How a Pakistani Student Received the Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in International Development at Seoul National University

I’m Nain Danish, from Gilgit-Baltistan, a mountainous region of Pakistan. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in International Studies, specializing in International Development, at Seoul National University, South Korea. Growing up in an underdeveloped region and gaining hands-on experience in development-related work, I became deeply interested in pursuing higher studies to drive meaningful change. My passion for development studies began during my undergraduate years in Social Sciences, where I explored critical issues such as healthcare, mental health, and the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19. These experiences deepened my understanding of global challenges and motivated me to pursue advanced studies abroad to gain a broader perspective and contribute effectively to sustainable development.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I received the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), previously known as KGSP, administered by NIIED under the Ministry of Education of South Korea. GKS is a comprehensive scholarship aimed at fostering global cooperation and cultural exchange, providing full financial support, including tuition fees, round-trip airfare, a monthly stipend (1,000,000–1,500,000 KRW), a settlement allowance, and a one-year Korean language course (if required). This scholarship enables scholars to focus entirely on their studies while experiencing Korea’s rich academic and cultural environment. Receiving this scholarship was a pivotal moment in my journey, as it provided me with the resources and opportunities to achieve my aspirations.

The scholarship has two tracks through which students can apply. University track and Embassy track. Through the GKS Embassy Track, I applied to three universities in order of preference: Seoul National University (SNU), Korea University (KU), and Yeungnam University. While I was accepted to both SNU and Korea University, but ultimately chose SNU first, because it is Korea’s top university, and second, because its curriculum aligned perfectly with my academic and career goals.

Educational Background

Talk about your previous degrees, including GPAs, which will be helpful. How did your educational background prepare you to apply for the specific fields?

I earned my bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from Bahria University, Islamabad, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.80 out of 4.0. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I consistently maintained a place on the Dean’s Honor List. I actively engaged in research projects focusing on healthcare, mental health, and the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19, which not only strengthened my analytical and research skills but also deepened my commitment to development and sustainability. My strong academic record, combined with hands-on experience, equipped me with a solid foundation to confidently apply for competitive master’s programs in International Development.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Seoul National University?

The internet became my most valuable resource in this process. I spent countless hours researching universities, programs, and scholarship opportunities. YouTube videos from former GKS scholars were particularly helpful, as they provided firsthand insights into the application process and student life in Korea. I was lucky to have a friend who was already studying in Korea through the GKS scholarship. Her guidance helped me immensely throughout the application process. I also created a spreadsheet to track deadlines, admission requirements, and program highlights for each university I was considering to remain organized and meet all the requirements and deadlines.

For standardized tests, I relied heavily on free resources like YouTube tutorials and online practice tests to prepare for the IELTS. Unfortunately, I only had a week to prepare, as I discovered late in the process that Korea University required IELTS scores. Although I scored a 7.5, it taught me the importance of thoroughly checking requirements early on to avoid last-minute surprises.

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

My preparation was both thorough and strategic. I carefully reviewed the scholarship guidelines to fully understand the selection criteria and expectations. Crafting a compelling personal statement was a top priority. I used it to weave together my academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and career aspirations into a coherent and impactful narrative.

I also reached out to professors and mentors for recommendation letters, ensuring they had enough time and context to write strong, personalized endorsements as per the GKS guidelines.

Throughout the application process, I focused on presenting myself not only as a qualified candidate but also as someone deeply aligned with the scholarship’s mission and values. Attention to detail was crucial. I double-checked my application for errors and ensured every document was formatted according to the requirements.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

The strength of my application lay in the story it told. I connected my strong academic background, hands-on professional experiences, and long-term aspirations to create a compelling narrative about why I was an ideal candidate. I didn’t just list achievements; I explained how they shaped my perspective and prepared me to contribute to the field of international development. Additionally, I highlighted the tangible impact I hoped to make in my field with the help of this scholarship.

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

While I started preparing early and met all deadlines for the scholarship, I wish I had taken the IELTS exam sooner. With more time to prepare, I could have potentially achieved a higher score than my 7.5. This experience taught me the importance of planning well in advance to avoid unnecessary stress.

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

Start early! Scholarship applications take more time and effort than you might expect. Research thoroughly, stay organized, and track deadlines to avoid last-minute stress. While GPA and achievements matter, what truly sets you apart is your story, aspirations, and the impact you hope to make. 99% of the people applying for scholarships have a high GPA, but what sets you apart is your personal statement. Your personal statement is your strongest tool, so make it compelling, authentic, and aligned with the scholarship’s mission. Be genuine about your experiences and aspirations because authenticity resonates more than a generic application. More importantly, don’t let rejections discourage you learn, refining, and keep applying. Scholarships are about potential, passion, and purpose. Stay true to your vision and take that leap of faith because you never know when the perfect opportunity will come your way!