How an Indonesian Scholar Secured the Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship for a Bachelor's in Software Department at Dongseo University

Hi! My name is Olivia Ofni Tanisaputra from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. By God’s grace, I was awarded the Global Korea Scholarship 2023 (GKS-U 2023). I am currently in my second year, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Software Department (소프트웨어학과) at Dongseo University (동서대학교), Busan, South Korea.

My fascination with information technology and its development began during high school, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Witnessing the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) has always amused me and stirred the “why” questions in my mind, deepening my curiosity about the field. This growing interest led me to study this field for my further education.

(Before I applied for the GKS, I was initially admitted to Calvin Institute of Technology in Jakarta, Indonesia, with an 85% academic scholarship. However, after careful consideration, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue the GKS.)

Scholarship Details

Global Korea Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship from by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education of the Korean government. This scholarship is open for degree programs, undergraduate and graduate programs, and for exchange programs. It aims to promote international cultural exchange and strengthen diplomatic relations with other countries. It covers tuition fees, language training fees, airfare, and monthly allowance.

In addition, GKS has two tracks for application, the Embassy Track and the University Track. For Embassy Track, the application will be reviewed firsthand by the Korean government embassy in the applicant’s country. As for the University Track, each university will do the application screening. I applied for GKS through the University Track, submitting my application directly to Dongseo University.

Educational Background

I graduated from Hagios School of Life, a small private institution in Indonesia, in 2022 with a GPA of 91.93/100. Throughout high school, I actively pursued additional learning opportunities by enrolling in extra classes and online courses focused on programming and information technology. Beyond academics, I also participated in online volunteering activities for around one or two years.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the GKS Scholarship and Dongseo University?

Since 2020, I have been self-studying the Korean language, driven by my strong interest in pursuing higher education abroad, particularly in Korea. As I have mentioned above, I joined volunteering programs and enrolled in relevant courses as preparation to apply for the scholarship application. My dedicated preparation for GKS began in 2022, when I focused on tailoring my Personal Statement and Study Plan essays. I took an IELTS preparation class for around one or two months before the examination and successfully achieved Band 7.5 score.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe multiple factors contribute to an application's success, and I cannot say for certain which aspects the GKS committee prioritizes most. However, I suppose that essays and certificates carry significant weight in their evaluation. In my case, I submitted several certificates, primarily from online volunteering and free online course completions. Rather than just listing them, I strategically integrated them into my essays, explaining how these experiences shaped my skills and character. This connection between my certificates and personal growth likely strengthened my application by providing concrete evidence of my statements. I believe this alignment—showing not just what I did, but how it contributed to my development—played a key role in capturing the screening committee’s attention.

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

If I were to repeat the application process again, I would focus on better preparation, particularly in areas related to my major and Korean language proficiency. I would dedicate more time to mastering programming languages, expanding and refining my portfolio, and improving my Korean skills, both in speaking and writing, to ensure stronger communication and academic performance.

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

Clearly define your goal and aspiration, and show them that you know what you want to do, ensuring they align with the objectives of the GKS program. Articulate these connections in your essays. It would be stronger if you could provide concrete evidence like certificates. Additionally, I suppose it must be great as well to present yourself as a continuous learner—describe not only what you have done, but also the valuable lessons you have gained from those experiences. This will emphasize your growth mindset and dedication to personal and academic development.