Muhammad Omer – Scholarship Journey at SKKU, South Korea

Please Introduce Yourself and Your Background

I’m Muhammad Omer from Taxila, Pakistan. I completed my early education at HITEC and then pursued a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from CEME, NUST, with a GPA of 3.31. I’ve always been interested in the intersection of healthcare and technology, which led me to explore medical image processing and pursue graduate studies in this field.

What Scholarship Did You Receive, and What Does It Cover?

I received a professor-sponsored STEM scholarship at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), South Korea. The university fully waives my tuition, and I receive a monthly stipend from my professor in exchange for my research work in the SUINT Lab.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

No, I focused solely on this opportunity. N/A.

Tell Us About Your Educational Background

I graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering from CEME, NUST. My coursework and final-year projects gave me a strong base in AI and image processing, which helped me align with the research work at SKKU.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Sungkyunkwan University?

I shortlisted universities based on faculty research areas and QS ranking. I looked into labs working on medical image processing and directly contacted professors whose work matched my interests. I customized my CV and statement of purpose accordingly and applied where I found the best alignment.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests?

No GRE or SAT was required. I only needed to prove English proficiency, so I prepared for and submitted the TOEIC (Listening and Reading only). This test is relatively cheaper, and only the Listening and Reading sections are needed for acceptance

How Did You Apply for the Professor-Sponsored STEM Scholarship?

The scholarship was linked to my acceptance into the professor’s lab. I emailed the professor, showed how my background matched his research, gave two interviews, and once he agreed to supervise me, the funding was arranged through the university and lab.

How Has Your Experience Been at SKKU?

It’s been great. The research environment is collaborative, and the facilities are excellent. The international office and lab mates were very helpful in making my transition smooth. Unlike other universities, SKKU provides an initial settlement fund of around $500

How Would You Rate SKKU Academically?

SKKU is one of the top 5 universities in Korea. The academic standard is high, and the research output is impressive. I’m proud to be part of it.

Does SKKU Support International Students Well?

Yes, they offer Korean classes, cultural programs, and help with visa and housing matters. The support system made it easier for me to settle in.

Are Your Classes in English? Any Language Barriers?

Mostly yes, and lab meetings are also in English. Daily life in Korea can be a bit challenging due to the language, but learning basic Korean, along with the translator 😅, has helped me manage.

What Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application stood out due to its strong alignment with the lab’s research focus, my relevant project experience, and clear motivation to contribute to the field. During the evaluation, I presented my Final Year Project and was able to confidently and accurately answer all the questions posed about it

What Would You Do Differently if Applying Again?

I would reach out to current students in the lab or university to better understand the environment and get practical insights about living and studying in Korea.

What Advice Would You Give to Future Applicants?

Focus on finding a lab that truly matches your interests. Reach out to professors respectfully, showcase your practical experience, and be clear about your goals. The lab environment is the most important thing; everything else is secondary. Preparing early and being persistent really makes a difference.