How a Turkish Student Received the Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship to Pursue a Bachelor’s in Media and Communication at Pukyong National University in South Korea

I am Pelinsu Yıldırım from Turkiye, and I am 20 years old. In 2024, I was awarded the GKS undergraduate scholarship and began my studies at Pukyong National University’s Daeyeon Campus in Busan, South Korea. I am currently in my second year. During my first year, I studied in the Department of Global and Multidisciplinary Studies, a mandatory program for all international students at our university for at least two semesters after admission. As I advanced to my second year, I transitioned into my intended major, the Department of Media and Communication.  Since middle school, I have been passionate about pursuing a degree in Media, inspired by how new media continuously shapes our social interactions and global landscape.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

Last year, I was awarded the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), also known as the Korean Government Scholarship (KGSP). It is the most prestigious scholarship in South Korea, as it is fully funded and supported by the government. The scholarship covers tuition fees for 4 to 6 years for undergraduate studies, 2 to 3 years for a master's degree, 4 years for a doctorate, and 1 year for research.  Additionally, if applicants have not achieved at least level 5 on the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) at the time of application, the scholarship includes an extra year of Korean language training before the degree program begins. Students are required to achieve at least level 3 or 4 before starting their degree, depending on their university and major requirements.

The scholarship also provides a monthly stipend of approximately 900 USD, along with round-trip flight tickets, none for the initial arrival in South Korea to begin studies and another for returning home upon program completion.

Educational Background

Between 2021 and 2023, I participated in various certification programs aligned with my interests and academic pursuits, earning a total of 18 certificates. In June 2023, I graduated from high school with a major in Foreign Languages, achieving a 97% GPA and high honors.

Choosing to major in Foreign Languages was a deliberate decision, as I had been determined to study abroad since the beginning of middle school. This academic path not only strengthened my linguistic skills but also demonstrated my long-term commitment and strategic planning to the selection committee during my application process.

In 2020, as a first-year high school student, I began learning Korean at home when the pandemic started. From 2020 to 2023, I took online courses from Korean teachers and studied independently, eventually achieving Level 5 on the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean).In addition to Korean, English was my major in high school, and I dedicated significant time to self-study alongside my formal education. To prepare for the IELTS exam, I used a combination of online resources, practice tests, and structured study plans, which helped me develop strong language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. As a result, I achieved a 7.5 score on the IELTS. For all my standardized tests, I focused on building a consistent study routine, using official prep materials, and taking mock exams to familiarize myself with the test formats and improve my time management skills.

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

To apply for the GKS, I started by learning Korean. Besides Korean, I served as the class president for two years and represented my school at various events during high school. I received awards for high rankings in nationwide mock exams in Turkiye. As part of the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange program, I participated in a youth exchange program in Italy, and later, as a representative of the youth organization Young Intelligence Association, where I worked as a volunteer, I attended a conference in Italy. These experiences significantly enhanced my global perspective, communication, leadership, and intercultural understanding skills.

In 2023, I participated in cultural ambassador programs organized by the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Korea. As an Honorary Reporter for Korea.net, I wrote articles, and as a K-Influencer, I created Korea-related content on YouTube. These experiences provided me with hands-on knowledge in media and cultural diplomacy, allowing me to actively engage in Korea’s cultural diplomacy initiatives.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

During my application process, I spent approximately nine months conducting detailed research, collecting data, and carefully planning my study program and application materials. I contacted professors and obtained a letter of invitation from a professor at my current university, along with recommendation letters from my high school teachers and the organizations where I volunteered. I expressed my strong interest in my major and explained my long-term goals and how I can achieve them by studying Media & Communication in South Korea in my letters.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would focus more on expanding my network, particularly by connecting with people from the Korean Cultural Center in my country. Actively participating in their events and engaging with the community in person can make a significant difference in demonstrating your genuine interest in Korean culture.  For me, attending these events wasn’t easy, as it required either a 10-hour drive or a flight from my hometown. Unfortunately, this limited my ability to engage with their activities. However, I would highly recommend making the effort to visit at least once and participate in some events, as it can provide valuable experiences and connections.

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

Remember that your motivation letter and study plan are just as crucial as your academic achievements, such as GPA, test scores, projects, awards, experiences, and publications. While your qualifications set you apart, their impact is only fully realized when you can clearly articulate how they have shaped you and how they will contribute to your studies abroad.

Your written applications, especially your letters, make up nearly 50% of your profile, so it’s essential to dedicate sufficient time and effort to crafting them. Make sure to express your aspirations, experiences, and goals convincingly, as a well-written application can significantly enhance your chances of success.