highly from an academic perspective. The courses are well-structured and focus on both theory and practical understanding. Professors are supportive, and the strong research environment provides valuable hands-on experience.

How Does Chonnam National University Support International Students?

The university provides good support for international students and helps create a comfortable environment. It organizes networking events, cultural programs, and student clubs to build connections and friendships. There are also activities that introduce Korean culture and help with adjustment. Overall, the environment is friendly and makes it easier to adapt academically and socially.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

At the university, classes are offered in both English and Korean, giving flexibility to choose based on comfort. Most courses are taken in English, which makes it easier to follow lectures. At the same time, some Korean courses help in gradually improving language skills and adapting better.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Korean?

I don’t think students would face major academic problems even if they don’t know the native language at the beginning. One of the advantages of the GKS program is that it provides a one-year Korean language training program before starting the degree.

This helps students build basic communication skills, which are useful not only in academics but also in daily life. In addition, many courses are offered in English, so it becomes easier to follow lectures and complete academic work.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe one of the key factors that made my application stand out was my personal statement and study plan. I focused on writing them in a clear and honest way, explaining my background, my interest in the field, and my future goals.

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

Looking back, more focus would be placed on early preparation and better time management. Getting feedback on the personal statement and study plan would also help improve the application. Overall, the experience was valuable and would be approached with more confidence and planning next time.

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

I would advise students to believe in themselves and not feel discouraged by the competitiveness of the scholarship. Everyone starts somewhere, and what matters most is how clearly you present your journey and goals.

Start preparing early, keep all your documents ready, and take time to write a meaningful personal statement and study plan. These documents reflect who you are, so it’s important to be genuine.

Also, try to connect your past studies with your future goals, as this shows clarity in your application. Most importantly, stay patient and consistent throughout the process.