Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Scholar Micheale Haileslassie from Ethiopia Shares His Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Bachelor's Degree at Chonnam National University, South Korea

I am Micheale Haileslassie, originally from the northern part of Ethiopia, where I completed my early education. I have always been a curious person, often questioning how things work and imagining “what if” scenarios, which naturally led me toward engineering.

After achieving one of the highest scores on the 2018 Ethiopian University Entrance Exam, I pursued mechanical engineering at Mekelle University for two years COVID-19 pandemic interrupted my studies.

During that period, I decided to apply for international scholarships, including the Japanese MEXT scholarship, Berea College (USA), and the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). However, due to the conflict in northern Ethiopia (the Tigray war), communication and internet access were completely cut off, preventing me from completing most of my applications.

After eventually leaving the region, I discovered that I had been awarded the Global Korea Scholarship.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I received the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), a fully funded scholarship provided by the Korean government. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and one year of Korean language training.

I received the Global Korea Scholarship, a fully funded scholarship provided by the Korean government. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and one year of Korean language training.

I arrived in South Korea in 2021 and began my Korean language studies. Although it was challenging, I was able to achieve TOPIK Level 4 within about four months on my first attempt. After completing the language requirement, I continued my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in South Korea with a cumulative average of 97%. My academic background provided me with a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles. During my studies, I developed a particular interest in robotics, control systems, and intelligent systems.

I also gained research experience in areas such as robot control and trajectory tracking, deformable object manipulation, and computer vision-based perception systems. These experiences helped me build both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing me for further study in robotics and artificial intelligence.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Chonnam National University?

I actively searched online for scholarship opportunities and university programs through official websites, forums, and Facebook groups. I focused on preparing strong academic documents, including my personal statement and recommendation letters.

At the time, I took the IELTS as my primary standardized test and did not take exams such as the SAT or GRE for GKS. I instead focused on maintaining a strong academic record and preparing a clear and focused application.

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

I focused on maintaining strong academic performance (I had a GPA of 98% in high-school), writing a clear and concise personal statement, and clearly emphasizing my long-term goals. I also ensured that all required documents were carefully prepared and submitted on time.

How is Your Experience at Chonnam National University?

Studying in South Korea was both challenging and rewarding. Adapting to a new culture and language required effort, but it significantly contributed to my personal and academic growth.

How Do You Rate Chonnam National University Academically?

The academic environment is rigorous and well-structured, with a strong emphasis on discipline and consistency. It provided me with a solid technical foundation and valuable research experience.

How Does Chonnam National University Support International Students?

The university provides language programs, administrative guidance, and general support to help international students adapt to both academic and daily life in Korea.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

Most undergraduate courses were conducted in Korean, making the language training phase essential for academic success.

What Did You Pursue After the Global Korea Scholarship?

After completing my degree, I continued working in research and applied for PhD programs in robotics and artificial intelligence. I have since secured a fully funded PhD position in the United States.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Korean?

Yes, not knowing the language can make both academic work and daily life more challenging. It is important to take the language learning phase seriously and build a strong foundation early.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out due to strong academic performance, a clear sense of direction, and the ability to present my personal journey and challenges in a meaningful way. It reflected both persistence and motivation.

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

I would apply to more scholarships earlier, prepare backup options, and seek more feedback during the application process.

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

Start early, stay organized, and apply to multiple opportunities. Focus on telling your qualifications and goals clearly. Maintain strong academic performance and remain consistent. Even if you face challenges, persistence is key.