KAIST Scholarship Scholar Sehrish Javed from Pakistan Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea

My name is Sehrish Javed. I completed my undergraduate studies at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Pakistan. After that, I moved to South Korea to pursue a Master's degree in Biological Sciences at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), where I specialized in Behavioral Genetics and Neuroscience. My interest in neuroscience stems from a fascination with understanding how the brain controls behavior and how neural circuits influence movement, cognition, and neurological disorders.

KAIST Scholarship Details

I received KAIST scholarship that covered my tuition fee for masters and monthly stipend

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

For my Master's degree, I accepted a scholarship from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). At the time, I was also offered other competitive funding opportunities, including a scholarship to study in Thailand and a Commonwealth Scholarship to pursue graduate studies in England.

Following my Master's degree, I pursued a PhD in Neuroscience, during which I was awarded several prestigious fellowships and training awards, including support from the Fonds de recherche du Québec -Santé (FRQS), the Integrated Program in Neuroscience (IPN), and the National Neurodevelopmental Disorders Platform. More recently, I was awarded an independent fellowship from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation to support my postdoctoral research in neurotechnology and spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor's degree in Applied Biotechnology with a GPA of 3.75/4.0. During my undergraduate studies, I gained valuable research experience through a hospital-based research internship and had the opportunity to contribute to two research publications.

Looking back, I believe the best preparation for graduate studies is to first identify what genuinely excites and motivates you. Once you have a clear sense of your goals, it becomes much easier to build experiences that support them and to write a compelling statement of purpose. A strong motivational letter is not just about describing your achievements. It is about communicating your vision and convincing others that you have both the passion and the determination to pursue it. If you are truly passionate about a field, that enthusiasm is often reflected in the choices you make, the experiences you seek out, and the effort you invest in pursuing your goals.

How Did You Find Information About KAIST Scholarship and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)?

A friend of friend told me about the opportunity to apply for scholarship in South Korea and also I was fortunate enough to meet the team I applied with in a conference.

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

I had both IELTS (for master applications) and TOEFL (for doctoral application). I used official online material and guide to prepare for them.

I had both IELTS and TOEFL. I used official online material and guide to prepare for them.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the KAIST Scholarship?

Honestly speaking, it takes almost a year of preparation to apply for the scholarship if you are applying for the first time. I started building my application portfolio when I was in third year of my Bachelors degree. The main thing to identify is to identify gap in your profile, your weakness and timely taking proactive approach to fill those gaps.

How is Your Experience at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)?

KAIST is like a second home to me. I grew not only as an academic, and also as a person in this place. I made lifelong friends, met my partner in KAIST and build memories that I am now going to cherish for lifetime.

How Do You Rate Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Academically?

From research point of view, I rate it very high because, KAIST University have good enough infrastructure and research money to conduct research comfortably.

How Does Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Support International Students?

Support for the international students in KAIST is one of the best I found in the world.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

My all classes were conducted in English but in my time in south korea, I did learn korean well enough to read and communicate.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Korean?

In KAIST, no. The student support is excellent.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Personal Statement. I believe it’s the most important component of your application.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

I would have taken advice and feedback from seniors who had been studying abroad a lot earlier in the application process.

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

Don’t give up!