Master’s MBA in AI and Business Analytics Student Afiqah from Malaysia Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master’s at Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea

Hi, I’m Afiqah.

I’ve always been drawn to numbers, not just as calculations. My late grandfather taught me that numbers are just another language that explains how life and businesses grow, fail, and transform into something worse or better. That curiosity just naturally shaped my academic path.

In high school, I was in the science stream. I thought I was going to be a doctor, but numbers pulled my interest more. Biology was just not my thing. Later, I continued my studies in Form Six, which is equivalent to A-Levels. As I progressed, I became more certain that my future belonged in the real business world.

When I finished my pre-university studies, I was offered several scholarships and admissions from universities in the UK. It was a defining moment for me as studying abroad was my life goal.  However, due to personal constraints, I made the decision to pursue my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance at the University of Wollongong Malaysia.

Those constraints and decisions reshaped me later.

After a few years, I found myself wanting more growth and challenges, and a deeper understanding of how real-world business, innovation, and technology intersect. That motivation led me to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship to pursue my MBA in AI and Business Analytics in South Korea.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), a fully funded scholarship by the Korean Government. It covers full tuition fees, living allowances, and other essential academic expenses, allowing me to focus entirely on my growth.

Educational Background

• Form Six in Form Six College, Petaling Jaya.
• Accounting and Finance from the University of Wollongong, Glenmarie, Malaysia
• MBA in AI & Business Analytics, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea.

My academic journey has been intentionally built across different stages of growth, but somehow relatable. From science to accounting and finance, and now to the intersection of business and artificial intelligence. Each stage has shaped how I think, solve problems, and adapt to complex environments.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I first discovered scholarship opportunities through official government websites. From there, I did independent research on institutions, programs, and eligibility requirements. I made it a point to fully understand each scholarship before applying, and I reached out directly to universities whenever I needed clarification.

Before moving to Korea, I was fully aware of how competitive scholarships can be. Especially with the Global Korea Scholarship, the limited slots, high standards, and applicants from all over the world made the competition tougher.

That reality pushed me to go beyond the minimum requirements.

Even though I had no prior knowledge of Korean, I started learning the language independently and eventually sat for the TOPIK exam. At the same time, I took the TOEIC exam to boost my application, even though it was not required.

I believe opportunities are not simply given to those who qualify, but to those who are willing to push further than what is expected.

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

I started working on my application two months in advance. The essays, in particular, required more than just answers; they required perspective. I am not a writer, so I had to think differently, reflect deeper, and present a version of myself that was both authentic and compelling.

Every single day before submission, I revisited my essays. I read them repeatedly, line by line, word by word, paying attention not just to grammar, but to tone, flow, and impact. I wanted every sentence to carry intention and every word to be meaningful.

One of the most important decisions I made was to seek feedback from people who didn’t know me personally. I reached out to mutual connections, even strangers, and asked them to review my essays. Their feedback was honest, unfiltered, and free from emotional bias. That made all the difference.

Preparing for scholarships was definitely not easy, and I wouldn’t want to go through it again. It can be very costly, time-consuming, and mentally exhausting. But details matter. Every requirement, every document, every sentence, it all counts.

For the interview stage, I applied through the embassy track, which meant going through both embassy and university interviews. The questions were mainly based on my essays, and there were very unexpected and difficult questions.

To prepare, I practiced constantly. I spoke to myself in the mirror whenever I had the chance. I became so used to articulating my thoughts that, at one point, every word sounded the same and repetitive.

It’s not just about what your strengths are; it’s also about how clearly and confidently you can deliver the message and how well you can communicate with them.

That level of preparation paid off; I was accepted into every university I applied to, thank God!

How is Your Experience at Sungkyunkwan University?

It has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

If there’s one thing I would tell anyone, it would be to embrace every opportunity in front of you, but more importantly, cherish the people you meet along the way. Carry the connection that only matters. Because beyond the academics, it’s the meaningful connections and friendships that truly shape your journey.

Studying here pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. Especially for someone unique like me, being in a completely different environment came with its own unique challenges. But through the people I met, I found comfort, understanding, and a sense of home far away from home.

I wasn’t just learning in classrooms, I was learning how to adapt, how to communicate across cultures, and how to build relationships in completely unfamiliar environments. Somewhere along the way, strangers became friends, and friends became a support system that made everything feel a little less overwhelming.

Living, studying, and simply surviving in a new country changes you in ways you don’t expect. It challenges you, humbles you, and teaches you resilience.

But more than anything, it leaves you with people, connections that stay with you long after the experience ends. And for me, that has been the most valuable part of it all.

How Do You Rate Sungkyunkwan University Academically?

I studied at the Graduate School of Business, Sungkyunkwan University. I would rate it a 9 out of 10.

The institution goes beyond just delivering education; it genuinely supports students at every stage. From academic guidance to personal support, from the beginning of the program until even after graduation, the level of care is consistent.

Even now, two weeks after completing my studies, they continue to engage us as alumni, organizing events and creating spaces for us to stay connected. It feels less like a school and more like a lifelong community and a big family.

How Does Sungkyunkwan University Support International Students?

Before starting my MBA, I was required to complete a year of Korean language studies at SKKU Suwon.

During that period, the support system wasn’t always a smooth sailing experience. It had its challenges. But after I joined SKK GSB, the experience shifted.

At the SKK Graduate School of Business, international students are truly supported. The faculty and staff are attentive, responsive, and committed to ensuring students feel both academically and personally supported throughout their journey.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

If I had to choose, I would say my essays and my interview.

My essays were my first impression; they were the hook. I made sure they were not just informative, but memorable.

But the interview was where everything came to life.

I still remember introducing myself for a minute. The interviewer later remembered my name, not just who I was, but how I carried myself. They also remembered how I handled the most difficult questions and how up-to-date I was with the latest morning news. (My interview was in the afternoon)

That moment reminded me that beyond achievements and qualifications, people remember how you make them feel, and how you present yourself under pressure. That matters.

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

Firstly, I wouldn’t have learned it the hardest way if I hadn’t gone through the process again.

This wasn’t my first time applying for GKS and SKKU. I was rejected before I was accepted.

That rejection shaped me. It forced me to reflect, improve, and come back stronger.

If I could do it again, I would have started earlier, especially with learning Korean and taking the Korean exam. I would have approached the entire process with even more strategy, clarity, and better strategies.

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

You only have one life, if you really want it, don’t just do it. Do it genuinely, do it authentically, and do your best.

After everything, please remember to expect disappointment so that you will never be disappointed. It’s either you win or you learn.