It was indeed a ridiculously long hiatus, wasn't sure why I didn't like the idea of writing anymore. I guess while doing degree, I realised my writing is terrible then the inferiority complex thing sets in. Anyhow, I decided to start afresh (let's see how far I can go with this pfft) because I'm about to embark on a new adventure as mentioned in my very first post about studying abroad!
I kept this entire planning process in the dark, except my family and few close friends. I didn't want to break the news just in case things didn't turn out well then I'd have to do lengthy explanations.
It was a very long process from planning, then submitting the application, then a torturous, endless, long wait....Only until a few days ago when the final list was released I decided to share some information and also mostly the joy regarding my secret plan (or an open secret, if you know me in person).
*drum-rolls*
I'm granted with a graduate scholarship under the Korean Government Scholarship Programme - Global Korea Scholarship (KGSP - GKS)!
Okay, I'm gonna do an informative entry, cause I realised so far no Malaysians have provided any detailed information regarding this scholarship, although there is a blog that is created by the KGSP alumni, there wasn't much information on how to go about with the application.
Back to the scholarship, it is a full scholarship with tuition and allowance, you can find more information through our Malaysia's Korean Embassy (
Website and
Facebook) or
studyinkorea. This scholarship offers both undergraduate and graduate studies, application periods are in early September and mid-March, respectively. You can apply this scholarship either through embassy or designated universities, you are not allowed to apply via two institutions.
Here's a great analysis about via which institution should you apply, it differs based on one's goal and purpose.
Warning: this scholarship is not for the faint-hearted.
It is a lengthy process and you have to be extremely patient. The entire application process takes about 3 months.
As for my experience, I turned in my application in March to the embassy, there's a checklist for you to make sure you didn't miss out any required documents. I didn't expect much from it cause I honestly think I did a sloppy job on writing the essay. Few days later, they rang me up for a scheduled interview. Here comes the endless wait, you'd be on pins and needles every single day.
So I didn't actually made it through the 1st selection as one of the shortlisted scholars, I was one of the backups. This year they have a quota of 5 for embassy recommended Malaysian scholars, I wasn't among the 5, I was the extra 3. Nevertheless, the embassy sent an email and reassured me that they would try their very best to recommend my application to NIIED.
On 1st of May, they released the result for the 2nd selection, which was selected by NIIED (applies to embassy applicants). For embassy applicants, you still need to wait as NIIED would now send your applications to the universities that you've selected (you're given 3 options). At this stage, those who applied through university would know they've already been selected assuming that your medical report is all clear. Scholars are required to do a medical checkup, they would attach a medical report form in order for you to know what checkups are required. There are a few odd special tests, you're required to do faeces and HIV test. I'd recommend getting it done in a private hospital because I went to HKL, they turn down my request because I didn't have an offer letter, I explained that this is a scholarship and I have to do medical checkup beforehand, then they said they don't do faeces test. Besides, I also went to Klink Kesihatan, they do not perform HIV test. fml seriously. After the medical report is out, you'll have to mail it to NIIED.
So within this period, you'll have to wait for universities to contact you (mostly via email). All you can do is praaaaayyyyyyyyy reaaallly reallly hard. During mid-May the universities might inform you that they've received your application and by May 30 they'll let you know if they'd take you in. Some universities would schedule Skype interview, so it all depends.
17th June is The Judgement Day, by then you'll know whether you'll be flying to Korea in August!
That's about it! Feel free to ask if you have any questions regarding the scholarship, would try my very best to provide some information and would also be glad to ease your anxiousness while you wait for the result.
*Please make adequate research and read up all the specifications/requirements of this scholarship on either studyinkorea or your respective countries' Korean embassy before enquiring me. I will not reply to questions that are available in the scholarship guidelines.
