Global Korea Scholarship Master's Student Shahla Aghayarli from Azerbaijan Shares Her Journey of Studying Korean Language and Literature at Konkuk University, South Korea

My name is Shahla Aghayarli, and I am from Azerbaijan. My academic and professional journey has been shaped by a deep passion for languages, cultural exchange, and Korean studies. Growing up, I developed a strong interest in international cultures and communication, which eventually led me to pursue Korean language and literature as my academic field.

I completed my Master’s degree in Korean Language and Literature at Konkuk University in Seoul, South Korea. During my studies, I focused on Korean linguistics, literature analysis, and translation. My master’s thesis explored a comparative study of Korean and Azerbaijani medieval novels, examining literary and cultural parallels between the two traditions.

Today, I continue to work in the field of international education and academic cooperation. I currently serve as a Specialist in the Dual Degree Program between Baku Engineering University (Azerbaijan) and Inha University (South Korea), where I support academic coordination and international collaboration initiatives between the two institutions.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I was honored to receive the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) to pursue my master’s degree at Konkuk University in South Korea.

The scholarship provided comprehensive support, including:

• Full tuition coverage
• A monthly living stipend
• Round-trip airfare
• Medical insurance
• Support for the Korean language and academic training

Receiving the Global Korea Scholarship allowed me to fully dedicate myself to academic research while gaining invaluable international experience in Korea.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Korean Studies at Baku State University in Azerbaijan. My undergraduate studies focused on the Korean language, politics, society, and cultural studies.

I graduated with a GPA of 92/100, which reflected my consistent academic performance and dedication to the field of Korean studies. During my studies, I was also awarded a scholarship from the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan and Baku State University.

In preparation for studying abroad, I obtained TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)-Level 5, demonstrating advanced Korean language proficiency. Additionally, I successfully completed the IELTS exam, proving my English proficiency for international academic environments.

These language certifications played an important role in strengthening my scholarship application and preparing me for academic life in Korea.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Konkuk University?

How Did You Find Information About the Global Korea Scholarship and Konkuk University?

I actively researched scholarship opportunities through official Korean government scholarship portals, university websites, and Korean studies academic networks. I also followed announcements from Korean cultural and educational institutions that regularly publish scholarship opportunities for international students.

Careful research helped me identify programs that matched my academic interests and long-term career goals.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests?

Yes. To strengthen my application, I completed the following language proficiency exams:

• TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)-Level 5
• IELTS

Preparing for these exams required consistent language practice, academic reading, and writing. Achieving strong results demonstrated my ability to study in both Korean and English academic environments.

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

Preparing for the scholarship application was a comprehensive process. I focused on several key elements:

• Writing a clear and well-structured personal statement explaining my academic goals and interest in Korean literature.
• Developing a study plan that explores comparative literary studies between Korea and Azerbaijan.
• Collecting strong recommendation letters from professors in Korean studies.
• Highlighting my academic achievements, language proficiency, and cultural engagement.

I made sure that every part of my application clearly demonstrated my commitment to Korean studies and international academic collaboration.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Several factors helped strengthen my application:

• High academic performance (GPA 92/100)
• Advanced Korean language proficiency (TOPIK Level 5)
• Strong interest in comparative literature and cross-cultural studies
• Experience in translation, localization, and international cultural projects
• Participation in academic conferences and Korean cultural initiatives

These experiences showed that my interest in Korean studies extended beyond the classroom and into real-world cultural engagement.

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

If I were applying again, I would begin preparing even earlier. Starting early allows applicants more time to refine their personal statements, develop stronger research proposals, and gather recommendation letters.

I would also connect with more previous scholarship recipients to gain insights from their experiences.

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

My advice to students applying for scholarships such as the Global Korea Scholarship would be:

1. Start preparing early and carefully review all scholarship requirements.
2. Clearly explain your academic goals and long-term vision.
3. Strengthen your language skills, especially Korean if you plan to study in Korea.
4. Demonstrate your interest in the culture and society of the country where you want to study.
5. Stay motivated and confident throughout the process.

Scholarships like GKS look for students who are not only academically strong but also passionate about cultural exchange and international collaboration.