I arrived in South Korea in late September, around August 28, as a Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) recipient, and it has been an unforgettable experience so far. The GKS scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students to study in Korea, but the process of applying can be quite overwhelming. It involves preparing a lot of documents and making critical decisions about which university to choose. After two years of research and preparation, I applied to several universities, and I’m now studying at the University of Seoul in the International Relations program.

The Application Process: Navigating the GKS Scholarship

The GKS scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for anyone wanting to study in Korea, but choosing the right university can be a challenge. There are two tracks for application: University Track and Embassy Track. I applied through the University Track, which allowed me to apply directly to the universities I was interested in. The GKS scholarship is divided into Type A and Type B universities, each offering a wide range of programs with different criteria for selection.

I had been researching the scholarship for a couple of years and gathering all the required documents. I knew I wanted to study in Seoul, but time was not on my side, as my application deadline was approaching quickly and I was still in the process of attesting my documents. After narrowing down my options, I decided to apply to the University of Seoul. Though I didn’t expect to be selected, I received the scholarship and now have the honor of studying at one of Korea’s top universities.

Why I Chose the University of Seoul

The University of Seoul (UOS) is an esteemed public university that holds a significant place in Korea’s higher education system. It’s a municipal government university, which means it has close ties to the Seoul city government. UOS is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in Korea and is known for its academic rigor, especially in areas like public administration, law, and social sciences. What truly sets UOS apart is its commitment to fostering public service leaders and professionals who go on to occupy high-ranking government positions and roles in prestigious organizations.

The university’s campus is beautiful and well-equipped, offering state-of-the-art facilities for students. The location is also ideal—right in the heart of Seoul—making it easy to explore the city while pursuing your studies. The university has a strong reputation for academic excellence, and the International Relations program, which I am pursuing, offers comprehensive courses that cover a wide range of global issues.

One of the notable aspects of UOS is that it has a highly competitive environment—especially for Korean students. While the number of international students is relatively small, this means that the university maintains a very focused and serious academic culture. The fact that Korean students also have a very competitive spirit adds to the prestige of the university. If you’re someone who thrives in a competitive, ambitious environment, UOS could be the perfect fit.

Another standout feature is that the university provides numerous opportunities for internships and jobs in the public sector. The university’s graduates often move on to work in government posts and well-known corporations, which speaks volumes about the opportunities available to students. The strong alumni network and the university’s close connections with the city government make it an ideal place for students who want to work in Korea’s public sector or contribute to the development of the city.

Why University of Seoul Might Not Be for Everyone

That being said, UOS may not be for everyone, especially if you are looking for a more international, English-speaking environment. The university has fewer international students compared to other universities in Seoul, and much of the academic life is in Korean. The campus culture is predominantly Korean, and while English is widely understood, the primary language of instruction is Korean, especially in non-English programs.

If you’re looking for a university with a highly international atmosphere, where courses are mostly in English and there’s a larger population of international students, you might want to consider other options. However, if you’re prepared to immerse yourself in the Korean language and culture and want to study at a prestigious university with deep roots in the Korean public sector, then the University of Seoul is a great choice.

Tips for GKS Applicants

For students, particularly those from Pakistan, preparing to apply for GKS, here are some key tips based on my experience:

1. Prepare Your Documents Carefully: