How an Indian Physiotherapist Secured the Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Physical Therapy at Inje University

Hello everyone! I'm Reema Priyanka from India, and I come from a humble middle-class background. I pursued my Bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and worked as a physiotherapist for almost six years. Although I loved my work, over time I developed a strong desire to transition from clinical practice into the academic side of the field.

With this dream in mind, I began researching global opportunities for higher education. While exploring universities in Asian countries, I discovered the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-G) offered by the South Korean government—a fully funded scholarship that supports international students.

In 2022, I applied for the GKS-G to pursue a Master’s in Physical Therapy through the University track. At that time, only five universities offered this major under the program, including Yonsei University and Inje University. After carefully comparing rankings and program strengths, I chose Inje University, which is the second-best national university for physical therapy in Korea, right after Yonsei.

Interestingly, I had also secured admission at Mahidol University in Thailand for the July 2022 intake, but I ultimately chose the GKS scholarship because it's fully funded, and South Korea is known for being a safe and secure country.

Academic Background & Eligibility Challenges

I completed my bachelor’s degree at Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, where I was the batch topper for three consecutive years. However, I encountered a major challenge while applying for GKS. The NIIED (National Institute for International Education) requires a minimum GPA or percentage to be eligible, typically 80% or above. My aggregate was 74.5%, and I feared this might make me ineligible.

Fortunately, there's an alternative route for applicants like me: if you're in the top 20% of your class, you can still qualify, provided this is certified by your university or education board. Since most Indian medical programs are tough on grading (where a distinction is 75 %+), this provision was a blessing for me. For students with GPA-based transcripts, converting them into the required format can also help meet the eligibility.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Inje University?

Being from India's coastal region, I wanted to study somewhere that felt a little like home. Inje University, located in Gimhae, near Busan, offered just that. After checking its ranking and program details, I was confident in my choice. I reached out to the university's GKS coordinator, who was incredibly supportive and helped me throughout the application process.

I applied through the University Track, sending all my documents—including academic transcripts, certificates, extracurriculars, and IELTS scorecard—from India to Korea.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Since India is part of the Apostille Convention, I had to get my academic documents and proof of citizenship apostilled for international recognition. I believe my Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose (SOP) played a crucial role in securing this scholarship. I shared my challenges, how I overcame them, and my clear academic and career goals during the term scholarship.

Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing about my approach. Well, it worked for me. Right? And I believe it can help others too.

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

My 3 Tips for Future GKS Applicants:

1. Choose your university/universities wisely – make sure they align with your goals and values.
2. Address both your weaknesses and strengths – use your personal statement and SOP to tell a complete, honest story.
3. Include your extracurriculars – they want well-rounded individuals, not just academic achievers.

I hope that by sharing my journey, I can support and encourage others to chase their dreams. If I could do it, you could too!