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The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a program organized by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education of South Korea. The scholarship provides comprehensive benefits, including tuition fees, monthly stipends, visa and flight costs, all without binding recipients to any specific institution. Furthermore, GKS awardees are required to complete a one-year Korean language course before beginning their Master’s program at their host university.

Jane explained that her motivation to pursue a Master’s degree came from realizing the limitations of her undergraduate knowledge, particularly in industrial applications. She also has a deep passion for learning. Her choice to study in South Korea was driven by the country’s technological advancement, especially in clean energy, focusing on hydrogen and fuel cell technology. Additionally, the culture and high-quality public facilities in South Korea strengthened her decision.

According to Jane, the key to a successful scholarship application is early preparation of documents. “Writing a personal statement and study plan requires self-reflection, so it’s best to start early. Don’t forget to prepare recommendation letters from lecturers as well,” she advised. She added that contacting potential supervisors is crucial: “Ask about their availability, research topics, and if possible, request a personal recommendation letter—it can significantly improve your chances of acceptance.”

Jane also highlighted the importance of language proficiency. Although not mandatory, English certificates such as IELTS/TOEFL and Korean language certificates (TOPIK) can increase an applicant’s eligibility score by up to 10%. She also encouraged prospective applicants to save money early, as preparation costs, including language tests and document mailing, can be substantial.

Currently, Jane is attending a one-year Korean language program. She shared that she has not faced major difficulties in her studies, aside from language barriers that are part of the adaptation process. She also noted that applying for scholarships immediately after graduation gave her more flexibility, as she did not have to juggle it with the final research project.

In closing, Jane advised students planning to pursue graduate studies to first identify their motivation and long-term goals, as these will make the preparation process smoother. She also encouraged them to apply for as many scholarships as possible and not let fear of failure hold them back. “Scholarship programs don’t always look for the ‘best of the best,’ but for candidates whose goals align with their mission,” she said. Jane emphasized that students who may feel insecure or underqualified should still have the courage to apply, as determination and sincerity often weigh more than perfection.

Reporter: Azka Zahara Firdausa (Rekayasa Hayati, 2022)