KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship Scholar Zu Ern from Malaysia Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at the KAIST, South Korea

Hi! My name is Zu Ern, but I go by Joann. I was born and raised in Malaysia and came to South Korea in 2019 to pursue my education at KAIST. I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a second major in Business and Technology Management (BTM), and I recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Business and Technology Management. Since I was young, I have always been fascinated by biology and the way living systems function, which inspired me to pursue a degree in this field. At the same time, I was motivated to pursue studies in BTM after recognizing how innovation, business strategy, and commercialization play important roles in bringing technologies from the laboratory to society. I decided to major in these two seemingly different fields in hope to contribute to the successful implementation of technologies in the business world to improve people’s lives.

KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship Details

During my undergraduate study at KAIST, I received the KAIST undergraduate scholarship which covers 100% of the tuition fee, alongside with a monthly allowance of KRW 350,000 up to 4 years. All international students admitted to KAIST will automatically receive the scholarship and recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0/4.3 to keep the scholarship.

For my Master’s degree, I was honored to receive the KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship which covers 100% of the tuition fee and a monthly stipend of KRW 1,000,000 for 2 years.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I was also selected as the recipient for the 2025 Daewoong Foundation Global Scholarship. They provide monthly scholarship of KRW 1,000,000 for 4 months, and the opportunity to participate in a real company project during the scholarship period.

Educational Background

Before coming to KAIST, I finished Cambridge International AS & A level at INTI International College Penang and my results was 3A* 1A. The subjects I took were Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics, which I think were very useful and relevant for entering a Science and Technology centric university like KAIST.

At KAIST, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a second major in Business and Technology Management and I was honored to receive the Dean’s List award in Fall 2021.

How Did You Find Information About KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)?

One of the biggest advantages I had during the application process was having a friend who had already enrolled at KAIST. They shared valuable insights about the admission process, available scholarships, academic expectations, and life as an international student in Korea. Their guidance helped me better understand what KAIST was looking for in applicants and gave me confidence throughout the application journey. For prospective students, I would highly recommend reaching out to current students and alumni through platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and other online communities. Many students are willing to share their experiences and provide advice about applications, scholarships, academics, and student life.

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

To meet the admission requirements, I took Cambridge AS & A Levels and IELTS. Preparing for these examinations required consistent effort and discipline. I spent a considerable amount of time studying, completing past-year papers, and practicing.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship?

For the KAIST undergraduate scholarship, there was no separate application process, as eligible international students are automatically considered during the admission process.

For the KAIST Global Presidential Scholarship, I was fortunate to be recommended by my academic advisor. I believe this opportunity was made possible because I had previously worked as an undergraduate research assistant in my advisor’s laboratory before officially joining the Master’s program. Through that experience, I was able to demonstrate my research interest and commitment over an extended period of time.

Based on my experience, I believe that showing diligence, responsibility, and genuine enthusiasm for your field is extremely important. Strong academic performance is certainly valuable but building meaningful relationships with professors and actively participating in research or academic activities can also create opportunities that may not be available through grades alone.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

It is difficult for me to know exactly what made my application stand out, but I believe it was the combination of my academic and research performance, and the support of my advisor. Before officially entering my Master’s program, I worked as an undergraduate research assistant in my advisor’s laboratory, which allowed me to gain research experience and demonstrate my commitment. I was fortunate to receive her recommendation, which I believe strengthened my application.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

If I were to go through the process again, I would be more proactive in seeking opportunities outside of the classroom. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I spent nearly two years of my university life attending online classes, which significantly limited my opportunities to engage in campus activities and interact with professors and peers in person. Looking back, I wish I had been more active in pursuing opportunities such as internships, research assistant positions, and other extracurricular activities. While I am grateful for the experiences I did have, I believe that taking more initiative earlier would have allowed me to grow both academically and professionally.

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

My advice would be to stay active and look for opportunities beyond the classroom. Join activities that interest you, apply for internships or research positions, and do not be afraid to try new things. You may not succeed every time, but each experience will help you learn and grow. I also want to encourage students not to be afraid of rejection. Rejection is a normal part of life, and it does not mean you are not capable. Many opportunities come only after several unsuccessful attempts, so keep trying and do not give up on yourself too quickly. Another piece of advice is to build good relationships with the people around you. Work hard, be reliable, and be kind to others. Over time, people will remember your attitude and character, and these relationships can open doors to opportunities you may not have expected.