How I study in Academy of Korean Studies on scholarship: Real Tips

*This is based on a real life experience shared by an Indian student currently enrolled in Academy of Korean Studies in South Korea. For more details, please refer to the content below.

Why did you choose the Academy of Korean Studies?

As I began planning my journey to study in Korea, I knew I needed a program that would challenge me academically and allow me to engage fully with Korea’s cultural and historical depth.

I chose the Graduate School of the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) because:

its unique focus on Korean studies
its reputation as a leading institution for research and education in Korean Studies
its interdisciplinary approach, which allows students to explore Korea from multiple perspectives

2. Please tell us something about your programme.

The Korean Cultural Studies program is the only major at AKS taught entirely in English.

This program provides a comprehensive understanding of Korean culture from a cross-cultural perspective, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches among history, linguistics, literature, economics, philosophy, psychology, and more in pre-modern and modern contexts.

3. Could you tell us about the admission requirements and the application process?

a) Research prior to the application

I started by visiting the official AKS website (intl.aks.ac.kr) to understand the program requirements, deadlines, and required documents.
I also reached out to current students and alumni through different platforms to gain personal insights into their experiences.
I also talked to one of our professors who had studied at AKS before. He guided me by sharing tips on writing a strong research proposal, and even connected me with a current student in the program. This immensely boosted my confidence.

b) Documents Preparation

Applying to AKS is competitive, so careful preparation is key. Here’s a list of key requirements and how I approached them:

Application Form: The form is available on the Study in Korea website during the admission period. Applications open twice a year (March and September).
- Make sure you mark these dates on your calendar and set reminders to avoid missing deadlines.

Statement of Purpose (SOP): This is one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of the application. So be very careful while writing it.
- Draft and revise it several times.
- Focus on your research interests, why you chose AKS, and how your academic background aligns with Korean Studies.
- Also highlight your long-term goals, such as contributing to the global understanding of Korean culture through research and teaching.

Research Proposal: Since AKS is a research-driven institution, a well-structured research proposal is essential.
- Put in time to refine your proposal, ensuring it is clear, feasible, and aligned with the expertise of the faculty in your department.
- I highly recommend checking faculty profiles to tailor your proposal effectively.

Academic Transcripts & Degree Certificates: It’s easy because initially you only need to submit documents online. If selected, you’ll then provide notarized and translated copies (if they aren’t in English or Korean).

Letters of Recommendation: You have to submit a recommendation letter along with the application.
- Request for a recommendation letter from a professor familiar with your academic work, capabilities and passion for Korean studies.
- Give them plenty of time to write the letter.
- Providing them with a copy of your SOP and research proposal will help.

Language Proficiency: For The Korean Cultural Studies program, which is taught in English, a minimum TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.5 is required if you’re not a native English speaker. For Korean-taught majors, a minimum of TOPIK Level 4 is necessary.
- Make sure you have TOEFL scores in the required range.
- Taking exam at least six months before the application deadline will be helpful so that you have enough time to retake it if needed.
- Although not necessary for English taught major, TOPIK scores will be advantageous in standing out amongst thousands of applicants.

4. Any tips for students planning on applying for the same programme?

a) Tips for a Strong Application

For a strong application, a clear demonstration of your passion for Korean studies and research is needed.
Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and research proposal should be well-structured, specific, and aligned with the expertise of AKS faculty.
Take time to research professors and tailor your proposal accordingly.
When writing your SOP, clearly explain your academic background, research interests, and how AKS fits into your long-term goals.
Letters of recommendation should come from professors who know your work well and can provide strong endorsements.
If English is not your native language, ensure your TOEFL/IELTS scores meet the minimum requirement.
If applying for a Korean-taught program, a TOPIK Level 4 or higher is essential.

b) Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid submitting research proposals that are too general or lack detail.
Your proposal should be specific, realistic, and feasible within the resources available at AKS and in Korea.
Many applicants also underestimate the importance of proofreading grammatical errors; poorly structured essays can weaken an otherwise strong application.
Don’t underestimate the importance of networking; reaching out to current students or professors for insights can give you a competitive edge.
Since the competition is high, double-check all requirements, prepare early, and seek feedback from professors or current students to refine your application.

Any scholarship or other opportunities students can avail at AKS?

One of the most significant advantages of studying at AKS is the financial support offered to international students. Tuition fees are entirely waived, and selected students receive a monthly allowance of 800,000 KRW. If you don’t receive the scholarship in your first semester, you can apply for it at the start of any subsequent semester.

Additionally, AKS offers part-time work opportunities on campus, such as Teaching Assistant (TA) and Research Assistant (RA) positions. These roles not only provide a good income but also enhance your academic and professional experience.

During my first semester, I worked as a Research Assistant for one of my professors, which allowed me to gain hands-on experience in my field while earning extra income. It was a rewarding experience that deepened my understanding of Korean studies and helped me build valuable connections

Applying to the Academy of Korean Studies was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The program has allowed me to deepen my understanding of Korean culture and history while connecting with like-minded individuals from around the world. The supportive academic environment and the financial and professional opportunities have made my experience at AKS genuinely transformative.

If you’re passionate about Korean studies, I highly encourage you to apply. While the journey requires dedication and effort, the experience of studying at AKS is incredibly rewarding!