personal statement for kgsp scholarship

A Journey to KGSP/GKS: Personal Statement

Finally, here is my third post on A Journey to KGSP/GKS Series. Previously, I wrote about my experience in preparing for the KGSP/GKS application back in 2016 and just before this post I wrote about how to fill in the KGSP/GKS Application Forms . This time, I’ll be sharing my two cents on how to write a Personal Statement, one of the essays of the GKS Application. When I prepared my application, it took me around 3 months to finish writing both essays. I remember starting to write as soon as I decided to apply for the scholarship in November, putting it off for a month or so, coming back and forth for the revisions, and finishing it a few days before the application closing date.

The GKS application forms have included the essay template with instructions and points to include which I found very helpful. I always enjoy writing, but writing an essay in English for studies back then was especially hard because English isn’t my first language and I never learned writing academic English properly. Here are some tips that I did and I wish I had known when writing my essays for the GKS Application.  

Personal Statement template (2021 GKS Application)

First, find your application’s identity. “Why do I want to study in Korea and apply for this program? Why should the reviewer choose me among hundreds of applicants?” These questions are the ones that I kept coming back when writing my Personal Statement. As I kept digging the reasons, I somehow found the identity of my application, a statement that will clearly describe me and hopefully will leave an impression for the reviewers.

I see Personal Statement as a stage to promote myself. It tells a story about me, my personal values, and significant events that happened in my life which lead me to aspire to study in Korea and apply for the GKS. The goal is to convey my story in the most impactful way possible that no matter how ordinary it is, the reviewer will still remember me after reading other hundreds of similar or even better stories. To do this, I don’t think I can merely rely on a list of achievements and experiences I have because they probably aren’t so outstanding among other applicants. That is why I need to put an identity into my application, to make my story stronger than my own name.  

In my case, “an applicant majoring in Family Studies” is the identity that I highlighted. Given that Family Studies is not a common field of study especially in Indonesia, regardless of how important it is for our society (don’t get me started into Family Sciences 101. Lol.), I guess it was the strongest point of my application that granted me a seat for an interview in the Korean Embassy. I could be wrong, but the interviewers asked about it during the whole interview session.  

Second, make your essay hook. If you put yourself in the reviewer’s shoes who has to deal with a hundred applications, how will you sort it out? There are sure other considering points such as grades that are quite easy to determine. But, when it comes to essays, how will you rate it and choose from a pool of applicants? Just like its name, a Personal Statement should be personal yet interesting. Personal; it tells who the applicant is, his/her experiences, achievements, values. Interesting; no matter how different every applicant’s life story is, the reasons to study abroad and apply for the scholarship might not be so unique, thus, the way it is written should be fascinating and impactful. That is how an essay hook will make your application stand out and assure the reviewers that you deserve one seat until the final round.

There are many ways to write an essay hook; quotation, question, strong statement, metaphor, etc. You may try many different ways before finding the one that matches the big picture of your essay. An essay hook is aimed to attract the reader since the beginning of your essay. This is also related to the whole picture of the essay and the information in the next paragraphs. As I decided to emphasize my major in Family Studies, I open my essay with the story about my own family and what values I was grown up with. I also wrote about how people used to ask what my major is about and whether it really is necessary to learn about family sciences at university. I keep this point as the whole idea of my essay which helped me to explain why I had to go to a Korean university.

Third, be reflective. Reflecting is such a habit to me. You know, that tendency to lay awake in your bed and replaying what has happened that day in your head and what you could’ve done to make it better, or at least, to make yourself feel better. Well, I learn that doing it isn’t always good. But, when it comes to reflecting on your past experiences and achievements in your Personal Statement, I can never stress enough how important it is. After mentioning all your precious achievements and writing how eventful your life is, you need to explain what lessons learned that you get, what skills you learn, and how they contribute to who you are today. It might sound cliché to write about how your leadership skills have been sharpened through many organizations, but I don’t think it will do you bad to show that you have learned from your experience.

Fifth, make an outline. To me, an outline always does wonder. You might have ever practiced it for school assignments. It’s really as simple as starting from the points mentioned in the essay instruction; (1) family background, (2) latest education, (3) significant and relevant experiences (working, internship, organization, clubs), (4) motivations to study in Korea and apply for the GKS. You can write down ideas for each point and add a few sentences for the explanation. As you develop each point, you may want to write it in 1-2 paragraphs and keep it as your main idea. This will surely help your writing stay on track, lead the plot and transition from one idea/point to another without jumbling up.

Sixth, don’t expect to finish it in one night or even one-seating and then submit it on the next day. Only after giving it some time and re-reading it a few days later that you’ll notice every mistake in your essay, those misspellings-wrong tenses-wrong expressions, even if you’ve been very meticulous especially when it comes to writings. Also, I can never stress enough how you should stop yourself from editing those punctuation marks or misspellings while typing because it will put your idea on hold and take much time to finish your first draft.

Finally, ask someone to proofread your essay and give feedback. I received a lot of help from my English tutor who gave valuable feedback on my essays. Having someone read your essay sort of allows you to get through the pre-review and the nerve-wracking of the application screening process. Also, your essay will look different from someone else’s perspective so it’s important to get their feedback even if it’s as simple as word choices. Especially, because Personal Statement is an essay about ourselves, we can easily understand it but it can be hard to be objective. Your best friend will tell you some confusing parts, things that you should explain better, or simply tell whether the storytelling is interesting enough.

There are a lot more awesome tips all over the Internet on how to write a great Personal Statement essay. These are basically what I did when I wrote my own for the GKS application. I have no idea exactly which part of my application that granted me the scholarship, but I believe that the Personal Statement had its big share. For another essay, Study Plan/Statement of Purpose, you can check my post about it here .

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Personal Statement SOP Sample for Global Korea Scholarship (GKS / KGSP) 2024

by Contentholic | Mar 5, 2024 | Personal Statement , SOP For Scholarship , SOP Samples , SOP Writing , Statement of Purpose , Study Plan | 6 comments

GKS Scholarships, also known as KGSP Scholarship is a very famous Korean Scholarship Program in South Korea funded by its Government to invite global talent to the country. Applying to GKS requires a Personal Statement to be submitted along with the GKS application and the academic documents of the candidate. SOP for GKS Scholarship or Personal Statement for GKS plays a very important role in the final grant of the scholarships to the candidates as it is a fully funded scholarship to the candidates and they are selected based on the GKS Study Plan they submit. We have created a comprehensive blog to give you clarity on – What is GKS, how to apply for GKS, and how to write an SOP / Essay / Personal Statement for GKS in 2024. Please read the article to the end as we have also added the GKS Personal Statement Sample and Frequently Asked Questions for the GKS or KGSP – 2024. 

Content of the article

• What is the GKS Scholarship?

Are the GKS Scholarship and KGSP Scholarship the same?

• Personal Statement Sample for GKS Scholarship
• Importance of GKS / KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement 
• Guidelines for Writing GKS / KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement 
• Tips for Writing GKS / KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement 
• How to Write GKS / KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement 
• FAQs Related to GKS / KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement

What is the GKS Scholarship? 

GKS which stands for Global Korean Scholarship is also known as The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP). This is an academic scholarship program funded by the Korean Government for International Students and this is managed by the NIIED – National Institute of International Education which is under the Ministry of Education in South Korea. This program was designed for non-Korean scholars and Overseas Korean People to invite them to study in South Korea through a fully funded scholarship program at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels, after completing one year of Korean language studies. This was started a long time back in 1967 to bring overseas talents to South Korea and introduce them to the Korean languages, culture, and environment. Undergraduate students are entitled to receive 800,000 KRW per month and postgraduate students are entitled to 1,000,000 KRW per month apart from other expenses like airfares, tuition, and other allowances.

How to apply for the GKS Scholarship in 2024?

The basic objective of the GKS or KGSP Scholarship program is to invite international talent in Korea and let them study in Korea and their talent can contribute towards growth and development in the country.  While applying for the scholarship, the candidate has to decide on a study program for which they are applying to any of the Korean universities that are entitled to GKS. The chosen program can not be changed later if the candidate wishes to change the program after studying Korean Language for the first year. For undergraduate degree programs at Korean Universities, it requires studying for 4 years, for master’s programs the duration is two years and doctoral studies require a minimum of 3 years. 

Sample SOP / Personal Statement for GKS Scholarship

Below is the sample personal statement for global korea scholarship south korea.

The National Liberation Day of South Korea and the Independence Day of India are a common tie between the two emerging nations as they celebrate these two events on the 15th of August. No wonder Rabindranath Tagore had called South Korea, the ‘Lamp of the East’, showcasing its noteworthy advancement in technology as the rest of the world is enlightened using products of the companies based in South Korea. This is profound in most Indian households. I remember clearly how each time I saw an advertisement for LG refrigerators and Samsung mobile phones, I jumped as these were the products that we used at home. As a child’s curiosity would have it upon finding similarities, I was always excited. In 9th grade, this excitement transformed into curiosity when my teacher informed me how South Korea is the core where reliable technology and ergonomic products are manufactured. My teacher also informed me about how South Korea invests in education so its citizens remain at the forefront of advanced technology. After listening to this, I could connect the dots, and it wasn’t a wonder that such wonderful easy-to-use products are made in South Korea. Not just expensive products, even trivial daily use products have their origin designed in South Korea, reflecting how people are scrupulous in designing. From here, my quest to perceive the exponential growth taking place in South Korea began.   

In New Delhi, the capital of India, I visited the Korean Cultural Centre which displayed the beautiful culture, language, and clothes of the people of South Korea. Immediately post this visit, I started looking for opportunities to learn more about South Korea and I embarked on this learning path by beginning to learn the language. While learning the language at SEJONG HAKDANG (KCCI) I received a 100% scholarship for the Intermediate semester for being in the top 10% of students in the beginner semester, which encouraged me more towards this stream.I started participating in essays and quiz competitions organized by the Korean Embassy in India. I also participated in Korea-India 2021 quiz competition where I qualified at the school level and participated in the state prelims quiz (KIFQ-DEL-226). Such platforms helped me learn about South Korea’s clothing and fashion, food, housing, festivals and celebrations, culture and arts, history, and the country’s remarkable growth at an exponential rate through its strong education system. During my participation in the quiz, I also encouraged my fellow students to participate as it gives me pleasure to share knowledge with my friends and also elevate my level of education. My participation naturally made me focus on South Korea’s accomplishments, development, and high-ranking universities. This motivated me to opt for my higher studies in South Korea. 

The efficacy of education was invariably known to me and my deep-rooted interest in the same stems from observing my mother. A public school teacher, my mother taught Maths, and I under her umbrella, not only gained dexterity in the subject, but also admiration for logical thinking. My family plays an important role in bringing me to this juncture where I can apply for my Bachelor’s in Computer Science Engineering. Witnessing my elder sister’s dedication who acquired a merit-based scholarship at a renowned University in the US and my father’s diligence to bring his children to a platform where they can choose their path, has been extremely stimulating and inspiring. The current student loan that my sister has taken for her further education will be able to help her secure a good position post the MS course and I want to follow the same path so I can help my father who works at a stationery shop be at ease. Owing to my family’s financial condition, my parents have constantly provided the luxury of a good education and that is the only thing I have to fall back on.  Hence, during my school, I was a vigilant student who scored well throughout her schooling, while also learning beyond the scope of my syllabi. I have been a consistent holder of merit certificates for academic achievements since 7th grade and secured 1st position in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade while also scoring highest in Computer Science and Math in my entire batch. I often enjoyed reading my sister’s computer Science books as I felt hinged to logical and analytical thinking. My first learning of Computer Science was in grade 9th when I learned HTML. Along with this I also learned ways to create a website where I optimally used my creative abilities, especially in coding.   In class 11th, I unraveled topics like data types and operators, conditional statements, data structures like lists, tuples, strings, and dictionaries, sorting algorithms, functions, libraries, data file handling, error and exception handling, data visualization using pylot, data representation, and boolean logic. I also learned Database concepts and Structured Query Language, along with interface Python with SQL and cyber safety. Python-SQL connectivity became the target concept for my A+ grade year-end project ”result analysis” where I created tables in SQL and modules in Python. 

I also made an Art Integrated Learning Project, to find hotels that suit the tourists’ requirements using the concepts of Data Structures and functions. Alongside these, I have opted to learn through online mediums and have attained relevant learning of various computer science-related subjects.  To enhance my personality, I participated in activities like Inter and intra-school Debate, art, and quiz competitions that evoked competitiveness in me. I have also exercised my leadership skills as I was the Executive of the student council where I  maintained the decorum of the school and also partook in activities like organizing quizzes and managing cultural and sports events. I have also been a member of the interact club where I have practiced and learned the importance of community service. Sports have also been a cardinal part of me and I have enjoyed playing badminton and basketball in which I won 1st position at the zonal level competition which enhanced my focus and made me humble as a person. 

The various exposures that I have attained so far have empowered me to choose GKS for my future studies. It ranks at the top of OECD countries for scholastic achievement and educational competitiveness while also ranking 1st for  ICT (Information and Communications Technologies).  It will be a great step to be a part of GKS and understand more about South Korea in terms of culture and of course the emphasis it lays on education. I will be able to perform well as a student and will make my country proud as moving there for education is a reflection of the friendship between my country and South Korea . 

Download PDF of Sample Personal Statement for GKS South Korea

The Global Korean Scholarship Track Qouta 2024 

Embassy Track (800) + University Track (1400) = Total (2,200) 

The GKS Scholarship for this year 2024 has been announced by the Korean Government and they have invited 2200 International Students, for which students can apply through two tracks – Embassy Track and University Track, for which you need to read the whole to understand the same in detail.

The Global Korean Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Asia and the most sought-after South Korean Scholarship among international students which can be applied through two tracks – Embassy Track and University Track, where the difference lies in the application process. The Embassy Track has three steps – you have to apply through the Korean Embassy where the application is selected and then forwarded to NIIED for further selection and then finally it reaches the university for final vetting of the applicants. You can select three universities from the Embassy track which is a better option overall and the quota allotted to the embassy track is 800. 

Embassy Track = 3-Step Process, 

Embassy Selection > NIIED Selection > University Selection

Options to choose 3 universities 

University Track, on the other hand, is quite simple, and once the university selects the candidates it sends the application to NIIED for final selection, which is a simple two-step process. The total quota allotted to University Track is 1400 which is quite higher than the Embassy Track.

University Track = 2 Step Process

University Selection > NIIED Selection

South Korean Universities Available for GKS 2024 Programs 

The South Korean Universities for GKS are divided into two major categories – Type A and Type B and each candidate can choose up to 3 Universities from A and B types but must select at least one of the universities from the Type B list as well. 

Type A Universities for GKS 2024 Graduate

Type B Universities for GKS 2024 Graduate

Importance, Tips, Guidelines for GKS / KGSP Scholarship Program – 2024 

The Global Korean Scholarship Program or Korean Government Scholarship Program for 2024 has been announced recently and thus we are updating our blog to add more tips and guidelines for creating a stellar personal statement for GKS Scholarship 2024. It is very important to focus on the personal statement because it holds a significant value in your application. Here are the tips to help you draft a convincing SOP for the GKS Scholarship in South Korea. One should focus on the story demonstrating what made him/her plan to study in Korea as they wish to admit those candidates who are genuinely interested in Korean Culture and lifestyle. Opening the GKS Essays with a strong introduction about the inclination towards Korea can be an impressive move. Highlight some unique abilities, skills, and qualities you have that can make you stand out from the crowd. GKS Program of South Korea is majorly focused on cultural exchange, so you should also show your interest and awareness in such topics and share some important things you like about Korea and its culture. Drafting an impressive, well-written, and insightful personal statement or SOP increases your chances of being selected for the GKS / KGSP Scholarship in 2024.

FAQs Related to GKS / KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement – 2024

What are the eligibility criteria for gks scholarship in 2024.

Eligibility varies depending on the application track you choose:

• University Track: Open to applicants who are citizens of countries designated by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) and recommended by a Korean university.
• Embassy Track: Open to citizens of countries designated by NIIED who are not recommended by a Korean university and apply through their home country’s Korean embassy or consulate.

Is there an age limit for the GKS scholarship?

How to apply for the gks scholarship.

You can apply for the GKS Scholarship Program through two different tracks – The University Track or the Embassy Track. Both of these tracks have their application process and deadlines which can be found on the official GKS website.

What documents do I need to submit for the GKS application?

Required documents typically include:

• Application form
• Academic transcripts
• Letter of recommendation
• Certificate of health
• Personal Statement or SOP 
• Proof of language proficiency (optional, but recommended)

Different Korean Universities may ask for more documents individually as per the program level or subject.

What are the benefits of the GKS scholarship?

The GKS Scholarship Programs 2024  covers a wide range of expenses, including:

• Tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Settlement allowance
• Korean language training
• National health insurance
• Airfare and travel expenses

Do I need to maintain a specific GPA to keep receiving the scholarship?

Yes, for being eligible for the scholarship the minimum GPA is required to pass for each year or semester to remain eligible for the scholarship funding.

When can I apply for the GKS scholarship in 2024?

Application periods typically open in March or April and close in May or June.

Where can I find more information about the GKS scholarship?

What is the difference between gks and kgsp.

GKS which is the Global Korean Scholarship and KGSP – Korean Government Scholarship Program is the same, thus the program was introduced in 1967 and since then its name has been changed but both these scholarships are the same and serve the same purpose.

What is the Study Plan for the GKS Scholarship?

Study Plan refers to your objective of studying in Korea and what you plan to do after you complete your study in Korea. The study plan is demonstrated through the statement of purpose or personal statement asked for by the GKS Program.

What are the scholarship benefits for GKS graduate programs?

The benefits offered by the Korean Government in 2024 for undergraduate programs are 

• Round trip airfare 
• Settlement allowance to relocate to Korea 
• Monthly allowance at the beginning of each month 
• Language Training Fee per month 
• Tuition Fee Waiver 
• Medical Insurance Fee 
• Research Support Fee 
• Thesis Printing Fee 
• Degree Completion Grants 
• Korean Proficiency Grants – 100,000 KRW per month

What are the scholarship benefits for GKS undergraduate programs?

I loved the sample I also want to apply for GKS Scholarship this year. I will need some assistance with my personal statement and study plan.

Hi Deborah, Thanks for liking our work. We can surely help you in creating a convincing Personal Statement and Study Plan for the Global Korean Scholarship Program – GKS 2024. Feel free to call me anytime.

Hello I find this very helpful and I would like you to help me on how to write my sop personal statement and study plan thank you as I want to apply soon

Yes, We can help you with the Personal Statement and Study Plan for GKS. Please, get in touch with our team at https://wa.me/919811040414 or email at [email protected] .

Hello, I like this sample and I was wondering if you could help me with the Personal Statement and Study Plan for GKS. I am planning to apply soon.

Hi Victor, Yes, We can help you with the Personal Statement and Study Plan for GKS. Please, get in touch with our team on +91-9811040414 or email at [email protected] .

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How to write a personal statement for gks/kgsp scholarship | how to write gks undergraduate/graduate scholarship personal statement.

One of the important part of GKS/KGSP scholarship application is writing your personal statement which should be well written as it makes a clear difference between students who want to apply for the GKS scholarship. Personal statement plays an important role in the selection procedure for the student as it present your purpose for applying for the scholarship program. GKS/KSGP personal statement indicates why you are the good candidate for this scholarship so its mean it should be written good enough to make your scholarship application strong.

GKS/KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement Writing Guidelines:

Many of the students who want to apply for the GKS scholarship write their personal statement without following the proper guidelines regarding how the personal statement for the GKS scholarship should be written. So make sure if you are planning to apply for the GKS/KGSP scholarship you should follow these guidelines to make your personal statement good:

·          GKS/KGSP scholarship program personal statement can be written in Korean or English language. Means you can either write your personal statement in Korean language or in English language it depends on you.

·          Also make sure your GKS scholarship personal statement should be of good length means it should not be too lengthy or too short that it’s meaning is not clear. The ideal personal statement for the GKS scholarship should not be more than two pages. So you should present your personal statement within the length of two pages.

GKS/KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement Important Tips To Follow:

Before you start writing your personal statement for the GKS/KGSP scholarship make sure that:

·          You know what the GKS scholarship personal statement actually should include.

·      Follow the guidelines that are provided by the GKS scholarship to write the personal statement.

·      You should focus on the main points that need to be discuss to make your personal statement good.

·        Your personal statement should be unique to differentiate you from others candidate for the scholarship.

·          Don’t add something in personal statement that you think is not valuable as you only have two pages to write down your personal statement.

Check: GKS Scholarship Embassy/University Track Interview Questions

How To Write GKS/KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement:

To write the GKS/KGSP scholarship personal statement you have to follow the certain things that are mentioned in the GKS scholarship personal statement form. You have to make sure that your personal statement for the GKS/KGSP scholarship should include the following things:

1. Your motivations With Which You Want To Apply For This Program:

This is the first thing or point that your personal statement should include. You have to explain your motivation that why you have chosen to apply for this scholarship program what is your main motivation behind choosing this scholarship program.   There are number of things that you can actually include here to show your motivation for this program such as:

·          Which course program you want to study under this scholarship program and why?

·          Why you want to study under this scholarship program?

·          How you can be the good candidate for this scholarship program.

·          Why you are motivated for this program?

·          If you are applying for this program then what is your purpose?

·          How you can make contribution to the community if you are selected for this scholarship program?

2. Your Family Background And Education Background:

This is another point that you should discuss in your personal statement to make it good. You have to discuss here your education background and provide some information regarding your family background. Things you should focus on here include:

·          Provide a concise information regarding your academic record.

·          Discuss your academic achievements which you have achieve.

·          What course program you have studied previously?

·          Provide a brief information of your family.

3. Any Experience You Have, Your Achievements, Person Or Event Which Influence You:

To make your personal statement unique you have to write about your achievements, experience and person or event which influence you. These things will provide information related to how you deal with challenges and what you have achieve in your life so far. Discuss your experience which might be related to the work you have done or the things you have achieved in your life. You can also explain about any person or event which influence you in your life as well. These things if discuss well can make your personal statement good. So write about:

·          Any work experience you have.

·          Achievements you have.

·          Any person or event who influence you in your life.

4. Write About The Extracurricular Activities Or Work Experience:

The extracurricular activities or work experience can be a good thing if written in your GKS/KGSP scholarship personal statement can make it unique from others. So write about:

·          Your extracurricular activities you have performed.

·          The work experience you have.

·          Any activity you have performed for the community.

·          What you learned by doing the extracurricular activities.

·          What is the reason behind performing such extracurricular activities?

Check: GKS Scholarship 2023 Application Form Guidelines

5. Write About Your Awards, Publications Or Skills Which You Have:

If you have received awards, written some publications or have some skills than you should discuss them as well in your GKS/KGSP scholarship personal statement to make it more unique from other candidates. So write about:

·          What awards you have received?

·          How you received that awards?

·          What publications you have done?

·          Why you have written that publications?

·          What are the skills that you have?

·          How these skills can be good for you?

GKS/KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement Importance:

The GKS/KGSP scholarship personal statement is one the important documents that can actually make your selection for this scholarship program. The personal statement for the scholarship should be written good enough to make a clear difference and to make yourself a different candidate from others for the scholarship. These are the somethings that your personal statement for the GKS/KGSP scholarship should include you can also include some other things in your personal statement which you think can make you a good candidate for this scholarship program.

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2023 Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees(GKS-G) in the USA

2024-2025 Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate

• April 3, 2024

106 Comments

Do you want to study for free in South Korea? Who wouldn’t? The great news is that you can apply for the fully funded Global Korea Scholarship program. How? You will find everything about GKS graduate (GKS-G) 2024-2025!

To attract more international students to Korea, the government plans to increase foreign admissions to 200,000 by 2032. As a result, they will offer more scholarships to international students.

If you wish to study at the forefront of global pop culture, consider applying for the Global Korea Scholarship. There are plenty of top-ranked universities and courses to choose from.

There are many good reasons to study in Korea . Korean universities open up many opportunities in an ever-growing and competitive job market, like today.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The objective of the gks, benefits of gks korean scholarship, role of korean training and topik in gks-g, total seats for embassy track, total seats for university track, available fields of study, nationality, degree requirements, grade required, gks scholars reapplying to the gks-g program, korean language teaching professionals, restrictions, documents for 2024-2025 gks-g, pointers on filling out the application forms, pointers about required documents, instructions on ‘certificates’, scholarship value and benefits, embassy track, university track, first round, second round, third round, personal statement, research proposal or statement of purpose, recommendation letters, language test certificate (english or korean), various other factors, evaluation preference, medical assessment, when and how to submit, 2024-2025 gks graduate faqs, what is the global korea scholarship.

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program is a yearly initiative of the government of the Republic of Korea. Before, the name was KGSP, which stands for the Korean Government Scholarship Program.

The GKS offers academic scholarships to deserving students from different countries who wish to study in Korea.

The National Institute for International Education (NIIED) administers GKS. They manage on behalf of the Ministry of Education in Korea.

The program gives students a once-in-a-lifetime chance to earn their undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. degrees in Korea.

GKS is an excellent opportunity for scholars across the globe. It enables them to pursue higher studies at educational institutions in Korea.

This motivates students to get admission to South Korea’s prestigious and best universities.

Many Korean universities take part in GKS graduate. And offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, doctorate, and research studies to aspiring candidates. This makes GKS the most popular and extensive Korean scholarship program globally.

GKS boosts international exchange in education. Besides, this fosters “mutual friendship” between South Korea and other participating countries.

Through GKS, the Korean government promotes Korean culture, brand value, and the Korean language. It gives many great reasons to study Korean , take TOPIK, and explore various aspects of Korea to boost their chances of getting GKS.

Korea is a famous study-abroad destination for students worldwide for many reasons.

First, it is a fantastic place to explore. It is renowned for its technological advancements and courses at the top-ranked universities.

With this program, you’ll be able to study at well-known universities.

Since this is a 100% government-backed scholarship, it’s totally free.

There is no cost associated with the scholarship program. This means the selected students will not have to worry about living expenses. That’s right!

While we’re talking about benefits, it’s important to mention that a scholarship like this can significantly boost your CV.

On top of all this, the Global Korea Scholarship can help you learn Korean. Getting TOPIK level 3 is a condition before enrolling in a degree program.

You will improve your Korean language skills through immersion and practice with locals. This will sweeten your chances of finding Korean-speaking jobs .

About Universities, Courses, Seats, and Tracks

Let’s find out everything about courses, their duration, and how to apply for them.

What is the GKS Graduate Scholarship period?

• Master’s: The duration is three years. This includes 1-year of Korean language classes and 2-years of degree coursework.
• Doctoral: Ph.D. takes four years. It comprises one year of Korean language study followed by three years of Ph.D. study.
• Research Program: It is usually a one-year or six-month scholarship program.

Students must take a one-year Korean training course at an allotted center.

Those who have completed TOPIK 5 or 6 can skip the Korean language course. Instead, you can enroll directly in a degree program.

The TOPIK certificate is valid for 2 years. Thus, you must have passed the previous year, and its validity should not expire. NIIED updates the deadline to submit and the last test they consider.

GKS scholars who receive TOPIK level 5 or 6 within the first six months of the Korean program. They don’t need to finish the remaining 6 months of language training. As a result, they can start their degree program in the following semester (March 2024).

Upon completing a 1-year compulsory Korean learning, all GKS scholars must achieve at least TOPIK level 3 . If not, they cannot continue with the degree program.

Number of seats for GKS Graduate

A total of 1278 scholarships are available for GKS masters, doctorate, and research programs for 2024-2025.

The embassy track and the university track are two different types. There are 663 available through the embassy, and the remaining 615 are from the universities.

Candidates will receive 100% funded scholarships. This covers all costs regardless of the channel they apply through.

Of all the 1278 GKS seats, 663 are available for the embassy track.

This includes 603 General + 20 Overseas Koreans + 30 Korean Language Teaching Professionals.

In the general category, they chose 603 candidates from 145 countries.

They have reserved 20 quotas for overseas Koreans from 13 nations and 30 seats for Korean language teachers from 24 countries.

They also select 10 candidates for the research programs. So there are five quotas from five countries (Armenia, India, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Turkey). And they pick the remaining 5 from 145 participating nations as mentioned in the list.

Korean language instructors cover school teachers and professors at universities. Also, they should teach Korean at a government-approved institution.

The government-authorized education institution does not include for-profit after-school academies, institutions, or organizations.

Five seats on the university track are not subject to a country’s quotas. Thus, any applicant from 76 NIIED-designated nations can apply.

See the quota for General Program and Science & Engineering majors of the Regional University Program below.

Available Universities and Courses

Partner Universities

The R&D program is a new addition to the University Track. This course provides R&D-focused training and hands-on experience in research institutes and industries. In addition, the program aims to attract students to the field. Talented scholars in high-tech strategic sectors can be nurtured to benefit their future careers.

Applicants interested in Science and Engineering majors in the Regional University program should select a Type B university. Also, candidates should choose a Type A or Type B to apply to other university track programs (general and research programs).

Candidates applying for the Embassy track must select THREE different universities. And the major should be from the 59 universities listed above. Besides, it must include at least one university of Type B.

• Applicants must select their majors (fields of study) listed in the ‘2024 GKS graduate Available Universities & Fields of Study’ file.
• As for the application Guidelines, visit www.studyinkorea.go.kr and check the GKS noticeboard for details and updates.
• Candidates should check with the respective university about the languages used to teach in each class. Applicants must read and review all the information on individual majors before applying. (You can refer to Appendix C. contact information of Korean universities)
• The short-term seasonal (evenings or night school), online, and distant courses are unavailable. And hence, they do not permit admission.

Eligibility Criteria For GKS Postgraduate

GKS graduate programs have many requirements that candidates must meet. NIIED has set the following eligibility criteria for the GKS graduate scholarship.

• The applicants and their parents must not be citizens of South Korea.
• Dual citizens who are also citizens of the Republic of Korea are not eligible.
• All applicants must hold citizenship from one of the invited nations selected by the NIIED. Yet, the parent (s) may be nationals of countries that do not participate in the GKS graduate program.
• There is an exception in the embassy track for overseas Koreans with Japanese citizenship. If their parents have a “Permanent Residency Permit” in Japan and have Korean citizenship, they can apply.
• They need documentation proving the renunciation of Korean citizenship for all applicants. This is also for their parents, who earlier held Korean citizenship.

For postgraduate GKS scholarship , applicants must be under 40 years of age (born after September 1, 1982).

Academic professors born after September 1, 1979, and under 45 years of age as of September 1, 2024, are also eligible to apply. They also must be citizens of one of the 107 countries designated as official development assistance (ODA) recipients.

For a Master’s program, one requires a bachelor’s degree or education similar to or higher than a UG degree.

For a doctoral program, one needs a master’s degree or education or equivalent or higher than a UG degree.

For the research program, you need to receive an invitation from one of the partner universities and must meet the criteria below:

• Postdoctoral Research Program: To be eligible, one requires a doctoral degree by February 28, 2024.
• Professor Exchange Program: One needs a Master’s degree or higher and must teach at a university as a professor.
• Program for Education, Science, Culture, and International Cooperation Professionals. One needs a Master’s degree or higher and must be a professional in the same (E.S.C.I.) Field.

Notes for appearing candidates / those whose results are awaited

You can also apply if you expect to graduate by August 31, 2024. In that case, you need first to submit a certificate of expected graduation. If you get the GKS graduate, you must submit the final academic transcript to NIIED before or by August 31, 2024.

From their respective universities, applicants must maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of or higher than any one of the following:

• The CGPA: 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0
• The score percentile must be 80% or above on a 100 point scale. You are also eligible if you rank within the top 20% of your class at the last educational institution you attended.

If an applicant holds a transcript without information on grade point average or cannot convert grades into one of the GPA criteria mentioned above. In that scenario, one must submit an official document issued by the applicant’s university describing the university’s grading system.

• To complete the duration of their degree in Korea, an applicant must be in good mental and physical health.
• They may disqualify an applicant who fails a drug test or suffers from a serious illness. If such a thing prevents them from studying in Korea for a long time during the final selection round.

All applicants must submit a “Form 8 Personal Medical Assessment” as part of the application process. Also, all candidates who pass the 2nd round of selection must undergo a comprehensive medical examination. Then, they need to submit an official medical test conducted by a licensed doctor or hospital.

Upon arrival in Korea, all GKS graduate scholars will undergo a medical examination administered by the NIIED. Upon arrival in Korea, they will disqualify GKS scholars from scholarship if they suffer from a severe illness after the medical test.

The former or current GKS scholars (earlier known as KGSP) who meet the added criteria below are eligible to apply for GKS for the Master’s program:

• The applicant needs a grade point average of at least 90% or more on a 100-point scale. Or one ranks within the top 10% of one’s class.
• The applicant must hold a TOPIK level of 5 or 6. This should be a valid certificate within the 2-year expiry period.

Former or current GKS scholars can only reapply once for a higher degree program.

• Bachelor’s → Masters,
• Master’s → Doctoral or Research (Professor Exchange Program, Program for E.S.C.I. Professionals),
• Doctoral → Research.

They prefer applicants with natural science and engineering majors in the Ph.D. research program.

All current and previous GKS scholars re-selected as GKS scholars in 2024 do not need to take Korean language courses.

Applicants can apply to the program if they meet the following additional criteria:

• Applicants must be elementary and secondary school teachers, university lecturers, or professors who teach Korean at a government-approved educational institution. They don’t consider for-profit after-school academies, institutions, and organizations as they are not government-authorized educational institutions.
• The applicants need at least two years of teaching experience as of February 28, 2024.
• You require level 4 of TOPIK or higher (They accept certificates earned after January 1, 2021). Check the TOPIK test schedule .
• Candidates must have a major in the Korean language and should choose the same while picking their major/field of study.

Applicants may opt out of the Korean language program if they want.

Students who have graduated from a Korean high school or university are ineligible to apply. Overseas Korean adoptees and former GKS Scholars are exceptions.

Students who have earlier studied at a Korean university on an exchange or as visiting students can apply.

Previous GKS (KGSP) selected applicants who have withdrawn from the scholarship cannot apply. It includes those who did not come to Korea after being picked as GKS scholars and resigning from their studies. Or disqualified during their scholarship period.

There is an exception for former GKS scholars who lost their scholarships because of failing to pass TOPIK level 3 or above. After completing the Korean course, they can reapply if they have passed TOPIK level 5.

Candidates can only select and apply for only one track.

Applicants have to pick one of these 4 options for the embassy track. — General, overseas Korean adoptees, Korean language teaching professionals, or research programs.

For the university track: applicants have to decide on one of 3 choices. — General, research programs, or science and engineering majors at a regional university.

Before applying, let’s find all the relevant documents and things you need to remember.

Mandatory documents for (Masters, Ph.D., and Research Program)

• Complete Application Form (Form 1)
• Personal Statement (Form 2)
• Two Letters of Recommendation (Form 5)
• GKS Applicant Agreement (Form 7)
• Personal Medical Assessment (Form 8)
• Applicant’s Proof of Citizenship Document (Original)
• Applicant’s Parent’s Proof of Citizenship Document (Original)

Optional documents for (Masters, Ph.D., and Research Program)

• Certificate of valid Korean test , only TOPIK score.
• Certificate of valid English Ability exam (TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) 
• Published books & research papers, etc.
• Awards and other certificates
• Applicant’s passport copy

Documents according to the programs and candidates

• Statement of Purpose (Form 3) — For masters and doctoral programs.
• Document for Bachelor’s degree and its transcript — For masters and doctoral programs.
• Document for Master’s degree and its transcript — For doctoral and research program.
• Documents for Overseas Korean, Korean Citizenship Renunciation, Korean Adoptee (Original and Optional). This only applies to relevant applicants.
• Certificate of Employment (teaching subject) and certification of a teaching career (years taught). (Original and Optional). This is only for Korean teaching professionals for UG bachelor’s and master’s programs.

Documents only for research programs

• Research Proposal (Form 4)
• University’s Official Letter of Invitation (Form 6)
• Original documents for the doctoral degree and its transcript. This only applies to postdoctoral research programs.
• Certificate of Employment (Original)

The second round of successful applicants also needs to give the results of the complete medical examination.

Instructions and points to remember

You need to keep these vital things in mind while applying and sending documents.

• All documents must be in either Korean or English.
• The applicant’s English name must match the name on their passport.
• Applicants must submit 2 letters of recommendation from two different recommenders. They should be the ones who can assess the applicant’s academic abilities. Seal it in an envelope and then send it to the embassy or university that conducts the first selection round.
• Examples of preferred recommenders should be academic advisors or the dean (department head). Or a professional in one’s field of study. If a research program applicant is currently working at a research institute. Then, applicants must submit letters from the organization’s head (or research institute).
• Document requirements may vary. It depends on which embassy or university conducts the first-round selection. Thus, applicants should check the university or embassy website regarding document submission requirements.
• Candidates must submit 1 set of original documents and 3 sets of photocopied documents for the Embassy track.
• They disqualify those documents that are fraudulent or incomplete. They also lose scholarships, even for the selected applicant.
• If the university requests supplementary documentation beyond NIIED’s requirements. Then, the applicant should submit those documents directly to the university.
• You may submit photocopies of published books, research papers, awards, or other relevant documents.
• The application documents should all be originals. Let’s say an applicant submitted photocopies. Then, one needs to apostilled or do consular confirmation. Afterward, one can submit these certified documents. From 2022, they won’t accept notarized ones.
• If applicants feel they won’t get their academic documents reissued in the future. Then, they submit apostle or consular-confirmed educational documents. This is in place of the original ones. They may not return all the submitted papers to the applicants.
• The notary public must notarize the translation of documents other than Korean or English.
• For proof of citizenship, each applicant must submit a copy of their family register or birth certificate. Also, applicants and their parents should submit non-notarized passport copies if their citizenship is not on their documents.
• Korean Language Teaching Professionals need “Certificates for Employment” and “Certificate for Teaching Careers.” They should mention teaching subjects and must include the Korean language.

Below is a complete breakdown of the scholarship value:

• As long as you purchase economy class tickets, they will provide you with the actual airfare.
• You will receive a one-time KRW 200,000 as a resettlement allowance when you arrive in Korea.
• Postgraduate students receive a monthly living allowance of KRW 100,000 (masters and doctoral) and 1,500,000 (research program).
• All candidates receive free national health insurance worth 20,000 KRW. They provide it twice a year at the start of each semester.
• They cover the total cost of language courses, up to a maximum of 800,000 KRW a quarter.
• You will get reimbursement for the actual tuition fee costs (no more than KRW 5 million per semester).
• Students with valid TOPIK levels 5 or 6 receive a reward of KRW 100,000 per month. That’s one of the advantages of TOPIK .
• As a research support fee, you get 210,000 KRW for L.S. (Liberal Arts and Social Science majors) and 240,000 KRW for N.S. & E (Natural Science & Engineering majors).
• Applicants also get a one-time thesis actual printing expense of 500,000~800,000 KRW.
• After completing the degree at the time of final departure, the student receives KRW 100,000.

How to Apply?

The application period is usually February-March for GKS graduate programs (Masters, Doctorate, and Research). In contrast, GKS for undergraduates takes place in September.

Visit the official Korean government website for all relevant information. You can also access the application forms.

Those who wish to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship Program can do so in two ways. We know these as ‘the embassy track’ and ‘the university track.’

Choosing one or the other track depends primarily on the applicant and their country of origin.

This is because countries receive different quotas and channels. It depends on what place you are from. You may pick either the embassy or university track or both.

Let’s take a closer look at both tracks in detail.

The Selection Processes

There are two ways.

The most significant difference between both tracks is applying to 3 different universities through the embassy track.

On this track, the applicant must apply to the Korean embassy in their country. 

They award scholarships to students if one of three universities accepts their applications. There are three rounds on this track.

This route requires applicants to submit their applications directly to the Korean university they wish to attend.

The applicant becomes a GKS scholar once the university accepts their application. Unlike the embassy track, which comprises three stages (Embassy * NIIED * University), the university track is just two stages (University → NIIED).

The selection process is simple. However, depending on your chosen track, you may encounter diverse rounds during the selection process.

The NIIED first invites its Korean embassies and domestic universities to recommend candidates. Students can then send their applications to the preferred Korean college or their home country’s embassy.

After reviewing the applications, the embassies and universities recommend candidates to NIIED.

After the first round is over, the NIIED evaluates applicants who passed. They selected the university track applicants as GKS grantees at the end of the evaluation process.

Candidates who go with the embassy track will advance to the third round.

The universities review the applicants in the third round. At least one university must admit the candidate to pass this round.

As soon as a university accepts the candidate as a student, they become GKS scholars.

Selection Criteria

During the selection process, a committee evaluates each applicant.

The selection criteria and committees can vary from round to round. Still, some factors can contribute to an applicant’s selection.

In this statement, applicants must describe their motivation to apply for the GKS graduate scholarship.

Besides, the candidate can discuss their interests or background.

Applicants must outline their goals and study plans. Applicants may also address their future goals.

Let’s say the applicant is applying for a research program. They must state their research plan and goals in this case.

Candidates may submit letters of recommendation. The importance of these letters varies from university to university.

Certificates of language ability may also affect your evaluation. For example, they give preference to candidates who already know Korean well.

Other factors are publications, awards, academic transcripts, extra-curriculum activities, achievements, interview performance, etc.

Certain factors can help you get some extra points and enhance your prospects. 

TOPIK level 3 or above can fetch you extra points, 10% of total allocated points. Plus, they give preference if you submit scores of English language tests like TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS.

They give preference to Ph.D. degree holders in Natural Science and Engineering for research programs. You get an edge for majors in the same field if they have to pick on the same marks as other candidates.

Professors are currently teaching and belong to one of 104 ODA countries. Then, they get preference when they decide on the same marks.

They also give preference and extra points to descendants of Korean War veterans (5% of the total points), low-income and underprivileged families, third-generation overseas Koreans, and majors under the industrial, professional training project.

Each country has its own deadline for submitting applications. It may vary between 3 and 4 weeks. This is because the embassy of the country in question sets these deadlines.

The rules and guidelines also differ across universities and embassies. So, check with concerned embassies for updates and accurate information.

An unsuccessful candidate for an embassy track can reapply to a university track. But this is not possible if the candidate has cleared the first round.

The applicants from China and the Czech Republic must apply directly to the CSC under the Ministry of Education in China and the Czech Ministry of Education. This is because of the bilateral agreement.

Depending on which program you choose, the deadline will also vary. You can find all about the Global Korea Scholarship program on the official website.

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 82-2-3668-1364
• Address: 191, Jeongjail-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do (13557), South Korea.
• Websites: studyinkorea.go.kr (official site), ( mofa.go.kr – Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Korea.net (Korean Portal), sejonghakdang.org (learning Korean), academyinfo.go.kr (for Higher Education in South Korea), and immigration.go.kr and hikorea.go.kr (Immigration and Visa).

You can find GKS updates, announcements, and guidelines on the GKS noticeboard section of the site.

Q1. I am currently studying at a Korean university pursuing a Master’s degree. Can I apply for the Master’s program under GKS?

A1. Yes, you can if you are not a Korean high school or university graduate. The GKS-G is also open to previous exchange or visiting students who have not received a certificate or diploma. Once selected, you drop out of your current university. Then, you apply to GKS as a first-year student. Your prior credits are not transferable.

Q2. I’m in the last semester of a Korean university’s UG or PG course. I will get my degree soon. Can I apply for the GKS Master’s or Doctoral program?

A2. No. You are ineligible to apply if you expect to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Korea. Overseas Korean adoptees and previous GKS scholars who expect or have completed a degree in Korea can apply. But previous GKS scholars can reapply only once for a higher degree.

Q3. Can I apply for a Master’s or Doctoral program if I expect to complete my Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in August 2024?

A3. You may apply if you have an official certificate of expected graduation. Or a provisional degree certificate from the university. But you must submit your last degree and academic transcript to NIIED by August 31, 2024. Otherwise, they will cancel the scholarship.

Q4. My parents and I hold different citizenship. Am I eligible for this program?

A4. Yes. You can only apply if you are a citizen of an invited NIIED designated country and your parents are not Korean citizens.

Q5. I meet all the requirements listed in GKS-G’s application guidelines. Can I apply to all GKS-G partner universities?

A5. No. These are the minimum and specific requirements for the GKS-G application guidelines. Universities and departments may need specific language abilities, other qualifications, and research experience. First, check the “University Information” file in the guidelines section. There you will find extra requirements. Then, send it directly to the university if they ask for it.

Q6. Is it possible to apply directly to NIIED for the program?

A6. No. You can apply at a Korean Embassy where you hold citizenship or directly via a partner university. For questions, refer to the guidelines. Or contact the embassies and universities where the first selection round will occur. This is because university requirements may vary. You must send all applicants’ documents to the Korean embassy where you hold citizenship, whether you live in Korea or another nation.

Q7. When is the application deadline?

A7. Both the university and the Korean embassy decide when to conduct the first selection round. Contact the embassy of Korea in your country or the university of your choice to find out the deadline.

Q8. Where do I send my application? Can I submit it online?

A8. No, the online application is not possible. In the first selection round, submit hard copies of the required documents to Korean embassies or universities. Check the guidelines and noticeboard on the site www.studyinkorea.go.kr.

Q9. Do I need English or Korean proficiency certificates when applying for GKS?

A9. You may apply without a certificate of English (TOEIC, TOEFL, or IELTS) or Korean (TOPIK). But if you are from a highly competitive country. Then, the Korean embassy or university may ask for a certain level of language proficiency. You will get extra points if you have a TOPIK level 3 or above. Plus, if you submit an English ability document, you may earn even more points.

Q10. What should I put in the GPA section of the application?

A10. Put your GPA or percentile for each semester, regardless of semesters and years of UG. Fill out your GPA or score before the slash (/) and the total one after (/). E.g., if your GPA is 3.5 out of 4.5 and your percentage is 85 out of 100, write 3.5/4.5 and 85/100.

Q11. How many letters of recommendation should I submit? Embassy track applicants must submit one original and three copies. How can we make copies of the sealed recommendation letters?

A11. A NIIED applicant must get the recommendation letters of two different recommenders. Embassy track applicants cannot open recommendation letters. Thus, ask each of your recommenders to write an original one. 3 identical copies of each recommender’s letter of recommendation are required. Seal each envelope and sign it across the flap. So, every recommender submits four similar letters in a sealed envelope. For university track applicants, collect one original letter per recommendation.

Q12. I want to apply for the 2024 GKS Graduate. I received a recommendation letter from my university’s professor in March 2022. Could I submit this?

A12. The recommendation letter date must be within one year after the last date of the application deadline. If it is over a year, you can’t submit it.

Q13. Is it necessary to include a detailed research proposal in the Statement of Purpose?

A13. Yes. You should describe your study plans’ general goals and general outline, if not in detail. Also, explain your study objectives in Korea and your goals during and after the degree program.

Q14. I plan on applying through the embassy. Per the guidelines, I should submit 4 application documents: 1 original copy and 3 photocopies. How do I send my certificates, like transcripts, graduation certificates, or recommendation letters?

A14. You must present all certificates in their original form. For instance, get four sets of transcripts and four sets of diplomas from your university. Submit photocopies because they cannot reissue the original record. In that case, submit notarized, apostle, or consular-confirmed documents in place of originals. Also, make three additional copies of the certified documents. For a recommendation letter, please refer to Q&A 11 in this FAQ.

Q15. How do I submit my documents in languages other than Korean or English?

A15. The notary public must notarize a complete translation of a document written in a language other than Korean or English.

Q16. I am an Indian citizen living in Singapore. Can I apply for the program through the Korean Embassy in Singapore?

A16. No. If you choose the embassy track, apply to the Korean Embassy in India. Candidates via the Embassy Track must apply to the Korean embassy in their home country. You can also not participate if you belong to a nation not invited to GKS-G.

Q17. I am a citizen of China. Chinese nationals only get a quota on the embassy track as per the applicable rules. Am I required to apply to the Korean Embassy in China?

A17.Chinese citizens don’t need to submit applications to the Korean embassy in China. Instead, a bilateral agreement between Korea and China enables the China Scholarship Council (CSC) to take applications. Likewise, Czech citizens must apply to the Czech Ministry of Education under the agreement between the Korean and Czech governments.

Q18. I am an American living in Los Angeles, USA. I will apply through the Embassy of Korea. Is it necessary to apply to the Embassy in Washington, D.C.?

A18. You can apply to the Korean Consulate near you, L.A., in your case. The Korean embassy in Washington and Korean consulates in the USA collaborate during the selection process.

Q19. Can I pursue a Master’s degree or a Doctoral degree in any field of study?

A19. You can only apply to majors and programs listed in the “2022 GKS-G University Information” uploaded to studyinkorea.go.kr. NIIED advises contacting the university to learn about the program you are considering.

Q20. How many universities and majors am I able to apply to?

A20. For the university track, you can select ONLY ONE university and one major subject for GKS. The embassy track allows you to apply to 3 universities under Type A and B, including at least one of the three choices from a Type B university. You can pick the same major at all 3 universities. But, you cannot choose 3 distinct programs from a single university. Check application guidelines.

Q21. I plan to apply via the university track. Is it possible to major in liberal arts and social science at one of the regional universities?

A21. Yes if the university you choose offers GKS scholars a degree program and major. Check out the entire list of study fields on studyinkorea.go.kr in “2022 GKS-PG University Information.” Applicants can select from regional or non-regional partner universities and major in liberal arts or social science. There is a country quota on the university track. They also reserve part of the quota for students applying to regional universities. For more details, refer to the application guidelines.

Q22. If I apply via the embassy track, I can pick up to 3 universities and departments/courses. Any guidance for selecting universities and majors?

A22. As an embassy track applicant, passing the 2nd round of selection does not guarantee admission to their preferred university. It is possible to get rejected by all 3 universities because of a big competition. Each Korean university offers different subjects and has unique strengths. Thus, conduct your research before deciding which university is best in the stream and fields you wish to pursue.

Q23. My application is on the embassy track. I understand I must select at least one university from Type B. Can I pick only one university from Type B?

A23. No. You need to select at least one university from Type B. You can also choose all 3 from Type B, but not all from Type-A.

Q24. Is it compulsory for all GKS scholars to pass at least TOPIK level 3 after one year of Korean language studies?

A24. Yes. Every GKS scholar must get a minimum of TOPIK level 3 within a one-year Korean program to start their degree program. NIIED assigns Korean learning centers to each GKS scholar based on various factors. You cannot change the institute. Plus, one has to live on-campus and cannot accompany family members.

Q25. Can I be exempt from the Korean language program?

A25. If you have achieved TOPIK level 5 or 6 before applying for GKS-PG, you don’t need to attend Korean classes. You can start the degree program in September 2022. But, before, submit a valid TOPIK certificate to NIIED by June 10, 2022. If you achieve level 5 or 6 in the first 6 months of the Korean course, you can skip the remaining 6 months. Then, you can start your degree program next semester (March 2023).

Q26. Can I change my final choice of a university for a PG course during my required Korean language course?

A26. No. You cannot change to another university or field of study. They allow if there is a structural change in the department. Before applying, it would be best to know details about the course and college.

Q27. What if I don’t complete my degree within the scholarship period? Will they extend my scholarship until I graduate?

A27. After the scholarship period ends, you no longer get any scholarship benefits, whether you earned a degree. You cannot extend your scholarship either.

Vikash Gupta

I’m a linguist, lifelong learner, blogger, and fun-loving guy. I write at studyfrenchspanish.com, languagenext.com, joyofkorean.com, joyofchinese.com, and joyofjapanese.com.

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1) Can we submit a passport copy as proof of citizenship? 2) Do we need to apostille our passports? 3) Regarding my parents’ proof, My mother died 9 months ago! so is a Death certificate enough for my mother’s proof? 4) Can we submit an Aadhar card as proof for my parents? (In India Aadhar is government-issued proof.)

It would be better to check Indian government guidelines for Indians once they publish in about a month. It will provide all the necessary details.

I want to apply for South Korea scholarship.

You can apply when the application process starts. For example, GKS-G begins in Feb every year.

Greetings! Dear Sir/madam I am from Ethiopia and I have a master Degree in Aquatic Ecosystem Management. I have an interest in learning for a PhD at your University. So, can you please help me to get the universities website related to my profession? thank you.

Hello please, I graduated froma university with thirs class. Can I still apply for this scholarship?

How did u apply for the graduates, I still cant find the application form

Check your country-specific site as forms and deadlines vary.

Hello, I scored less than 50% on my Bachelor’s degree. Can I still apply for this Scholarship? Am I eligible for this?

Unfortunately, no. One needs a minimum of 80% or rank within 20% of the class of the concerned institutions to apply.

When does the programme start for GKS-S? Is it in September or August?

For GKS-UG, its usually in September and GKS-G, it is in February.

Hi, I have a master’s degree and would like to apply for the GKS-Graduate program (it means I’d like to have a second master’s degree). Would this be possible?

Or can I apply for GKS-G using my bachelor’s degree only? Thank you so much in advance!

Yes, you can try for GKS-Graduate based on your bachelor’s degree. Your existing master’s degree won’t matter much.

Any other scholarship opportunities that we can try for other than gks? If yes please post more information on that! Thank you!

There are few, but not many seats and choices like GKS.

Hi Sir, since I’m not sure of my result being out by August 2023, I will have to apply next year in February/March, thereby joining the academic year of 2025 right?

Yes, you will apply next year for the academic session 2024-25.

I have completed my Masters in advertising and media. But I wish to do a second Masters – MBA from South Korea. Can I use my Masters marks to apply to GKS scholarship for MBA or just use my graduation Marks?

You only need graduation for a Master’s.

I want to know the postgraduate application deadline.

The dates vary depending on the country, though usually it is between Feb end to mid March. Check with the local embassy or the arrangement is done by NIIED.

Hello, I have scored 79% on my Bachelor’s Degree, is that okay for pursuing a master’s degree?

A minimum of 80% is required to apply for GKS-G.

Hello, I have got 71% in my final exm can I apply for master’s degree?

You need a minimum of 80% or need to rank within the top 20% of your previous class.

I’m interested to hear how I can enroll Korean university from Bangladesh?

Search colleges, shortlist based on your target course, budget, and eligibility criteria, and apply. Or contact any consultant dealing with higher education in Korea.

Hello Sir, are there any master’s courses available for international students pursuing BSc Agriculture UG? If yes, can I get it through gks scholarship? Especially in SNU. Hope you will reply ☺️

Maybe, but I do not track individual courses as there are hundreds of them. If available, you can apply for GKS if you fit their requirement.

I need this scholarship.

Hello! I recently heard someone that the GKS Scholarship is not applicable for Korean language course, say from SNU LEI. Is this true? Thank you in advance!

Possible since they teach Korean to all selected candidates who haven’t passed TOPIK level 3. Plus, a master’s in Korean requires one to be advanced level in the language which is not the case with GKS as anyone can apply for any course.

I want to apply but am in Nigeria and am 17yrsold no international passport pls I need help

Then not possible. Check the requirement for the same.

Sir. How many subjects in master?

Sorry, I didn’t get you.

Hi, my name is Princy. I am from India. I have already emailed my professor at the Korean university, do I have to wait for his reply, or do I have to submit my document to Embassy first? What should I do next??

You can only apply for GKS-G in Feb/March as per available courses/universties.

I am currently studying at university, but I haven’t graduated yet. So can I apply immediately after I graduate? Thank you!

Yes, as long as you fulfill the eligibility criteria.

Hi I’m expecting to finish my higher national diploma in banking and finance by 2024 so can i apply for gks or can I apply with the national diploma and study business administration? If yes, what can I do sir thanks.

I am not sure about that. You can check if MBA related courses are available, and if you fit the requirement, you can apply accordingly.

Hello sir!! I wanted to ask you that can I get this scholarship if I scored below 80% in 10th but above 80% in 12th?

Yes, but overall academic track record matters.

I think u can’t 🤔

Good morning sir, I’m a student in the final year, my undergraduate program, and it will end in December 2022, but the graduation ceremony can take place in May 2023, is it possible to apply for master’s degree unless I have a certificate?

You can apply as an appearing student. But you do have to submit final degree before departure if in case you are selected.

Respected Teacher I am currently studying in the 5th semester (last year) of my graduation. And I will graduate in July 2023 cause our university’s rule is this. Can I apply for a GKS scholarship in 2023 for my master’s study?

Yes, if you expect to get your results by Aug/Sept 2023.

My civil engineering (bachelor’s) has finished, so can I choose architecture for my Master’s?

You can choose if your preferred course is available and you are eligible. But getting selected depends on many factors, including your previous academic background.

Hi, if you can do good research about universities, can you please check the Artificial Intelligence or Robotics Course too? I’m a Computer Engineering Graduate (bachelor).

I want to study AI or robotics Engineering. I did conduct research but couldn’t find much. My preferred university is SNU. Korea University, KAIST, and Seoul Tech are also good. Any University is acceptable as long as I can study AI or Robotics. So, can you please help with that? 😅

I haven’t checked the latest colleges an courses. You can check, and if it’s not available, you have to look for other ways beyond GKS.

can you please help me out,

1: What is the deadline for postgraduate for Pakistan? 2: we need 80% for this scholarship or a 2.7 CGPA (it’s weird that a 2.7 CGPA is not even 60% of marks) I got a 3.2 CGPA. Is it ok to apply? 3: I did my master’s in journalism and production, and I want to apply for another master’s in film studies now. is GKS also covering the media and film field? 4: Can I have your email id?

1. For that, you have to check the Pakistani Government site that deals with scholarships to foreign countries. There you will find all the details, though usually the process starts in February. 2. You need 80% or more and as per mentioned CGPA. You can also try a few website that helps convert into such CGPA and percentile. 3. You have to check the available courses in their list. 4. You can submit the form, or ask in the comment section.

I am Bella from Nigeria I have gotten my Higher national diploma (HND) with a total GPA of 2.96 I graduated in 2022, and I studied Banking and finance with the result which I acquire can I apply for a master’s degree in Gks?

Yes, if you are elgibile for the requirements.

I want to apply for a bachelor’s degree I have more than 80% in high school. In the university track, how can we send documents to the university?

Directly to the Korean university. It has just two stages (University — NIIED).

This explained everything from minor details to the big things. This was such a good article. But I’m still afraid of applying 😞. I don’t know why, even though I am eligible to apply.

Can you please tell me (1) What is a notarized document and what is a consular verified document? (2) How do we get to do this? I am from Pakistan. Aap Roman, Urdu, Hindi mein likh dain Sir, shyd smjh aa jaye. 😞

If you are eligible and wish to get scholarship to study there, you should apply with a positive frame of mind.

Notarized is a document certified by the notary public. On the other hand, consular or apostille authentication serves the purpose of making public documents legally recognized in foreign countries.

Hi there, thanks for such a thorough and informative post. I was wondering, do the letters of recommendation have to come from an academic institution? I’ve been out of school for a few years (I received my bachelor’s degree in December 2020), so I’m not sure I’d be able to get a recommendation from a professor that is dated within 1 year of the application since I haven’t been a student in several years.

Is there a way around this? Can I use professional recommendations from a job or volunteer program? or would perhaps going back to school to take a course or two be beneficial to try to secure an academic recommendation? Thanks in advance for any advice you can share.

The recommendation letter is required from the educational institutions where you pursued the course should be within one year. You can still get from college and school with the current date that will benefit you. There is no mentioned of professional ones, so not sure if it be of any use.

I want to do a PhD.

Hey sir I jus graduated from high school can I apply for this GKSG, or will I have to wait for the normal gks form to come out.. and please, when will the form for the 2024 GKS com out coz I think 2023 form come out last year. I’m kind of confused sir 🥺💔 please

If you have completed 12th or equivalent, you can apply for GKS in Sept or Oct 2023 for the academic term 2024. Yes, last year for 2023.

I have a question regarding the recommendation letter for the embassy track. I thought only one was required, but you wrote that we need two? Also, I‘m confused about submitting original certificates. It says they cannot be returned, so do I need to ask my previous university to mail me another original?

Thanks, Karen

2 recommendation letters are required from two recommender as stated in the original document. You need to submit the original copies. All details are there.

Could you tell me what is mean by embassy track and university track? I’m applying for an abroad scholarship for first time, so.

There are two different ways to apply for GKS. All details are mentioned in this article.

Hey sir can international student apply GKS with low high school transcript grade

A minimum of 80% or equivalent, or being in the top 10% is the requirement for all candidates, regardless of country.

Hello sir. I have graduated last year I studied banking and finance with a total GPA of 2.96 and I want to go for master’s degree can I apply for the Gks scholarship?

If your GPA fits the criteria, surely you can apply.

Where can I get the application form? And where to submit?

On the official site studyinkorea.go.kr. All details are there in this article.

Dear admission committee: Please could you extend the deadline for the application? I am from Ethiopia, Tigray regional state due to the war that happened in the past 2 years internet connection was not opened but is now open. I am trying to finish my application process as can as possible. Submitting documents to the embassy takes at least 3 or 4 days. Please consider my interest if it is possible. I am very interested in studying in Korea.

Dear admission committee: Please could you extend the deadline for the application? I am from Ethiopia, Tigray regional state due to the war that happened in the past 2 years internet connection was not opened but it is now open. I am trying to finish my application process as can as possible. Submitting documents to the embassy takes at least 3 or 4 days. Please consider my interest if it is possible. I am very interested to study in Korea.

Hello, I have a few inquiries about the GKS scholarship.

1. Can I change my master’s major from what I studied for my undergrad degree? 2. Does GKS offer scholarships to students that apply in the spring? 3. May I apply simultaneously for the embassy and university tracks?

1. Yes 2. No 3. Yes, but you can apply only one university and do follow all the procedure.

Hello Vikash Gupta,

I have applied via Embassy track (to Korean Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ) using DHL Post and delivered, but no response yet as to at what stage the evaluation and or screening is. Can you please brief me about this?

Check with the Embassy in your country.

Can you please tell me the starting date of gks and the valid link?

For GKS-UG, September-October, and GKS-G in Feb-March. Website → studyinkorea.go.kr/en

Hello sir! Recently I have completed my graduation and I got two recommendation letters from different recommenders, but these were not sealed in envelop. I am confused as you mentioned above that we are supposed to submit sealed recommendation letters so what should I do?

Recommendation letters need to be sealed as per GKS guidelines. They may reject if it does not follows the instructions.

Hello sir, I have some questions it is better if you answer all of them:)

1. I’m about to finish my bachelor degree (this year). But before finishing, the time of applying to the GKS may come. What should I do if I can’t get diploma or GPA result? Can I provide the copies or not 2. Now I’m in Uzbekistan. I just checked the dates of applying; they told me it will be upcoming February is it real? 3. If I get this scholarship before entering any universities in Korea, it may provide me some choices to apply any universities that I want?

Thank you in advance!

1. You need final result along with apostille documents as appearing students can’t apply. 2. Yes 3. No, you can’t choose any other university. You get a particular one that you pick during application.

Hi, I have a question regarding the requirements, hope you can solve it! 🙂

I studied veterinary medicine (5-year degree instead of 4) and in my country. I can already do a PhD with no Master’s (due to the longer degree). Do you know if that possibility exists in Korea? Because it is said that “For a doctoral program, one needs a master’s degree or education or *equivalent*” But it also asks to attach the master’s results. Is there any official contact email I can use for this kind of question?

Thank you so much! ^^

If they ask for masters which is the normal case in most places, you require Master’s degree. I am not aware if there is such contact detail. Try on the official site.

Hello, Sir my name is Baljinder Kaur. I just completed my senior secondary education and I got 80%. Can I apply for gks in 2024 (Feb and March) please reply. Thanks

Yes, depending on other criterias.

Hi am currently working person. I am going to apply for my masters through GKS Scholarship. Since i graduate its been 2 years. Can i get my recommendation letter from my office manager insted of any professors or teacher?? Can i get recommendation letter from manager or CEO or HR is ok??

I guess no as recommendation letter is based on your educational performance and done by teacher at existing acdemic centers.

Hii wanna ask can they accept 3 years or 2 years study gap?if i have a master degree of 3 years ago can i apply after 3 years in PHD?

I guess, yes they do accept. Do check the exact age limitation and minimum year of passing in the official document.

I have a bachelor’s degree in social work but I want to apply for a master’s degree in international relations. Is it possible?

Possible, but continuation may boost some chances.

Hi! I’m preparing for my GKS-G application right now, and this blog has been real helpful. I just have a question: For the Personal Health Assessment, I might need to declare a certain condition I was diagnosed with in 2020. But I’m taking oral medication for managing it. Technically, I have been living healthily and working normally since my diagnosis.

So far in my preparations, the personal health assessment is what I have been dreading the most, because I’m concerned that if they see my condition, my application would be fully disregarded right from the start 🙁 Would it be alright to add a medical certificate on the Other Documents section, even if not yet required? Since my treatment doctor gave me one which states I am fit to study and work overseas, and that I’m taking continuous medicine to manage it.

I’ve been dreaming about GKS back when it was still KGSP in 2018, so I’m looking for assurance that there’s still a chance for me. Thank you so much in advance!

Well, you must disclose all your medical situation, regardless of whether they accept or decline.

I’m having bachelor’s degree in business administration in HR stream if can any possible to apply for a master’s degree in information technology field ? and my graduation is still running (last sem-6) so where we can apply for master’s on after completion of before ?

It would be challenging as it’s pretty competitive and has many prerequisites.

Hello, Actually I have just completed my class 12th now (2023-2024 batch), now I plan to take a drop and apply for GKS in Sept. 2024. Will me being a dropper affect my chances of getting selected or am I eligible for applying if I am a dropper?

No, it won’t matter. You can drop and try GKS. However, considering there are only a few seats, I’d suggest have plan B and get enrolled for bachelors’s degree elsewhere too.

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Reset password, create a free fasthire account, how to write personal statement for gks/kgsp scholarship.

• October 29, 2022
• Education/Study

A personal statement is one of the important parts of the GKS/KGSP scholarship application. It must be well written to show your uniqueness among other students who want to apply for the GKS scholarship. It also aids the selection procedure for the students as it presents their different purpose for applying for the scholarship program.

If you are reading this, I suppose you are interested in the GKS scholarship and would like to know how to write a personal statement for the GKS scholarship. Good thing is, this post has the answers to your searches. So let’s begin!

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement sometimes called a statement of purpose is a document that provides the overview of a student profile to the scholarship selection team. It provides students with information related to their goals, interest, objectives, and some other aspects. A personal statement for the GKS scholarship is one of the most important documents that can make your chance of selection higher for the scholarship.

What is GKS Scholarship?

The GKS Scholarship fully called the “ Global Korea Scholarship Program ”, is an academic scholarship funded and managed by the National Institute for International Education, a branch of the Ministry of Education in the Republic of Korea. Its purpose is to provide international students with the opportunity to advance their studies at higher educational institutes in the Republic of Korea. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D., and research programs to deserving candidates worldwide. In addition, the scholarship program allows students worldwide to study and complete undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in the Republic of Korea.

Is GKS Scholarship the Same as KGSP Scholarship?

Yes, they are the same. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a South Korean government initiative that provides students with scholarships. Before this, they referred to it as KGSP (Korean Government Scholarship Program). The scholarship program allows students worldwide to study in South Korea.

Now that you understand the concept of the GKS Scholarship and the meaning of the Personal Statement, let’s move further to how you can write a personal statement for GKS Scholarship.

Importance of GKS/KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement

The GKS/KGSP scholarship personal statement is one of the important documents that can get you selected for the scholarship program. The personal statement for the scholarship should be written well enough to make a clear difference and to make yourself a unique candidate.

Guidelines for GKS/KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement Writing

Many of the students who want to apply for the GKS scholarship write their personal statements without following the proper guidelines. So, to make sure you do, we have provided the following guidelines for your GKS statement writing:

• GKS/KGSP scholarship program personal statement can be written in either Korean or English language. It depends on you.
• Make sure your GKS scholarship personal statement is of good length. It should not be more than two pages.
• Make sure to discuss your achievements, skills, experiences, and the goals that you want to achieve during your study program.

Tips for GKS/KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement

Before you start writing your personal statement for the GKS/KGSP scholarship make sure that you know what the GKS scholarship personal statement must align with these.

• Follow the guidelines that are provided by the GKS scholarship for writing a personal statement.
• You should focus on the main points that need to be discussed to make your personal statement good.
• Your personal statement should be unique to differentiate you from other candidates applying for the scholarship.
• Avoid unnecessary stories as you only have two pages to write down your personal statement. 

How To Write GKS/KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement:

To write the GKS/KGSP scholarship personal statement you must follow all the things that are mentioned in the GKS scholarship personal statement form. Then follow these steps to make sure that your personal statement for the GKS/KGSP scholarship is well-written:

• Write about Your Motivation for The Program:

This is the first thing or points that your personal statement should include. You must explain your motivation and why you have chosen to apply for this scholarship program. Let them know your main motive behind choosing the scholarship program. Here are several things that you can include here to show your motivation for this program:

• Which course program do you want to study under this scholarship program and why?
• If you are applying for this program, then what is your purpose?
• How would you contribute to the community if you are selected for this scholarship program?
• How can you be a good candidate for this scholarship program?
• Why are you motivated by this program?
• Your Family Background and Education Background:

This is another point that you should discuss in your personal statement to make it good. Talk about your educational background and provide some information regarding your family background. Things you should focus on include:

• Provide concise information regarding your academic record.
• Discuss your academic achievements which you have achieved.
• What course program you have studied previously?
• Provide brief information about your family.

Have You Seen: Seoul National University Personal Statement Sample

• Any Experience You Have, Your Achievements, Person or Event Which Influence You:

To make your personal statement unique you must write about your achievements, experience, and person or event which influence you. These things will provide information related to how you deal with challenges and what you have achieved in your life so far. Discuss your experience which might be related to the work you have done or the things you have achieved in your life. You can also explain about any person or event which influences you in your life as well. These things, if discuss well can make your personal statement good. So, write about:

• Any work experience you have.
• Achievements you have.
• Any person or event who influences you in your life.
• Write About the Extracurricular Activities or Work Experience:

Your extracurricular activities or work experience can be a good thing written in your personal statement. This will make it unique from others. You can include:

• The extracurricular activities you have performed.
• The work experience you have.
• Any activity you have performed for the community.
• What you learned by doing the extracurricular activities.
• What is the reason behind performing such extracurricular activities? 
• Write About Your Awards, Publications, Or Skills You Have:

If you have received awards, written some publications, or have some skills then you should discuss them as well in your personal statement to make it more unique from other candidates. So, write about:

• What awards you have received?
• How did you receive those awards?
• What publications you have done?
• Why have you written those publications?
• What are the skills that you have?
• How these skills can be good for you?

I hope this article has helped your GKS/KGSP Personal Statement Writing . Nevertheless, if you need assistance writing and presenting an outstanding personal statement for your study, Contact us immediately!

Frequently Asked Questions 

• Is the GKS scholarship hard to get?

The GKS/KGSP is extremely competitive. To gain a scholarship In Korea, you need to prepare in advance with an excellent GPA, have an outstanding portfolio, and if possible, have certifications and awards. Also, depending on the University and program, you would need a good level of English proficiency. It has been stated that applicants need a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of or higher than: 2.64/4.0 or 2.80/4.3 or 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0. That is, on a 100-point scale, one should score 80%.

• What are the requirements to get accepted into the GKS scholarship program

To be eligible for the Korean Government Scholarship, you must meet the following requirement:

• Citizenship: Candidates and their parents must hold non-Korean citizenship.
• Age: KGSP-G: under 40,
• Health: Candidates must be physically and mentally healthy for their studies in Korea.
• Degree Requirements: KGSP-G: Bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Grades: The cumulative grade point average (CGPA) must be 80% or higher; or The CGPA must be 2.64/ 4.0, 2.80/ 4.3, 2.91/ 4.5, or 3.23/ 5.0 or higher.
• Number of Scholarships: KGSP Graduate: around 700 grantees will be awarded annually

Related Articles

• How to Write a Personal Statement for Korean University
• How to Write a Personal Statement for Seoul National University
• Seoul National University Personal Statement Sample
• How to Write a Study Plan for Korea University 
• How to Write College Essay for International Students
• Best Korean Recruitment Agencies That Recruit Foreign Workers

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How to Write a Good Personal Statement for a Scholarship ( 7 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 12 Apr 2021 Scholarship Application 52,748 views

Have you been asked by the scholarship committee to provide a personal statement for a scholarship? Are you clueless on how to draft a statement of purpose for scholarship? Do you need a perfect step by step guide to get you started?  Say no more! We got you covered. Today, you will master the art of writing a winning personal statement.

You will learn the following:

• What is a scholarship personal statement?
• Types of Personal Statement topics
• Parts of a Personal statement for scholarship
• Perfect step by step guide to writing a winning scholarship personal statement
• Tips on scholarship personal statement: Dos and Don'ts
• How to structure and format a personal statement
• Sample example of a personal statement for scholarship
• Sample example of personal statement for scholarship pdf
• Personal statement for scholarship application examples

What is a Scholarship personal statement?

A personal statement for scholarship is a short content that conveys the message that you are a perfect candidate for a scholarship in an undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate programme. In your personal statement for scholarship 500 words, you will be providing solid evidence and examples pertaining to your experience and motivation. Your personal statement will explain why the particular programme is the right one for you, how it's connected to your personality and previous studies and what changes you would make in your society if you follow the programme.

The purpose of a personal statement is to invite the admission committee to get to know you better. You are to convince the admission committee that you are a good fit for a chosen degree. The aim is not to impress the application committee. Rather, the goal is to point to the kind of student you are. Like sample scholarship application letter for masters degree, you have to do some self - reflection to figure who you are and your future goals. When you do that, you can easily transfer your individuality to the essay.

Check out: How To Write A Letter Of Intent For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample LOI Example)

Six (6) Types of Personal Statements  Prompts

As earlier mentioned, your personal statement should share something about you. It should include aspects that have not been found in your résumé. It should indicate how deserving you are of the scholarship. It should be geared towards the scholarship provider's goals.

Usually there are various topics for composing personal letter for scholarship. You would choose one category prompt and develop your personal statement. Your choice of topic will determine the parts of your scholarship personal statement.

Prompt (1): Why do you want to attend this institution?

Simply let the committee know why you are interested in that institution. Focus on what makes the programme or scholarship so unique. Does it offer career services and facilities? Is it known for talented professors that you want to learn from?

Prompt (2): Overcoming a Problem

You will be asked to identify a problem or a failure you encounter. In personal statement for scholarship sample doc,this is where you will share how you overcame it along with the lessons you were able to learn. It could be bullying, addiction, loss of a family member or a close friend, moving to a new city etc. Share it and let the committee know the stuff of which you are made up.

Prompt (3): Creative topics

Some universities offer special, think - outside - the - box topics. They could be as tricky as "What can be actually be divided by zero?". In sample personal statement for scholarship application pdf like this, you could consider each question on its own. Brainstorm innovative ideas and see which ideas you feel passionate about.

Prompt (4): A Personal History of You

This topic asks you to relate an event in your life that incited a period of personal growth. You could also pinpoint a person who had a catalyzing effect on you and made you have a new understanding of yourself. Your first job, a unique talent that you have or a personal goal you achieved can be very catching ideas for your statement of purpose for scholarship application sample.

Prompt (5): Brainstorming New Ideas

This category of topics is about understanding how you relate with novel and diverse perspectives. You could refer to a time when you questioned a long - held belief. The reasons for changing your perspective could make a great scholarship personal statement for scholarship 500 words pdf. Universities want to know how you handle differences.

Prompt (6): Your Future Goals

What does your future look like? Do you want to be a professor? A chef? A journalist? This personal statement for scholarship application examples pdf prompt reflect on what you would like to become professionally. Through this topic, the scholarship committee wants to know how the scholarship would help you learn what you need to acquire so that you can achieve your career goals. They want to measure your level of awareness, vision and determination.

Parts of a Personal Statement for Scholarship

After you choose your topic, you may be tempted to quickly proceed with writing your sop for scholarship samples. Pause!!! You have one more step to take. You need to create an outline . An outline will help you to coordinate your thoughts and ideas. It will guide the direction of your writing and you would not be rewriting your content countless times.

There are two ways to create your outline. There is the process outline and the passion outline . If you want to discuss your personal growth, the process outline will help in explain the journey of your personal growth (before, during and after stages). If you want to share your passion, use the passion outline to relate various experiences that shaped you in becoming more competent.

After creating your outline, you can safely proceed with the sections of your statement of purpose for scholarship pdf.

Introduction Paragraph:

For example, say you are preparing a sample personal statement for fulbright scholarship. The introduction is the most sensitive part of your personal statement. Do you know why? You would need to grab the attention of your commitee and keep them reading. You could use a rhetorical question, a quick story, a surprising fact or simply a short explanation of what you will talk about in your content.

Body Paragraphs:

This part depends largely on your choice of topic and your choice of outline. If you are discussing about overcoming a problem, a personal history of you or your future goals, use the process outline and share the lessons, your background and your long - term career goals.

If, on the other hand, you choose to discuss a newly adopted idea, why you want to go to the school, or something creative, deploy the passion outline to think outside the box and relate your unique perspectives on life.

Just make sure that you are authentic, unique and use copious examples in your personal statement essay for scholarship.

Conclusion:

What if you are concluding your statement of purpose for fulbright scholarship? This is not just the part where you summarize the previous paragraphs. This is the point where you leave a lasting impression on your reader. Use a call - to - action or a hope for the future to explain why this scholarship is important to you.

Read: How to Write a Good Scholarship Thank You Letter (8 PDF Sample Examples)

The Perfect 8 Step - by - Step Guide to writing a Winning Personal Statement for Scholarship

Still concerned about how to start your example of personal letter for scholarship? Don't worry. Here is a step - by - step manual that can guide you from the minute you sight the essay prompt to the minute you hit "Submit".

Step One (1): Read your Prompts

Carefully read your topics. Understand what the scholarship committee is asking of you. Before choosing the prompt you want, try to grasp what the personal statement for university scholarship

should be like. Check carefully if there is anything like "Write on your topic in three pages of 600 words"!

Step Two (2): Be on the lookout for additional information

Are there rules and guidelines for additional information that may not be in the prompt? You need to read them carefully. Ascertain the kind of formatting that is required, when the scholarship application statement due date is or what you may need to submit with your personal statement.

Step Three (3): Brainstorm Novel Ideas

Don't rush to write the personal statement for applying scholarship with the first idea that pops up in your head. Consider various ways to answer the prompt you chose. Jot down all the ideas that come to mind and review them later.

Step Four (4): Outline your personal statement

Organize essential points and concepts of your content. As it was suggested earlier, this will help you coordinate your major ideas so that you won't forget them. In that way, you will write the best statement of purpose for scholarship.

Step Five (5): Create a mouth - watering introduction

When writing personal statement for scholarship, keep your thesis concise but at the same time, arrest the attention of your reader. Be more concerned about your story and less worried about big vocabulary. In a simple way, try to communicate the core concept of your content.

Step Six (6): Be yourself when writing the body paragraphs and conclusion

At this stage, make your scholarship statement example personal and relatable. Simply, write what you know. Find a way to share why your choice of topic is significant to you. Let the body paragraphs reflect your personal knowledge, experiences and passion. Make your essay as specific as possible and customize it to fit the scholarship.

Step Seven (7): Revise your personal statement

This time, re-read your personal statement sample for scholarship pdf with a critical eye. You can read it out loud and listen to the flow. Is it consistent? Is it logical? Is there a room for reworking?

Step Eight (8): Proofread, edit and hit "submit"

Look specifically for spelling and grammar errors. For example, say you are writing a fulbright personal statement example. Find a friend who has a strong command of the written word and can completely address the people alongside the content. Finally, submit your personal statement in the chosen electronic form (docx or pdf).

Tips: What TO do when writing a personal statement

• Start your personal statement for college scholarship with a captivating sentence so as to arrest the attention of the admission officers.
• Relate outside interests and passion of your course.
• Ensure you write what comes naturally.
• Have a close family relative or friend to proof read it.
• Be specific and express everything in short paragraphs.

Tips: What NOT TO do when writing a personal statement

• Don't attempt to sound too savvy.
• Don't procrastinate. Prepare the statement purpose for scholarship ahead of the deadline.
• Don't duplicate information from your resume.
• Don't spend too long on the introduction.
• Don't be dishonest. Yet, don't involve too much negative information.

Consider : How To Write A Good Scholarship Acceptance Letter (5 PDF Sample Examples)

Personal Statement Formatting

Now, here in Scholarship Tab , we say that the personal statement format for scholarship is as important as the content. So here is how to do a thorough formatting of your statement of purpose for scholarship sample.

Your personal statement must:

• be between 500 - 700 words.
• have short sentences of not more than 25 - 30 words.
• be between 1 - 2 pages.
• have a maximum of 47 lines.
• use headings (optional) to break up the content, eg "How did I develop my passion", "Why I wish to study in this college"...
• use Arial or Times New Roman font and size 12 - 14 px.
• be left - aligned and have 1.5 px line spacing.

Sample Personal Statement for Scholarship Application

Did you think we would leave you without a sample? Not a chance. Here is a personal statement sample for scholarship

 of Melissa, a student applying for Masters in Creative Writing. Read and learn:

“Can you compose a story for me? I am a keynote speaker at a conference. I want to start with a story and arrest the attention of my audience. Can you handle that for me?” That was a favor asked by my endearing lecturer in my university days. I could tell that he reposed confidence in my writing skills. So, for the umpeenth time, I agreed to assist him in storytelling. Let me explain how I became the capital helping hand of many keynote speakers.

I always remembered myself with a pen and a piece of paper. I wouldn't tag myself as an enchanting speaker. But I was surprisingly celebrated for my essays in school. My maths teacher would always frown each time I murdered the solution of a mathematical equation or geometry on the board. However, you could see the English teacher's face light up whenever she praised my writing performance to my parents. Miss Katherine, my English teacher, soon became my muse for acquiring a bachelor's degree in English Literature in my early 20s.

In high school, my writing prowess was noticeable even amongst my peers. Soon, I was dragged to theatre stage plays. Was I asked to perform? Not exactly! I was asked to write theatre scripts. In time, the refreshing and full - of - life dialogues stole the hearts of the returning audience and we would always win.

In my university days, I worked as a copywriting intern in an advertising agency. One of our clients was a Non - Governmental Organization (NGO) aimed at combating the effects of gender inequality. I was particularly touched by their projects. So I gave my very best in composing a thought - provoking content for their publicity. I was soon informed that the NGO gained immense popularity in a short period of time. I was elated. One day, the founder of the NGO called me while I was on a break. I still remember her words:

“I just want to thank you for the article you wrote for us. Thank you, Melissa for sharing your talent. You have helped thousands of women gain confidence in what we do and feel protected. You should be proud of yourself!”

That one - minute call revealed my life time purpose - to put the bemoaning thoughts, unmet requests, unrealized dreams and unattended needs of unprotected women in writing. This propelled to establish my magazine called WWW - Writing for Wonderful Women.

That's why I want to study Creative Writing. I want to develop my niche in the publishing world. I know that with the lecturers of this program,  I will sharpen my research and writing abilities. With your help, I could facilitate my dream - my dream of airing the views of less privileged women with a pen and a paper.

Check out: Top 20 Online Jobs for College Students 2021

Statement of Purpose for Scholarship Sample pdf

Did you like the above sample personal statement for masters scholarship? Do you want to remain inspired and get the best out of it before you write your own? Here is personal statement for scholarship pdf. Download it, digest it and compose your own masterpiece! Download  statement of purpose for scholarship sample pdf

Sample Letter Examples Personal Statement for Scholarship

We understand that there are specific scholarships whose personal statement need to be tailored. We want to share them with you as we desire nothing more but for you to excel. Here are some leading examples:

Sample Fulbright Personal Statement

Fulbright is a popular US cultural program that aims at improving intercultural relations, cultural diplomacy and intercultural competence between the people in the USA and other countries.

Here is a sample example of the personal statement to get the fulbright scholarship.

PTDF Scholarship Personal Statement Sample

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) aims at qualifying graduates and professionals in the field of engineering, geology, science and management in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria. Do you want to become a PTDF beneficiary?

Write, edit and download your ptdf scholarship personal statement sample here.

KGSP Statement of Purpose

The Korean Government Scholarship Program statement of purpose kgsp is designed to equip international students with opportunities to study at higher educational institutions in Korea for academic degrees. So you would need to compose a thought – provoking personal statement for kgsp

Check out this link and see how a well accepted kgsp statement of purpose looks like.

CFA Scholarship Personal Statement Sample

The CFA Institute Scholarships are intended to promote the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence. There are various types of scholarship such as access scholarship, women's scholarship or regulator scholarship.

If you are eligible for any of the above, download the tailored CFA Scholarship personal statement for scholarship examples.

Nus Merit Scholarship Personal Statement

What about the nus merit scholarship personal statement? The program is a highly coveted scholarship that targets high calibre of individuals that showcase academic excellence and outstanding leadership qualities.

If you have presented and excellent record of leadership, check out the sample nus merit scholarship personal statement

Sample Scholarship Personal Statement for Masters

Are you interested in getting a masters degree? Were you asked to provide a thrilling personal statement? 

Check out this smashing  sample scholarship application letter for masters degree pdf

So, as you can see, with the proper guide and excellent personal statement samples, your personal statement will help the admission officers to know more about you as a student, your goals and how the scholarship will help you continue your education. So write memorable personal statement essay examples for scholarships that stand out among the hundreds of other submissions.

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Contoh Personal Statement GKS/KGSP Undergraduate

Contoh Personal Statement KGSP Undergraduate: The importance of a personal statement cannot be overemphasis when it comes to applying for a GKS scholarship.

In fact, a personal statement is regarded as of the most important parts when it comes to applying for GKS/KGSP undergraduate scholarship. By showcasing their diverse motivations for applying for the scholarship program, applying students provide the selection committee with valuable insights that can inform a more nuanced and effective selection process.

I am certain you hold a great interest in the GKS/KGSP scholarship scheme hence why you are searching for contoh (example) of personal statement covers for GKS scholarship. We will walk you through all there is to know about personal statements with examples (contoh), as well as how to write a convincing statement to which will boost your chances of getting selected by the scholarship committee.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a written document that provides a comprehensive overview of an individual’s background, experiences, achievements, goals, and interests. It is often used as part of the application process for educational programs, jobs, or other opportunities where individuals are required to present a concise and compelling account of themselves in this case scholarships.

In the context of academic applications, a personal statement may also be referred to as a statement of purpose or admissions essay. The primary purpose of a personal statement is to give the reader a deeper understanding of the applicant’s character, motivations, and suitability for the specific opportunity or position.

What is GKS/KGSP Scholarship?

The Global Korea Scholarship Program, commonly known as the GKS Scholarship , is an educational grant supported and overseen by the National Institute for International Education, a division of the Ministry of Education in the Republic of Korea. The program is designed to enable international students to pursue higher education in the Republic of Korea, offering opportunities for bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D., and research programs to eligible candidates globally.

Additionally, this scholarship initiative allows students from around the world to pursue and complete undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in the Republic of Korea.

Why Need a Personal Statement for GKS/KGSP Scholarship

The primary idea behind every personal statement is to provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s background, experiences, achievements, goals, and interests. Below are some of the reasons why personal statements are importance for GKS/KGSP.

• Individual Insight: A personal statement provides a deeper understanding of who the applicant is beyond their academic achievements and resume. It allows scholarship committees to gain insight into the applicant’s personality, values, and motivations.
• Goal Clarification : It helps applicants articulate their academic and career goals, demonstrating a clear sense of purpose and direction. This information aids scholarship providers in selecting candidates whose aspirations align with the objectives of the scholarship.
• Differentiation : Since many scholarship applicants may have similar academic records, a personal statement serves as a tool for applicants to differentiate themselves. It allows individuals to highlight unique experiences, skills, or qualities that make them stand out.
• Communication Skills : Writing a personal statement demonstrates an applicant’s ability to express ideas coherently, persuasively, and concisely. This is an important skill in academia and many professional fields.
• Fit with Scholarship Criteria: A well-crafted personal statement enables applicants to showcase how their background, experiences, and aspirations align with the specific criteria and goals of the scholarship program. This is crucial for demonstrating eligibility and suitability.

Is GKS/KGSP Scholarship Same?

Yes, they mean the same thing. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a program by the South Korean government that gives students scholarships. Before, it was called KGSP (Korean Government Scholarship Program). This program lets students from anywhere in the world study in South Korea.

Now that you know about the GKS Scholarship and what a Personal Statement is, let’s see how you can write one for the GKS Scholarship.

Acceptance Requirement for GKS/KGSP Scholarship

To qualify for the Korean Government Scholarship, applicants need to meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship : Candidates and their parents must possess non-Korean citizenship.
• Age : For KGSP-G, applicants should be under 40 years old.
• Health : Candidates must be in good physical and mental health to pursue their studies in Korea.
• Degree Requirements: For KGSP-G, applicants should have a Bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Grades : The cumulative grade point average (CGPA) must be 80% or higher. Alternatively, the CGPA must be 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0 or higher.
• Number of Scholarships : KGSP Graduate offers scholarships to approximately 700 grantees annually.

Guidelines for GKS/KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement Writing

Many of the students who want to apply for the GKS scholarship write their personal statements without following the proper guidelines. So, to make sure you do, we have provided the following guidelines for your GKS statement writing:

• GKS/KGSP scholarship program personal statement can be written in either Korean or English language. It depends on you.
• Make sure your GKS scholarship personal statement is of good length. It should not be more than two pages.
• Make sure to discuss your achievements, skills, experiences, and the goals that you want to achieve during your study program.

Advice/Tips for GKS/KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement

Before you begin crafting your personal statement for the GKS/KGSP scholarship, ensure it adheres to the following:

• Adhere to the guidelines set by the GKS scholarship for composing a personal statement.
• Concentrate on key points essential for making your personal statement effective.
• Ensure your personal statement is distinctive to set you apart from other scholarship applicants.
• Avoid unnecessary stories, considering the limited space of two pages allotted for your personal statement.

How to Write GKS/KGSP Personal Statement for Undergraduate (Contoh)

To write the GKS/KGSP scholarship personal statement you must follow all the things that are mentioned in the GKS scholarship personal statement form. Then follow these steps to make sure that your personal statement for the GKS/KGSP scholarship is well-written:

Write about Your Motivation for The Program:

This is the first thing or points that your personal statement should include. You must explain your motivation and why you have chosen to apply for this scholarship program. Let them know your main motive behind choosing the scholarship program. Here are several things that you can include here to show your motivation for this program:

Which course program do you want to study under this scholarship program and why?

If you are applying for this program, then what is your purpose?

How would you contribute to the community if you are selected for this scholarship program?

How can you be a good candidate for this scholarship program?

Why are you motivated by this program?

Your Family Background and Education Background:

This is another point that you should discuss in your personal statement to make it good. Talk about your educational background and provide some information regarding your family background. Things you should focus on include:

• Provide concise information regarding your academic record.
• Discuss your academic achievements which you have achieved.
• What course program you have studied previously?
• Provide brief information about your family.

Any Experience You Have, Your Achievements, Person or Event Which Influence You:

To make your personal statement unique you must write about your achievements, experience, and person or event which influence you. These things will provide information related to how you deal with challenges and what you have achieved in your life so far. Discuss your experience which might be related to the work you have done or the things you have achieved in your life. You can also explain about any person or event which influences you in your life as well. These things, if discuss well can make your personal statement good. So, write about:

• Any work experience you have.
• Achievements you have.
• Any person or event who influences you in your life.

Write About the Extracurricular Activities or Work Experience:

Your extracurricular activities or work experience can be a good thing written in your personal statement. This will make it unique from others. You can include:

• The extracurricular activities you have performed.
• The work experience you have.
• Any activity you have performed for the community.
• What you learned by doing the extracurricular activities.
• What is the reason behind performing such extracurricular activities?

Write About Your Awards, Publications, Or Skills You Have:

If you have received awards, written some publications, or have some skills then you should discuss them as well in your personal statement to make it more unique from other candidates. So, write about:

• What awards you have received?
• How did you receive those awards?
• What publications you have done?
• Why have you written those publications?
• What are the skills that you have?
• How these skills can be good for you?

Here are some PDF examples (Contoh) for GKS/KGSP scholarships you can refer to in order to enhance your application cover.

• GKS/KGSP Example one (1)
• GKS/KGSP Example two (2)
• GKS/KGSP Example three (3)
• GKS/KGSP Example four (4)
• GKS/KGSP Example five (50

Conclusion: Complete Guide on How to Write a Personal Statement for Undergraduates with Examples (Contoh)

Surely, you have learned a lot today on how to write a professional and high converting personal statement which can be used for GKS/KGSP scholarship application for applications for other international scholarship programs for undergrads.

This content is niched down to discuss all the nitty-gritties there is to know about writing a personal statement cover for undergraduates. We also went far as unveiling some done-for-you template you can refer to in order to better your copy. We hope you take advantage of this free information and begin your application process.

Let us know in the comment section if you need further clarification on the topic “contoh undergraduate GSK/KGSP personal statement”. You can as well reach out to us to craft a standard one for you anytime by using our contact form.

Last Updated: Today

Contoh Personal Statement KGSP Undergraduate – GSK Personal Statement Contoh for Indonesians – How to Write a personal statement cover with examples

How To Write A Personal Statement For GKS/KGSP Scholarship 2024

How To Write A Personal Statement For GKS/KGSP Scholarship : One cannot stress the significance of a personal statement enough when applying for a GKS scholarship.

A personal statement is thought to be one of the most crucial components of an undergraduate scholarship application for GKS/KGSP. Through the presentation of their varied reasons for applying for the scholarship program, submitting students offers the selection committee important information that can guide a more sophisticated and efficient selection procedure.

You must be quite interested in the GKS/KGSP scholarship program, as evidenced by the fact that you are looking for examples of personal statement covers for the GKS scholarship. We will teach you everything there is to know about writing a personal statement, including how to create one that will persuade the scholarship committee and provide examples (contoh).

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What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a piece of writing that gives a thorough summary of a person’s experiences, education, accomplishments, objectives, and hobbies. It is frequently utilized throughout the application process for jobs, school programs, or other opportunities where candidates must give a succinct and persuasive summary of themselves—in this case, scholarships.

A personal statement can also be referred to as an admissions essay or a statement of purpose when used in academic applications. Giving the reader a better idea of the applicant’s personality, driving forces, and fit for the particular job or opportunity is the main goal of a personal statement.

What is GKS/KGSP Scholarship?

The National Institute for International Education, a branch of the Ministry of Education in the Republic of Korea, is in charge of funding and supervising the Global Korea Scholarship Program, also referred to as the GKS Scholarship. The program offers possibilities for bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and research programs to qualified individuals worldwide, to enable overseas students to pursue higher education in the Republic of Korea.

Furthermore, this scholarship program enables international students to study for and finish their undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees in the Republic of Korea.

Why Need a Personal Statement for GKS/KGSP Scholarship

Every personal statement’s main purpose is to give a thorough summary of the experiences, background, accomplishments, objectives, and interests of the writer. Some of the factors that make personal statements crucial for GKS/KGSP are listed below.

Individual Insight: An applicant’s statement offers more insight into their identity than just their academic record and curriculum vitae. Scholarship committees can learn more about an applicant’s character, principles, and driving forces thanks to it.

Goal Clarification : It assists candidates in clearly expressing their academic and professional objectives and demonstrates a strong sense of purpose and direction. This data helps scholarship providers choose applicants whose goals coincide with the scholarship’s aims.

Differentiation : A personal statement allows applicants to stand out from the crowd, especially because many scholarship recipients may have comparable academic backgrounds. It enables people to showcase distinctive experiences, abilities, or characteristics that set them apart.

Communication Skills : Composing a personal statement showcases an applicant’s capacity for clear, concise, and convincing thought expression. In many professional domains, including academics, this is a crucial talent.

Fit with Scholarship Criteria: With a well-written personal statement, applicants can demonstrate how their experiences, background, and goals fit the particular requirements and objectives of the scholarship program. To prove eligibility and suitability, this is essential.

  Is GKS/KGSP Scholarship Same?

Indeed, their meanings are identical. The South Korean government offers scholarships to students through the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program. It was formerly known as the Korean Government Scholarship Program or KGSP. Students can study in South Korea with this program from any location in the world.

Let’s look at how to create a personal statement for the GKS Scholarship now that you are aware of it and what it entails.

Acceptance Requirement for GKS/KGSP Scholarship

To be eligible for the Korean Government Scholarship, candidates must fulfil the following requirements:

Citizenship : Candidates must be citizens of a country other than Korea, as must their parents.

Age : Candidates must be citizens of a country other than Korea, as must their parents .

Health : To continue their education in Korea, candidates must be in good physical and mental health.

Degree : Qualifications: Candidates for KGSP-G must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Grades : A grade point average (CGPA) of 80% or above is required. Alternatively, 2.64/4.0, 2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, or 3.23/5.0 is required as the minimum CGPA.

  Number of Scholarships : Every year, KGSP Graduate awards scholarships to over 700 recipients.

Guidelines for GKS/KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement Writing

A large number of applicants for the GKS scholarship improperly compose their statements. Therefore, we have included the following instructions for creating your GKS statement to make sure you do:

• The personal statement for the GKS/KGSP scholarship program may be written in Korean or English. It is up to you.
• Make sure the personal statement for your GKS scholarship is a decent length. It ought to be no longer than two pages.
• Talk about your accomplishments, abilities, experiences, and the objectives you have for your academic program.

Advice/Tips for GKS/KGSP Scholarship Personal Statement

Make sure your statement complies with the following before starting to write it for the GKS/KGSP scholarship:

• Follow the instructions provided by the GKS scholarship when writing your statement.
•  Focus on the important details that are necessary to make your statement successful.
• Make sure your statement stands out from the rest so that you can be considered for the scholarshi1p.
• Steer clear of superfluous narratives, keeping in mind that your statement has two pages.

How to Write GKS/KGSP Personal Statement for Undergraduate (Contoh)

You must adhere to all instructions listed in the GKS scholarship personal statement form to write the GKS/KGSP scholarship personal statement. Then, to ensure that your statement for the GKS/KGSP scholarship is well-written, adhere to the following guidelines:

Write about Your Motivation for The Program:

This is the first point or points, that ought to be in your statement. It is required of you to provide an explanation of your motivation for applying to this scholarship program. Tell them why you chose the scholarship program in the first place. You can insert any number of items to demonstrate your enthusiasm for this program here:

• What course program, and why, do you wish to enrol in under this scholarship program?
• What is your goal if you are applying for this program?
• If you were chosen for this scholarship program, what kind of contributions would you make to the community?
• In what ways might you qualify for this scholarship program?
• Why does this program inspire you?

Your Family Background and Education Background:

To make your statement stand out, you should also address this subject. Discuss your educational background and share some details about your family history. Things to concentrate on are as follows:

• Give brief details about your academic background.
• Talk about the academic success you have attained.
• Which course curriculum have you previously completed?
• Give a brief overview of your family’s background.

Any Experience You Have, Your Achievements, Person or Event Which Influence You:

Your statement needs to be distinctive, so write about your experiences, accomplishments, and influential people or events. These items will reveal details about your approach to problem-solving and your past accomplishments. Talk about your experience, which may have anything to do with the work you’ve done or the accomplishments you’ve made in life. You can also discuss any individual or occasion that has had an impact on your life. If these topics are properly discussed, they can improve your statement. Thus, write about:

• Any prior employment experience you may have.
• Accomplishments you’ve made.
• Everyone or anything that has an impact on your life.

Write About the Extracurricular Activities or Work Experience:

• Write about your work experience or extracurricular activities.
• Your involvement in extracurricular activities.
• Your professional background.
• Anything you’ve done to benefit the community.
• What you discovered while participating in extracurricular activities.
• Why are you engaging in these extracurricular activities?
• Write About Your Awards, Publications, Or Skills You Have:

To set your statement apart from the resumes of other applicants, you should also mention any honours, publications, or talents you may have had. Thus, write about:

• Which honours have you been bestowed with?
• How were those awards given to you?
• Which magazines have you written for?
• What publications have you written?
• Which skills do you possess?
• In what ways may these abilities benefit you?

Contoh Personal Statement GKS/KGSP Undergraduate

You can use these PDF examples (Contoh) for GKS/KGSP scholarships to improve the cover of your application.

• GKS/KGSP First Example (1)
• GKS/KGSP Case Study (2)

Conclusion: Complete Guide on How to Write a Personal Statement for Undergraduates with Examples (Contoh)

You have undoubtedly gained a lot of knowledge today about how to compose a polished and highly persuasive personal statement for the GKS/KGSP scholarship application as well as applications for other foreign undergrad scholarship programs.

This content is specifically tailored to address every detail there is to know about crafting an undergraduate personal statement cover. We even went so far as to present a done-for-you template that you may use to improve the copy. We sincerely hope you start your application process and make use of this free material.

If you require any additional clarity on the subject of “contoh undergraduate GSK/KGSP personal statement,” please let us know in the comments area. You can also get in touch with us so we can create a standard one for you.

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How to write your personal statement and SOP for GKS-Graduate Scholarship. Tips for interview!!  

  January 21, 2024

By   Smriti Ekka

Writing an effective Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement is a frequently asked question among the students who apply for a GKS Scholarship for the first time. The main purpose of this article is to help you write such a statement.

So today I have mentioned some points that I have broken down into small segments which will be easy for you to understand how to write your own personal statement and statement of purpose. ALSO some tips for the interview that will make you sound more promising while applying for the GKS 2022 scholarship for Masters and PhD in Korea.

To check the GKS Field of study and guidelines click HERE !!

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Like the word suggests. The student should write his/her experiences, achievements, values. The reasons to study abroad and apply for the scholarship might not be so unique, thus, the way it is written should be impactful.

The following key question can be formed and written in a way that would sound promising and you can include the following questions like :

• Why did you decide to go to graduate school ?
• Why you chose Korea and what you can do in Korea after your graduation ?
• How GKS benefit in your field of study ?

Things should be mentioned in detail. Analysis on all those parts can further be broken down into small segments for easy evaluation and understanding. 

• The first part can be very idealistic.
• Second part should be practical.
• Third part can include all the summary of what you have mentioned above.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

A real Statement of Purpose shows that you have thought through why you are doing the course, rather than exclaiming a wish to be one day employed. Even if you have fully considered your reasons for undertaking further study, it is not uncommon to feel a certain self-consciousness about writing about them.

Statement of purpose definitely contains your goal of study. Statement of purpose definitely contains your goal of study.

• The first part could be started with a quote. That's done by most of the people. Followed by explaining what you'll do in " that " specific University !! 

The answer shouldn't be like " You wish to study with that professor." Those types of answers are always along the line. But  your answer should be more promising like, how you will be generating more knowledge together. With the help of such a good facility how will you be able to contribute and take advantage of such opportunities given to you.

You can explain how being able to get such knowledge you can help others and expand your field of study and contribute much more. 

• The second part of it can include the research interest. How is it going to help you in your field of interest?

Since Korea is among the top 5 OECD countries that spend most on research & development studies constituting 4.46 percent of South Korea's GDP. Hence a lot of the students around the globe are interested to study in Korea because of the facilities/benefits provided which includes

• Monthly allowance
• Two way air fare
• Monthly allowance which will be enough for you to survive in Korea.

See Also : Things to prepare for GKS Scholarship 2021

With all these facilities they want you to focus solely on the research and provide the best result afterwards. Your focus should be to fully invest your time in the research and make use of the guidance by being under the professor of your department. 

• The third part could be the research topic. After the research topic you need to explain about the research topic
• You can include why you have the necessary aptitude to succeed in GKS ?

Things that will ultimately make you stand out from the rest of the students after you have completed your graduation. You have to convince and prove your worth and give that commitment to the professors in writing what you will ultimately be providing them in the end. 

 To stand out from the rest of the students if you have already done some studies in your field or have published some papers already or doing some work in some specific areas. Chances are that your worth could be easily measured looking at those results. 

In the future plan. You can break it down into two parts:- 

• Long term goals and short term goals. 

In long term goals you can write keeping in mind about the next five years and short term could be what you can achieve in the coming few months maybe.

For the short term you can mention how KGSP will help you in achieving those dreams. It shouldn't include what you want to do after kgsp BUT how can KGSP help you to achieve those goals of yours !!

There's a difference between the two and mentioning the latter can increase your chance immensely !! You can also list down the goals down below which should be closely linked to your graduate studies.

For the long term goals you can also mention in detail about how long you'll be staying in Korea and what will be your field of study after graduation and then probably going back to your country, you will continue working in the field of yours. 

Eventually you have to mention how the KGSP is going to help you to achieve those long-term goals of yours.

You can easily write about your long term goals by adjusting what you have already mentioned in the short term goals and try to add two or three points in it to make it sound appropriate . It shouldn't be lengthy. Just explaining two or three points would be enough.

It is actually mentioned that you have to score TOPIK 3 and above to give you an extra 10 points while selection. BUT as long as you have something that makes you stand out from the rest of the students that would be enough for you to get into any university. For example fluency in Korean, research skill or entrepreneur skills.

Tips for the Interview !!

Mainly the interview is very nerve wracking and people are very nervous before giving the interview keeping in mind that it's for the research and professors may ask you questions regarding your field of knowledge and you should be thoroughly prepared for it.

• Questions linked to your major.
• Questions related to the documents that you have provided.
• Question can also be a close link to why you have chosen that particular University auditor field of study and why Korea was your destination for studies.

Confidence is the key and how you articulate your thinking well enough for the professors and teachers to pick you from the crowd.

The key point would be to emphasize on the things that you are actually good at and make it your key point.

The best suggestion I will give you is to prepare something in Korean even if you don't speak it properly.

Having some knowledge of Korean will always give you that " extra edge" even if you are preparing to go to Korea in general.  Not to mention it is highly appreciated if you're doing any kind of studies in Korea.

They might ask you to introduce yourself in Korean so prepare small sentences that you would be confident in.

Since you are applying to learn and improve your abilities, it is important to make that goal clear in the statement of purpose.

Those were the few points that would be helpful in writing your personal statement and statement of purpose. Hope you found this article helpful. Please write your doubts below if you have any.

Thank you !!

Smriti Ekka

Smriti Ekka graduated in Commerce and Library science, and currently she is working as a content writer at TOPIK Guide website. She is a Korean language and culture enthusiast and has been working across multiple disciplines which broadly addresses narratives of similarities between Korean and Indian culture. Apart from being a content writer at TOPIK Guide she manages Annyeong India website and has had her pieces published in Learn Korean in India website as well. In her other life, she is a singer, rising entrepreneur, life enthusiast and a learner.

related posts:

Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degree 2024 – For Indian Students

Gks graduate scholarship 2024 : things to prepare, difference between 아/어/해도 되다 & (으)면 되다 [korean grammar].

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Thankyou !!!

I hope i make it to scholarship KGSP2021

Good luck . Fighting

May I know how many copies of transcript I need to send for embassy trekking .

Just one , the original copy or with along 3 photo copies . A total of 4 copies ??

Hello, I want to know that is it ok if you are a double graduate and want to apply for GSK by using your first graduation degree. As i did my graduation with english honourse in 2015 and after that i persued law and completed my law degree in 2019. And now i want to apply for GSK by using english honourse degree because i want to do my masters in english litrature.

Thank you so much for such a beneficial information! But it is only a format on how to write a SOP! , Can you also post an article showing a written SOP so that the readers reading your article who might be getting confused! N it can also help clearing the confusion! Can you? Please!?

Will gks accept the students who are willing to choose the dance course which is under the entertainment and sports division?

Hi Aswini, Actually AMA+ K-arts scholarship accept the students who want to learn dance. It is same as GKS scholarship (I would say only the name differs.). This scholarship is for them who want to learn any kind of art at Korea national university of arts(K-arts). And the rest you can check by on their website. I am also applying there for Animation, that's how I know about it. Hope this will help.

What transcript do we need is it only senior secondary school year and can we submitted photocopies of document apostilled

Will writing sop and study plans in korean language give an extra benifit? Should it be my own handwriting?

Can I apply for GKS GRADUATE 2024 if I am an expected graduate I will graduate in June . And if yes what certificate should I have instead graduation certificate

Learn Korean with Dr. Satish Satyarthi

on LKI YouTube Channel

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write a Personal Statement for a Scholarship + Examples

What’s covered:, what is the purpose of the scholarship personal statement, what to include in your personal statement, personal statement example: breakdown + analysis, how to make sure your writing is effective.

Either before or after you’ve gotten into your dream school, you’ll have to figure out how to pay for it. For most students, this involves a combination of financial aid, parent contributions, self-contributions, student loans, and scholarships/grants. Because scholarships are money out of someone else’s pocket that you never have to pay back, they are a great place to start!

Scholarships come in two forms: merit-based and need-based. Need-based scholarships are also often called grants. These designations tell you whether an organization looks at your financial situation when deciding about your scholarship.

Additionally, different scholarships fall under different categories based on the mission of the organization or person providing the scholarship’s financing. These missions typically emphasize different things like academic achievement, specific career goals, community service, leadership, family background, skill in the arts, or having overcome hardship. As you select scholarships to apply for and complete your applications, you should keep these missions in mind.

No matter what type of scholarship you are applying for, you will be asked to provide the review committee with standard materials. This includes your transcript, GPA, and resume/extracurriculars, but also, importantly, your personal statement. A scholarship personal statement is a bit different from your normal college essay, so we’ve put together this guide and some examples to help you get started!

The purpose of your personal statement is to help a review committee learn more about your personality, values, goals, and what makes you special. Ultimately, like with your college essays, you are trying to humanize your profile beyond your transcript, GPA, and test scores.

College essays all have one goal in mind (which is why you can apply to multiple schools at once through applications like the Common App or Coalition App): convince admissions officers that you would be a valuable addition to the university environment. The goal of your scholarship personal statement is different and differs more from one scholarship to the next. Rather than convincing various review committees that you are a generally good candidate for extra funding for college, you need to convince each review committee that your values have historically aligned with their organization’s mission and will continue to align with their organization’s mission.

Common missions amongst those who give scholarships include:

• Providing opportunities for students with career ambitions in a particular field
• Helping students who have experienced unexpected hardship
• Supporting students who show outstanding academic achievement
• Funding the arts through investing in young artists with strong technical skill
• Supporting the development of civic-minded community service leaders of the future
• Providing opportunities for historically underrepresented ethnic communities 

If a specific mission like this is outlined on an organization’s website or in the promotional material for its scholarship, the purpose of your personal statement is to show how you exemplify that mission.

Some scholarships ask for your personal statement to be guided by a prompt, while others leave things open for interpretation. When you are provided a prompt, it is obvious what you must do: answer the prompt. When you are not provided a prompt, you want to write a personal statement that is essentially a small-scale autobiography where you position yourself as a good investment. In either case, you should identify a focus or theme for what you are trying to say about yourself so that your application does not get lost in the shuffle.

Prompts include questions like:

• Why do you deserve this scholarship?
• How have you shown your commitment to (leadership/community service/diversity) in your community?
• When did you overcome adversity?
• Why is attending college important to you?

If you are provided a prompt, develop a theme for your response that showcases both your values and your achievements. This will help your essay feel focused and will subsequently help the review committee to remember which candidate you were as they deliberate.

Themes include things like:

• I deserve this community service scholarship because my compassion for intergenerational trauma has inspired me to volunteer with a local after-school program. I didn’t just sympathize. I did something about my sympathy because that’s the type of person I am. Within the program, I have identified avenues for improvement and worked alongside full-time staff to develop new strategies for increasing attendance.
• I overcame adversity when my mother had to have a major surgery two months after giving birth to my younger brother. I was just a kid but was thrown into a situation where I had to raise another kid. It was hard, but I’m the kind of person who tries to grow from hard times and, through my experience taking care of a baby, I learned the importance of listening to body language and nonverbal cues to understand the needs of others (baby and nonbaby, alike).

Without a prompt, clarity can be harder to achieve. That said, it is of the utmost importance that you find a focus. First, think about both your goals and your values.

Types of goals include:

• Career goals
• Goals for personal growth
• The type of friend you want to be
• The change you want to make in the world

Values could include:

• Authenticity
• And many more!

After you write out your goals/values, write out your achievements to see what goals/values you have “proof” of your commitment to. Your essay will ultimately be an exploration of your goal/value, what you have done about your goal/value in the past, and what you aspire to in the future.

You might be tempted to reflect on areas for improvement, but scholarships care about you living out your values. It is not enough to aspire to be exemplary in leadership, community service, or your academic field. For scholarships, you have to already be exemplary.

Finally, keep in mind that the review committee likely already has a copy of your extracurricular activities and involvement. Pick one or two accomplishments, then strive for depth, not breadth as you explore them.

My interest in the field of neuroscience began at a young age.  When I was twelve years old, my sister developed a condition called Pseudotumor Cerebri following multiple concussions during a basketball game.  It took the doctors over six months to make a proper diagnosis, followed by three years of treatment before she recovered.  During this time, my love for neuroscience was sparked as I began to research her condition and, then, other neurocognitive conditions.  Later, my love of neuroscience was amplified when my mother began to suffer from brain-related health issues.  My mother had been a practicing attorney in Dallas for over twenty years.  She was a determined litigator who relentlessly tried difficult cases that changed people’s lives.  Now, she suffers from a cognitive impairment and is no longer able to practice law.  Oftentimes, she has headaches, she gets “cloudy,” her executive functioning slows down, she feels overwhelmed, and she forgets things.  My mother has gone from being the strong, confident, emotional and financial caretaker of our family to needing significant help on a daily basis. Once again, with this illness came a lot of research on my part — research that encouraged me to pursue my dreams of exploring neuroscience.

Due to my experiences with my mother and sister when I was in middle school, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the field of neuroscience.  I also knew that, to obtain this goal, I needed to maintain superior grades in school while also pursuing opportunities outside of school to further my education.  In school, I was able to maintain superior grades to the point where I am currently valedictorian in a class of 567 students.  In addition, in school, I challenged myself by taking 16 Advanced Placement classes and 19 Honors classes.  Two of the most beneficial classes were AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research.  AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research are research-oriented classes where students are given the opportunity to pursue whatever track their research takes them down.  As a junior in AP Capstone Seminar, I researched the effects of harmful pesticide use on the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children.  This year, as a senior in AP Capstone Research, I am learning about the effects of medical marijuana on the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  

Outside of school, I furthered my education through taking advantage of the Duke TiP summer program. Duke TiP is a summer program run by Duke University where students who score extremely well on the SAT as middle schoolers are able to take college classes at different universities throughout the summers of their middle school and high school years.  I took advantage of this opportunity twice.  First, I went to Trinity University in San Antonio to expand my horizons and learn more about debate.  However, once I was done exploring, I decided I wanted to go into neuroscience.  This led me to take an Abnormal Psychology class at Duke University’s West Campus.  This class opened my eyes to the interaction between neuroscience and mental health, mental illness, and personality.  Years later, I am currently continuing my education outside of school as an intern at the University of Texas Dallas Center for Brain Health.  Through this internship, I have been able to see different aspects of neuroscience including brain pattern testing, virtual reality therapy, and longitudinal research studies.  With this background, I have positioned myself to be accepted by top neuroscience programs throughout the nation.  So far, I have been accepted to the neuroscience department of University of Southern California, the University of Virginia, the University of Texas, and Southern Methodist University, as well as the chemistry department at University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill.  

It is with this passion for neuroscience driven by my family and passion for education driven by internal motivation that I will set out to conquer my career objectives.  My educational aspirations consist of acquiring a bachelor’s degree in a biological or health science that would assist me in pursuing a medical career as a neuroscience researcher.  I decided to attain a career as a researcher since my passion has always been assisting others and trying to improve their quality of life.  After obtaining my Masters and my PhD, I plan to become a professor at a prestigious university and continue performing lab research on cognitive disorders.  I am particularly interested in disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  In the lab, I hope to find different therapies and medications to help treat the 3.5 million people around the world suffering from ASD.  Furthermore, I want to contribute back to underserved populations that struggle because they do not have as much access to medical assistance as other privileged groups.  As such, I hope to do a part of my research in less developed or developing Spanish-speaking countries. This will also allow me to pursue my love of Spanish while pursuing my love of neuroscience.  I think that following such a career path will provide me the opportunity to learn about the medical needs of the autistic community and improve their quality of health.  Furthermore, I hope to train a new generation of students to strive to research and make comparable discoveries.  Whether it be through virtual reality labs or new drug discoveries, I believe that research leads to innovation which leads to a brighter future. 

This student does a great job of making themself appear competent and dedicated to the field of neuroscience. This is primarily because they provided tangible evidence of how they have pursued their dedication in the past—through their AP Capstone courses, their Abnormal Psychology class at Duke TiP, and their internship at UTD. There is no doubt in the mind of a reader that this student is high-achieving. 

This student also engages successfully with a past-future trajectory, where they end with a vision of how they will continue to use neuroscience in the future. This helps the review committee see what they are investing in and the ways that their money will go to good use.

This student has two major areas for improvement. As we have said, the purpose of a personal statement is for a student to humanize themself to a review committee. This student struggles to depict themself separately from their academic achievements. A solution to this would be for the student to establish a theme towards the beginning of their essay that relates to both their values as a human and their achievements.

At the beginning of the essay, the student explores how their interest in neuroscience began. They explain their interest through the following sentences: “During this time, my love for neuroscience was sparked as I began to research her condition and, then, other neurocognitive conditions” and “Once again, with this illness came a lot of research on my part — research that encouraged me to pursue my dreams of exploring neuroscience.” The student made the great decision to tell the backstory of their interest, but they described their research in very mundane and redundant terms. Instead, they could have focused on their value of intellectual curiosity as a magnetic force that encouraged them to research their mother and sister’s ailments. Curiosity, then, could serve as a value-related thematic throughline to taking AP Capstone classes, taking college courses during the summer that weren’t required, and interning before even graduating high school.

A second area for improvement would be avoiding statistics. As the student identifies their valedictorian status and the number of AP classes they have taken, they might turn away certain personalities on a review committee by appearing braggy. Even further, these statistics are a waste of space. The review committee already has access to this information. These words distract from the major theme of the essay and would have been better used to humanize the student.

Throughout my academic career, I have been an avid scholar, constantly pushing myself towards ambitious goals. I held and continue to hold myself to a high standard, enrolling myself in rigorous curriculum, including Honors and Advanced Placement courses to stretch my mental potential. During my junior year of high school, I took four AP tests, two on the same day, and earned the AP Scholar with Honor Award. Additionally, I received the Letter of Commendation for the PSAT/NMSQT, and qualified for Rotary Top 100 Students both my freshman and senior year, a sign of my commitment to my studies. However, school has not been all about having the best GPA for me; beyond the numbers, I have a deep drive to learn which motivates me to do well academically. I truly enjoy learning new things, whether it be a new essay style or a math theorem. I always give each class my best effort and try my hardest on every assignment. My teachers have noticed this as well, and I have received school Lancer Awards and Student of the Month recognitions as a result. It is a major goal of mine to continue to aspire towards a high level of achievement regarding future educational and occupational endeavors; I plan on continuing this level of dedication throughout my educational career and implementing the skills I have learned and will learn into my college experience and beyond.

This fall, I will begin attending the University of California Los Angeles as an English major. I chose this major because I am fascinated by written language, especially its ability to convey powerful messages and emotions. I also enjoy delving into the works of other authors to analyze specific components of their writing to discover the meaning behind their words. In particular, I cannot wait to begin in-depth literary criticism and learn new stylistic techniques to add more depth to my writing. Furthermore, I recently went to UCLA’s Bruin Day, an event for incoming freshmen, where I was exposed to many different extracurriculars, some of which really piqued my interest. I plan on joining the Writing Success Program, where I can help students receive free writing help, and Mock Trial, where I can debate issues with peers in front of a real judge. The latter, combined with a strong writing background from my undergraduate English studies will be extremely beneficial because I plan to apply to law school after my undergraduate degree. As of now, my career goal is to become a civil rights lawyer, to stand up for those who are discriminated against and protect minority groups to proliferate equality.

As a lawyer, I wish to utilize legislation to ameliorate the plight of the millions of Americans who feel prejudice and help them receive equity in the workplace, society, and so on. Though this seems a daunting task, I feel that my work ethic and past experience will give me the jumpstart I need to establish myself as a successful lawyer and give a voice to those who are often unheard in today’s legal system. I have been a Girl Scout for over a decade and continually participate in community service for the homeless, elderly, veterans, and more. My most recent project was the Gold Award, which I conducted in the Fullerton School District. I facilitated over ten workshops where junior high students taught elementary pupils STEM principles such as density and aerodynamics via creative activities like building aluminum boats and paper airplanes. I also work at Kumon, a tutoring center, where I teach students to advance their academic success. I love my job, and helping students from local schools reach their potential fills me with much pride.

Both being a Girl Scout and working at Kumon have inspired me to help those in need, contributing significantly to my desire to become a lawyer and aid others. My extracurriculars have allowed me to gain a new perspective on both learning and teaching, and have solidified my will to help the less fortunate. In college, I hope to continue to gain knowledge and further develop my leadership skills, amassing qualities that will help me assist others. I plan to join multiple community service clubs, such as UCLA’s local outreach programs that directly aid residents of Los Angeles. I want to help my fellow pupils as well, and plan on volunteering at peer tutoring and peer editing programs on campus. After college, during my career, I want to use legal tactics to assist the underdog and take a chance on those who are often overlooked for opportunities. I wish to represent those that are scared to seek out help or cannot afford it. Rather than battling conflict with additional conflict, I want to implement peaceful but strong, efficient tactics that will help make my state, country, and eventually the world more welcoming to people of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. These goals are close to my heart and therefore I will be as diligent as I am passionate about them. My perseverance and love for learning and community service drive my ambition in both education and life as a whole, and the drive to make the world a better place is one that I will carry with me for my entire life.

This student emphasizes two values in this essay: hard work and community service. These are values that go together nicely, and definitely make sense with this student’s end goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer! That said, some changes could be made to the way the student presents their values that would make their personal statement more convincing and engaging.

Structurally, instead of using a past-future trajectory, this student starts by explaining their academic achievements, then explains their career goals, then explains their history of community service, then explains their future desires for community service. This structure loses the reader. Instead, the student should have started with either the past or the future. 

This could look like 1) identifying their career goals, 2) explaining that hard work and a commitment to community service are necessary to get there, and 3) explaining that they aren’t worried because of their past commitment to hard work and community service. Or it could look like 1) providing examples of their hard work and community service in the past, then 2) explaining how those values will help them achieve their career goals.

Additionally, like with our other example, this student shows a heavy investment in statistics and spouting off accomplishments. This can be unappealing. Unfortunately, even when the student recognizes that they are doing this, writing “beyond the numbers, I have a deep drive to learn which motivates me to do well academically. I truly enjoy learning new things, whether it be a new essay style or a math theorem,” they continue on to cite their achievements, writing “My teachers have noticed this as well, and I have received school Lancer Awards and Student of the Month recognitions as a result.” They say they are going beyond the numbers, but they don’t go beyond the awards. They don’t look inward. One way to fix this would be to make community service the theme around which the essay operates, supplementing with statistics in ways that advance the image of the student as dedicated to community service.

Finally, this student would be more successful if they varied their sentence structure. While a small-scale autobiography can be good, if organized, every sentence should not begin with ‘I.’ The essay still needs to be engaging or the review committee might stop reading.

Feedback is ultimately any writer’s best source of improvement! To get your personal statement edited for free, use our Peer Review Essay Tool . With this tool, other students can tell you if your scholarship essay is effective and help you improve your essay so that you can have the best chances of gaining those extra funds!

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