Hello future Tigers! 

I applied to Korea University back in August 2022, it feels like a while ago now. However, I would like to share some recommendations based on my experience that I hope will help make your first steps toward KU less stressful.

How did I apply to Korea University?

When I started looking for study abroad options, I decided to apply through the well-known GKS program, specifically the Embassy track. I won’t go into the details of the scholarship itself, as there are already countless (and I mean countless) guides, sources, and videos available on that topic.

Whether you choose to apply through the GKS program or directly to the university, one piece of advice is essential: always read the most updated guidelines and check for any official notices on the university’s website. The requirements for 2022 may differ from those in 2025, and while previous guidelines can give you a good idea of what to prepare, always make sure to download the latest version once it’s published!

https://int.korea.edu/kuis/grad/admission_inter.do#none

Choose your major carefully

Not all programs are offered in English, some are taught in a bilingual format with 50% of the courses in English and 50% in Korean. Unless you're already proficient in Korean (ideally with a TOPIK level 4 or higher), I strongly recommend choosing a program that is entirely in English. This will be crucial not only for your academic success but also for your overall experience.

This is one of the reasons why the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) at Korea University was the perfect fit for me. All GSIS programs are fully taught in English, which was a top priority for me since I only began learning Korean after arriving in Korea.

Also, as a graduate student, it's important to be strategic when selecting your major. Scholarships are limited, and having an undergraduate background related to your chosen graduate field can greatly improve your chances of securing one. We can say that, ideally, you want a "natural progression" between your undergraduate and graduate studies. If there’s a gap, you can use your personal statement to explain why you’ve chosen your particular graduate major.

Read the requirements (a million times if needed)

I lost count of how many times I went over the program guidelines. When you begin this process, it's natural to have many questions, but as I reviewed the guidelines repeatedly, most of those questions were answered. This step is crucial because once you have worked through the process of eliminating smaller doubts, you’re left with the truly important questions. These are often the ones you can find answers to in blogs, videos, and resources created by previous applicants, as we tend to share similar experiences and concerns. And if you still have a pressing question, don’t hesitate to reach out to the admissions team, they are there to help!

Also, even if you have all the necessary documents for the GKS scholarship application, it is crucial to double-check the specific requirements of the university you're applying to. When applying to Korea University, I found some additional requirements in the university’s file listing all available majors. In the GSIS case, an official English proficiency certificate is needed being the TOEFL iBT (ITP TOEFL is not valid) and Academic IELTS accepted. 

In case of not having said certificates, if you are a native English speaker, or if you completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher at an institution where English was the medium of instruction for at least three years (submitting an official letter to confirm it), it is also possible to apply to the program.