Global Korea Scholarship Recipient, Orzigul from Uzbekistan, Shares Her Journey of Securing an $80,000 Fully Funded Award to Pursue a Bachelor’s in Computer Software Engineering at Soonchunhyang University, South Korea

I am Orzigul from Uzbekistan. I am a Computer Software Engineering student at Soonchunhyang University. I have completed high school in my home country, and after around half a year, started my academic journey in South Korea as a GKS (Global Korean Scholarship) rewardee. I used to think I would never leave my country to study abroad and was scared to make such a huge change in my life. But starting from my first year of high school, I began to believe that I had more potential than I gave myself credit for, and so I started exploring my options. I stumbled upon a video about GKS on YouTube and kept researching it. That day I set a goal for myself to give it a try and started my academic preparation.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

GKS (Global Korean Scholarship) is given by NIIED (National Institute for International Education, Government of the Republic of Korea. The amount of the scholarship is $80,000, which includes 1 year of Korean Language School, 4 years of Undergraduate Degree with a monthly allowance of $700, as well as airplane tickets once when you arrive in Korea and once when you graduate and leave to your home country.

Educational Background

From the first year of high school (which lasts 3 years in my country), I started learning English with more intensity and started preparing for IELTS. After taking the test, I received my score - 7.5 and only after that started learning Korean. I only had one year left before I would graduate school and would have to start applying for the scholarship. So during the time when I completed school I took TOPIK and scored level 4 in it. My school GPA was 4.81 (out of 5.0). The two language certificates and school diploma were the main documents for my application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Soonchunhyang University?

Along with language certificates and high school completion diploma, I paid a very thorough attention to my essays and the interview preparetion. I was lucky to find a consulting center (Topik Academy) in my country that assists with applications to Korean educational institutions, so I did not have a hard time with sending documents and the application process. They also assisted me with my essays and interview preparation, emphasizing the importance of those. I had my essay reviewed several times and kept correcting and improving it. It is also important to have a list of predicted interview questions and rehearse before the official interview (either in English or Korean).

How Does Soonchunhyang University Support International Students? 

The scholarship I applied for, as well as the university I am studying at, are very international-students-friendly. Specifically at Soonchunhyang University, there are a lot of students from my home country, Uzbekistan, as well as Indonesia, Vietnam, Mongolia and many other countries. As someone who was insecure about speaking in Korean, I did not face difficulties communicating and I made international friends. As for the teachers and staff, some are very good at English and are very supportive and kind with international students. Above that, there are supporters from various countries to assist you in your native language.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

The classes are conducted fully in the Korean language; therefore, if your TOPIK level is below 5, you will go through one year of Korean Language School.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Korean?

I would recommend you to start learning Korean now if you are planning to apply for this scholarship, because one year will not be sufficient for you to master it enough to understand lectures and textbooks when you start your degree program. I have achieved TOPIK level 6 at the end of my Korean Language School year, but still use a translator from time to time, as the academic level of the concepts in a Bachelor’s degree is not easy.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe it is my language certificates and my thoroughly written essays that made my application stand out.

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

I would have stressed myself less and had more confidence in myself. If you are going through an application process right now or are planning to, make sure to do everything right and try to stand out among the other applicants, but enjoying the journey is important too.

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

If you are planning to study in Korea in general, do not overthink giving this scholarship a try. Even if it feels competitive or intimidating, remember that with proper preparation and determination, it is absolutely achievable. Focus on your language skills, prepare your essays and interviews carefully, and believe in your own potential. Taking the first step is the most important part—you might surprise yourself with how far you can go.