How an Indonesian Student Won the Fully Funded AMA+ Scholarship to Study a Bachelor’s in Design at Korea National University of Arts

Hi! My name is Valeska Iskandar, and I’m from Indonesia. I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Design at Korea National University of Arts, one of the most prestigious art universities in Korea. Throughout my 4 years of study, I have been supported by the AMA+ Scholarship Program, a government-funded scholarship dedicated to fostering artistic talents.

My passion for design began during my high school years, where I discovered how powerful design can be as a tool for communication, especially in this digital era. I realized that design is more than just creating something visually appealing; it has the ability to shape perceptions, foster stronger communities, and even drive social and economic change. Therefore, I wish to become a strategic designer who also acts as a new agent of economic change after I graduate.

AMA+ Scholarship Details

The AMA+ Scholarship program, which stands for Asian Art Major Plus Scholarship, is an ODA (Official Development Assistance) project of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the Republic of Korea. It has been established to help students from developing nations who have artistic talent pursue advanced studies and skills at the Korea National University of Arts in order to develop international exchanges in education and mutual friendship among the countries. There are more than 20 major options relating to art for bachelor's and master's degrees that qualify for this scholarship program.

This scholarship covers the entire cost of school tuition, monthly living expenses, travel, health insurance, and even a three-month Korean language course preparatory to the academic program.

Educational Background

Although I always loved and had a huge interest in the art field, I never considered myself particularly artistic or skilled at drawing. I learned the technical and conceptual abilities of design through self-learning, motivated by curiosity and passion.

I attended a typical national high school in my hometown and joined the student council under the illustrator division. During my 2-year experience in this division, then played a crucial role in shaping my understanding of design’s role in our daily lives as well as developing my passion and skills in design. In this role, I managed and led a team that was responsible for visualizing the school and student council’s programs through various types of media such as event posters, social media marketing assets, and banners. One of the most notable projects was that we got to design the school magazines that were distributed to over 1,200 students and alumni across Indonesia.

Furthermore, I have also acquired several work experiences in design outside academic work through internships and freelance projects that allowed me to deepen my design skills and gain real-world experience.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Korea National University of Arts?

In preparing my application, I prioritized meeting the language requirements for both English and Korean. During my final year of high school, I dedicated more than five hours each day to studying and practicing both languages. This routine became an essential part of my daily life, where I balanced textbook learning, mock exams, and exposure to real-world usage through media and conversation practice. Through consistent effort and discipline, I was able to achieve a TOPIK Level 5 on my first attempt, which I believe significantly strengthened my application.

From my experience, I believe the key to mastering a new language lies in steady, everyday practices, not only through textbooks and formal exercises, but also by actively engaging with the language in real-life contexts.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the AMA+ Scholarship?

In applying for the AMA+ Scholarship, my main strategy was to showcase my technical skills, creative experience, and personal artistic voice as clearly as possible. Since Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts) places a strong emphasis on practical skills, I carefully curated my portfolio to highlight a range of works that demonstrated both technical proficiency and my unique approach to design.

I also placed significant importance on the written components, particularly the essays. Knowing that essays create the biggest impression of an applicant’s passion and potential, I drafted and revised my essays multiple times. I asked mentors and past scholarship recipients to proofread my work and essays, ensuring that the content was clear, authentic, and compelling. Their feedback helped me refine my story and strengthen the overall flow.

Lastly, I made sure all parts of my application (portfolio, essays, and recommendation letters) worked together to present a cohesive narrative about my growth, values, and future goals as an awardee and future designer. I believe that combining strong technical evidence with a clear, genuine personal story made my application stand out.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was a combination of relevant experiences, a strong and carefully curated portfolio aligned with my intended major, and clearly articulated intentions in my essays. My portfolio demonstrated not only technical skills but also my growth, creativity, and personal design philosophy. In addition, my essays effectively conveyed my passion, goals, and how studying at K-Arts would help me contribute not only to the design field in the future but also to Indonesia and Korea. By presenting a consistent and authentic story across all parts of my application, I was able to leave a strong and memorable impression.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would start preparing much earlier, especially for the portfolio. Building a strong portfolio takes so much time, not just creating the pieces, but also selecting, refining, and arranging them in a structured way that best represents who you are as an artist. I would also spend more time researching the school’s curriculum and past student works to better align my portfolio and essays with the university’s expectations.

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

My biggest advice for anyone looking to apply for a similar scholarship is to focus on how you present your story and future objectives as a prospective awardee. It’s important to craft a narrative that is not only captivating but also genuine and honest. Admissions committees can easily sense when an essay is authentic, and sincerity often leaves a stronger impression than trying to sound overly perfect.

In addition, make sure your essays have a clear, easy-to-follow structure, with a concise yet powerful message. I would recommend focusing on showing your passion, growth, and vision for the future. I also highly recommend reaching out to mentors, teachers, or even past awardees to seek feedback on your application materials. Their insights can offer perspectives you might not have considered and help you refine your message to be even more impactful.

Finally, don’t be discouraged by rejection or failure. Success doesn’t always happen on the first try. I personally succeeded in the scholarship in my third attempt. Each time I faced rejection, I took it as an opportunity to reflect, identify areas for improvement, and grow both as an applicant and as a person. Hence, every failure taught me something valuable and helped me become better prepared for the next opportunity.