Global Korea Scholarship Recipient, Said Ali Ahmed from Somalia, Shares His Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Data Science at Konkuk University, South Korea

My name is Said Ali Ahmed. I am from Somalia and grew up in a small town called Qardho. From a young age, I was fascinated by how technology works, which led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication Engineering at Gollis University in Somalia.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

In 2020, I was honored to receive the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) to pursue my master’s degree at Konkuk University and a one-year intensive Korean language program at Chonnam National University, South Korea. This fully funded scholarship covered:

• Full tuition for the master’s degree
• Monthly living stipend
• Round-trip airfare
• Medical insurance
• One-year intensive Korean language course prior to starting my degree
• Research and thesis support grants

Educational Background

I did my BSc in Telecommunication Engineering in Somalia with a GPA of 3.5/4.0. My undergraduate education provided me with a strong foundation in mathematics, satellite communication, and statistics, which was essential for transitioning into Data Science.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Konkuk University?

I explored Konkuk University and the GKS scholarship through online research and official scholarship websites. I carefully reviewed eligibility requirements and application deadlines. I also connected with alumni and former GKS recipients to learn about their experiences and gather advice for the application process.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Global Korea Scholarship?

I ensured that my application demonstrated academic excellence, technical skills, and a clear motivation for pursuing an MSc in South Korea. These included:

• Preparing a strong personal statement outlining my goals and research interests
• Secured strong recommendation letters from my professors.

Experience at Konkuk University

My experience at Konkuk University was highly transformative. The master’s program in Data Science was rigorous, practical, and research-oriented. Konkuk University has an excellent academic reputation in Data Science and Statistics.

Support for International Students

Konkuk University was extremely supportive of international students. Administrative staff provided guidance on visas, accommodation, and campus resources.

Language of Instruction

All coursework was conducted in Korean. Thanks to the intensive one-year Korean program, I achieved advanced proficiency, which greatly facilitated both my academic studies and social interactions.

Post-Scholarship

After completing my master’s in data science, I secured several internships with different companies in South Korea. I am currently a Network Performance Analyst Consultant at a Telecommunications company in Somalia and also, I am  a lecturer at a university in Somalia.

What Made Your Application Stand Out?

• Strong academic background
• Clear research and career goals in Data Science
• Demonstrated programming and analytical skills
• Well-prepared personal statement and recommendation letters

What Would You Have Done Differently?

My advice for students applying for similar scholarships is to be proactive and well-prepared. Reach out to admissions offices early, connect with current students or alumni for advice, and thoroughly prepare all required documents, including exams, interviews, and recommendation letters. Careful preparation and proactive communication can make a big difference.