Master’s Industrial and Management Engineering Student Virda from Indonesia Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master’s at Pohang University of Science and Technology, South Korea

Hello, I am Virda from Indonesia. I come from a small city and was fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue my bachelor’s degree at a prestigious university in Indonesia, majoring in Information Systems. After graduating from the University of Indonesia, I began my professional career as a Data Analyst at one of the largest e-commerce companies in the country.

While working as a fresh graduate, I realized there was a gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This motivated me to further deepen my expertise in data analytics and data science. I was subsequently awarded the Global Korean Scholarship and pursued my master’s degree in Industrial and Management Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

The Global Korean Scholarship (GKS), previously known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is a fully funded scholarship provided by the South Korean government for international students to pursue graduate studies in South Korea.

The scholarship covers full tuition (in my case, two years of a master’s program), a monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and more. Additionally, GKS provides full tuition for a Korean Language Program of up to one year prior to the master’s program. The monthly living allowance is KRW 1,000,000, with an additional KRW 100,000 per month awarded to recipients who achieve TOPIK Level 5.

Educational Background

I majored in Information Systems for my bachelor’s degree in Indonesia. In Indonesia, this field is typically part of the Computer Science department, whereas in South Korea, it falls under Industrial and Management Engineering. Despite the difference in departmental structure, both focus on similar areas such as data analytics and artificial intelligence.

How Did You Find Information About Global Korea Scholarship and Pohang University of Science and Technology?

I was determined to pursue a higher degree, so I actively searched for scholarship opportunities online. I also explored official university websites to identify laboratories and professors whose research aligned with my interests and academic background.

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

While working as a Data Analyst during weekdays, I attended IELTS preparation classes on weekends. I achieved an overall score of 6.5 after two attempts. In my first attempt, my writing score fell short of my target, but I was able to improve and reach my desired score within three months.

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

Preparing scholarship applications while working full-time was challenging, especially as motivation fluctuated over time. However, I firmly believe that persistence creates opportunities.

I began by preparing for the English proficiency test. Once I obtained the certificate, I felt compelled to apply before it expired. This sense of urgency helped me stay consistent. I continued applying to multiple opportunities until I was finally awarded the scholarship.

How is Your Experience at Pohang University of Science and Technology?

My experience was highly positive. The professors and my lab mates were very supportive, and I did not encounter any form of discrimination during my studies. South Korea has a highly competitive academic environment, which motivated me to stay focused and continuously improve.

Whenever I faced difficulties in understanding course material, both professors and teaching assistants were willing to help. Some even offered additional one-on-one sessions, which I greatly appreciated.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

This depends on the professor and the number of international students in the class. Some professors conducted classes in English even if there was only one international student, while others used Korean when the number of foreign students was limited. However, course materials were consistently provided in English.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Korean?

Yes, there is a possibility of academic challenges if the professor uses Korean during lectures. However, as a GKS awardee, the mandatory Korean Language Program was extremely helpful. While I may not have understood every detail in Korean-taught classes, I was able to follow along and avoid feeling completely lost.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

According to my professor, one of the key factors was my publication in a Q1 journal. Strong academic achievements, particularly research output, can significantly strengthen an application.

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

If I could go through the process again, I would start preparing earlier. This would allow me to explore a wider range of scholarship opportunities and select the ones that best align with my goals.

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

Start early and prepare to the best you can. Do not overthink or doubt your worth, just apply. It is better to try and face rejection than to never try at all. Rejections are often part of the journey before receiving that long-awaited acceptance.