KAIST Scholar, Purevzaya Amarzaya from Mongolia, Pursues a Double Major in Computer Science and Business Technology Management at KAIST, South Korea

Hello, my name is Purevzaya Amarzaya, and I am from Mongolia. Currently, I am studying at KAIST, majoring in Computer Science and Business Technology Management as a double major. I used to participate in Mathematical Olympiads in high school, which made me love engineering and science. However, I also wanted to apply my knowledge in real life, and that’s why I chose these two majors.

KAIST Scholarship Details

I received the KAIST Scholarship for International Students, which covered my tuition fee, provided a monthly stipend of 350,000 KRW, and included health insurance.

Educational Background

My high school was a mathematics-specialized school, where I was an active member of the math club and participated in regional, national, and international Olympiads, achieving notable results. I graduated with a GPA of 5 out of 5, and besides my academic studies, I participated in volunteer work.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to KAIST?

How Did You Find Information About the KAIST Scholarship and Institutions?

I learned about this scholarship through my senior friend, who studied at KAIST, now graduated. I asked him for advice and guidance, which helped me understand the application process and available opportunities.

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

I took the TOEFL and the SAT Subject Test. Honestly, I had about three months of preparation time for those exams due to unexpected circumstances, so I tried to prepare as efficiently as possible. For TOEFL, I practiced with mock tests, and to improve my vocabulary, I watched scientific or documentary YouTube channels and played games to improve my English in general. Doing the things that interested me while learning was very helpful. For the SAT Subject Test, I also worked on mock tests and looked closely at the areas where I was making mistakes.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the KAIST Scholarship?

I applied to several universities and scholarships during that time. Although the document preparation process was quite similar, I always carefully reviewed each document before submitting my applications. Since each scholarship and university required different essays or motivational letters, I wrote every essay to highlight my strengths in a way that matched the qualities they were seeking in an applicant.

How is (was) Your Experience at KAIST?

I would say it was a challenging but rewarding journey. During my studies, I had the opportunity to do two internships through the KAIST program, and now I’m conducting research in a lab, which has been a great experience. Also, I’ve made many friends from different countries, the cultural exchange and meeting so many talented peers were very enjoyable.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

Most of the classes are taught in English; however, there are some classes taught in Korean. But you don’t have to take them in order to graduate.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my passion for learning and exploring new things made my application stand out the most. My achievements supported this by showing how I consistently turned that passion into results. I also tried to write my essays in a way that reflected my passion and commitment through real examples from my own experiences.

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

I would have learned Korean at a more advanced level. While it doesn’t affect academic performance. But it will surely improve daily life while staying in Korea.

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

I would advise not to limit yourself to just one or a few scholarships, but apply to as many relevant opportunities as possible. It never hurts to have a backup plan.

When preparing your application, avoid making it sound general; instead, make it specific by emphasizing one of your strengths. Focus on the quality that best aligns with what the institution is looking for.