How a Turkish Student Secured the fully funded Global Korea Scholarship to Study Counseling and Psychotherapy at Inje University

Hello! My name is Sebil Ayral, and I am 33 years old, born and raised in Türkiye. Since childhood, I have dreamed of studying abroad. My strong interest in mental health counseling led me to pursue a degree in Counseling and Psychotherapy. During my studies, I specialized in emotionally focused therapy, multicultural counseling, and research in counseling and psychotherapy field. In addition to my academic background in psychology, I also self-studied data analysis to bridge the gap between human behavior and data-driven insights. I believe that integrating psychological expertise with data analysis can provide valuable perspectives, whether in research, mental health interventions, or organizational decision-making.

I was fortunate to receive the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), a fully funded opportunity provided by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Korean Ministry of Education. This scholarship covered everything—from round-trip airfare and tuition to monthly allowances, health insurance, and even an additional stipend for achieving TOPIK Level 6 (Test of Proficiency in Korean). Normally, GKS recipients must complete a one-year Korean language program before starting their degree, but thanks to my Level 6 certification, I was exempt and could immediately begin my master’s coursework.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

Before starting my master’s program in Korea, I dedicated time to improving my Korean, particularly in my academic field, which proved to be a transformative experience. I am incredibly grateful for the preparation provided through GKS, as it made my transition to studying and living in Korea much smoother. The financial and academic support from this scholarship significantly enhanced my experience.

Educational Background

I recently graduated with a Master’s in Counseling and Psychotherapy from Inje University in August 2024, fully funded by the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).

Before that, I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology in Türkiye, graduating with a GPA of 3.79/4.00. During my undergraduate studies, I completed numerous individual and group projects. These experiences strengthened my ability to present my work effectively and helped me gain recognition from professors.

Beyond academics, my extracurricular activities set me apart. I actively participated in volunteer projects that shaped my perspective and skill set. I was honored with the Best Research Presentation Award at the National Turkish Psychology Students' Research Branch and won first place in the Korean Composition Competition held by the Korean Cultural Center in Türkiye. Additionally, I attended various cultural lessons and activities at the Korean Cultural Center, which deepened my understanding of Korean traditions and language. These experiences not only enhanced my application but also demonstrated my readiness for academic and cultural challenges in Korea.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for Inje University?

Some GKS programs, including my department at Inje University, require Korean language proficiency (at least TOPIK Level 5) for admission. To meet this requirement, I dedicated significant time to learning Korean, expanding my vocabulary, and taking every available mock test on topikguide.com. The process was challenging, but I stayed motivated by focusing on my goal. Achieving TOPIK Level 6 significantly strengthened my application.

Once I had my language certification, I shifted my focus to researching universities, labs, and professors that aligned with my interests. I spent some time thoroughly examining potential advisors and departments. I also reached out to a few professors to express my interest in applying through GKS. This step was crucial, as it left a positive impression during my scholarship interview.

During the interview, I was asked whether I had any connections with professors in my chosen department. When I explained my research process, I noticed a positive reaction from the panel. Ultimately, when the final list of GKS recipients was released in June, I was overjoyed to see my name on it!

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my thorough preparation made a huge difference. I completed all my required documents months before the application opened. I immersed myself in research about the application process by watching YouTube videos on document preparation, life in Korea, and study strategies. These resources provided valuable insights and helped me refine my application to meet high standards.

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

Honestly, I wouldn’t change much, as I put forth my best effort throughout the entire process. However, if I were to do it again, I might consider applying to other countries as well. Exploring multiple options could have given me a broader perspective on different scholarship programs and opportunities.
As for my GKS application, I have no regrets. I believe my documents were well-prepared, and I didn't procrastinate—I had everything ready long before the deadline.

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

For GKS applicants, even though Korean proficiency is not always required, I strongly recommend learning the language, at least to an intermediate level, before coming to Korea. The one-year language program may not be enough to fully prepare you for graduate studies, so having prior knowledge will give you a significant advantage. Demonstrating proficiency in Korean also shows your dedication and commitment, which can set you apart from other applicants.
Take your time to thoroughly prepare your documents. It’s challenging and requires a lot of time, effort, and sometimes financial investment, but the rewards are worth it.