MBA Finance Graduate Vania Estrellita Soegiarto from Indonesia Shares Her Journey of Studying at KAIST Business School, South Korea, as a Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Scholar

My name is Vania Estrellita Soegiarto, and I am from Indonesia. I pursued a Finance MBA at KAIST Business School in South Korea under the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), University Track, fully funded (100% coverage, including tuition and stipend).

I chose finance because I have always been fascinated by capital markets, investment strategy, and how financial systems influence long-term economic development. Before my MBA, I worked at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Indonesia, focusing on Southeast Asian market research and financial institutions. That experience motivated me to deepen my financial and analytical expertise in a more global academic environment.

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Details

I was awarded the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – University Track, fully funded (100%). I applied directly to KAIST and was selected by KAIST to receive the GKS award.

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s Degree (Economics – Management), Universitas Tarumanagara, Indonesia

GPA: 3.96 / 4.00
Graduated as Best Graduate (Summa Cum Laude)
Won ~15 national case competitions and 1 international competition
University academic excellence scholarship

• MBA (Finance), KAIST Business School

GPA: 4.07 / 4.3
Concentration: Investment Banking & Green Finance

My undergraduate training in financial management and investment, combined with consulting experience at BCG, prepared me well for the quantitative and strategic rigor of KAIST.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to KAIST?

I approached the application process strategically. Instead of applying broadly, I focused only on KAIST because of its analytical strength, strong reputation in technology and quantitative finance, and its position as a global institution in Asia.

I built a clear narrative: why finance, why Korea, why KAIST, and what long-term impact I aim to create.

How Did You Find Information About the GKS Scholarships and KAIST?

I relied on official GKS and KAIST websites,, online forums and education communities, and direct communication with admissions offices. I carefully reviewed all documentation requirements multiple times because GKS has strict administrative standards.

Did You Take Standardized Tests?

Yes. TOEFL iBT&GMAT

Preparation method included timed mock tests, structured review of weak areas, and maintaining a consistent study schedule.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to GKS?

For the GKS University Track, strong academics alone are not enough. I focused on consistent academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and competitive achievements, a clear long-term career direction, and a structured, goal-oriented personal statement. I treated the scholarship application like an investment case: why the institution should invest in me.

How Was Your Experience at KAIST?

KAIST is academically rigorous and highly analytical. The coursework emphasizes structured thinking, quantitative modeling, and data-driven decision-making.

The environment challenged me intellectually and strengthened my financial discipline. It also pushed me to think globally while operating within an Asian economic context.

How Do You Rate KAIST Academically and Why?

I rate KAIST very highly academically. The faculty are research-oriented, technically strong, and industry-connected. Courses require applied thinking, modeling, and strategic synthesis rather than pure theory. The analytical rigor significantly shaped how I approach investment research today. Professors speak good English and are accommodating to international students

How Does KAIST Support International Students?

KAIST provides structured support systems including an English-based MBA curriculum, international student orientation, administrative guidance, career development services, and global networking opportunities. Because KAIST has a strong international presence, integration was smoother than I expected.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

My MBA program was conducted fully in English. However, knowing Korean helped me integrate more deeply into daily life and expand professional opportunities.

What Did You Pursue After the Scholarship?

After completing my MBA, I joined a major financial institution in Seoul in the investment division, covering global equities including AI, robotics, and advanced technology sectors. I also passed CFA Level 3 to further strengthen my investment expertise.

Would Potential Students Have Academic Problems Without Knowing Korean?

For the MBA program, academic challenges would be minimal because classes are conducted in English. However, daily life and networking opportunities become much easier if you understand Korean. While not mandatory for academics, Korean language skills significantly enhance integration and professional flexibility.

What Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe consistency in academic performance, strong competitive exposure, professional experience at a global consultancy, and clarity of long-term direction strengthened my profile. Scholarships tend to favor applicants who demonstrate predictable excellence and long-term potential rather than one-time achievements.

What Would You Have Done Differently?

If I’m being honest, I doubted myself more than I should have. Even with strong grades and experience, I still wondered whether I was competitive enough for a fully funded scholarship like GKS. I also only applied to one university, which carried a risk. Looking back, I would trust my preparation more and worry less.

I would also begin document preparation earlier. GKS paperwork is intensive, and having more time reduces unnecessary stress.

Advice for Future Applicants

• Don’t wait until you feel completely ready. Very few people ever feel fully prepared.
• Build real substance before applying. Grades matter, but internships, competitions, research, and leadership demonstrate action.
• Make sure your achievements tell a coherent story. It should look like you have been moving in one direction with intention.
• Be extremely careful with documentation. GKS requirements are strict.
• And finally, do not underestimate yourself just because you did not come from a globally famous institution. What matters is consistency, discipline, and long-term positioning.