Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Recipient Tamang Bosh Bahadur from Nepal Shares His Journey of Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Medicinal Chemistry at Chonnam National University

Hi! I’m Tamang Bosh Bahadur from Nepal. I completed my bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and later worked for four years as a Production Pharmacist in a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Nepal. Currently, I’m pursuing a master’s degree in Medicinal Chemistry at Chonnam National University, South Korea, through the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program.

During my undergraduate studies, I became deeply fascinated by how a drug’s molecular structure determines its biological activity. That curiosity has continued to grow over time, ultimately leading me toward medicinal chemistry.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for the 2025–2027 academic period to pursue a master’s degree in South Korea. The scholarship covers round-trip economy airfare, full tuition, and financial support for living expenses. The estimated annual support is approximately 15,720,000 KRW (~12000 USD) per year for the graduate program and about 14,160,000 KRW (10900 USD) per year for the language training year, in addition to tuition coverage.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in pharmacy with a GPA of just 3.48. While GPA is an important part of the application, I’ve learned that it’s not everything. Your dedication, experience, and clarity of goals matter just as much, so no one should lose hope because of numbers alone.

During my studies, I built a strong foundation in subjects like medicinal chemistry, drug delivery systems, and dosage form design, which gradually pulled me toward pharmaceutical research. I tried to make the most of my time by getting involved in lab work, seminars, and an internship. After graduation, I worked for four years as a Production Pharmacist. This academic and professional background prepared me well for higher studies in medicinal chemistry.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Chonnam National University?

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

I first learned about the scholarship through one of my seniors who had previously been awarded the same program. For information about institutions, I just randomly searched on Google for top national universities in South Korea, visited their official websites, and explored departments related to my research interests. I then reached out to professors whose work matched my field; some responded, some did not, which helped me learn more about potential opportunities.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests Such

I took the IELTS and scored 7.0. Although it was not mandatory for the scholarship, it helped strengthen my application by adding extra points during the evaluation. I prepared on my own while working by practicing through online resources and mock tests before taking the test.

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

I carefully reviewed all the guidelines, eligibility criteria, and document requirements, and noted the timelines to avoid missing any deadlines. I started preparing my documents early, even before the official announcement. I focused especially on my study plan and statement of purpose, rewriting and refining them multiple times with feedback from friends. I also read the experiences of previous awardees to better understand how to prepare a strong application.

How is (was) Your Experience at Chonnam National University?

My experience at Chonnam National University so far has been very positive. There is a dedicated GKS coordinator who helps scholars with essential matters like visa, insurance, and basic living guidance. The university also has an international students club and regular social events, which made it easier to make friends and adjust.

However, when I first arrived, it was quite challenging because I couldn’t speak Korean at all. Adapting to daily life was difficult in the beginning, but my Korean roommate, who could also speak English, helped me a lot in settling in and adjusting to the new environment.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

Most of the courses are conducted in English, but students can usually choose the language of instruction when registering for their classes.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Korean?

South Korea is not an English-speaking country, so knowing Korean helps with daily life, cultural understanding, and adapting more comfortably to the environment. However, academically, it is not a major problem, as most professors can speak and understand basic English, and many courses are offered in English, especially at the graduate level.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe it was the clarity of my purpose. I wrote honestly about my journey, challenges, and motivations rather than trying to use overly complex words. It reflected who I am, where I come from, and what drives me. My academic records, work experience, and plan were well-connected. Everything in the application supported one central idea: that I am serious about research, growth, and using this opportunity responsibly.

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

I would spend more time researching universities and professors in depth. Sometimes a university may look perfect on paper, but the professor’s research area might not fully align with your interests. So before applying, I would make sure to contact professors from my target universities and understand their work more clearly.

I would also try to learn about the lab environment and work culture. The professor you work with will play a big role in your academic journey, so it’s important to know if their mentoring style suits you. One good way to do this is by reaching out to current or former lab members, whose contacts are often available on lab websites. Don’t hesitate to reach out; it can help you make a more informed decision.

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

Start early and stay organized with all your documents and deadlines. When writing your SOP, don’t be too broad. Be honest, clear, and specific about why you chose your field and what you plan to do with the degree. Know your study plan well and apply with confidence and patience.

Also, don’t rely on only one scholarship. Always keep other options in mind so that even if you are not selected, you don’t lose a whole year waiting. There are many opportunities out there; you just need to keep trying and knocking on the right doors.