Yogyakarta, October 14, 2026 — Good news has once again arrived from the alumni of UGM’s Korean Language and Culture Study Program. In 2026, two alumni successfully passed the selection process for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). This fully funded scholarship from the South Korean government provides them with a golden opportunity to pursue their studies at a higher level. Undoubtedly, there was a long journey and thorough preparation behind their success. What are their stories and how did they prepare for the selection stages? Let’s dive into their journey!
Name: Dinda Saraswati Jillaningtyas (Yayas) (2017)
Host University: Ewha Women University (Communication and Media)
“2019년의 나는 상상도 하지 못한 일이었다” Semua pasti akan ada waktunya. 2019 Aku pernah gagal untuk mendapatkan beasiswa GKS ke Korea untuk exchange. Tapi siapa yang tahu kalau 2026 aku berhasil mendapatkan GKS-G one shot. Mungkin saat itu memang bukan jalanku dan mungkin S2 ini memang jalanku. 너무나도 감사한 일이기도 하고 힘든 길로 선택하는 걸로 잘 알고 그 고독한 길로 선택하는 거는 나였으니까 2년동안 열심히 공부하면서 재밌고 보람이 있는 모험으로 해보겠습니다. 좋은 기회였기에 더 좋은 모습으로 성장하겠습니다! Kalau saat itu kalian sudah berusaha keras namun hasilnya mengkhianati kalian, mungkin memang belum waktunya saja. Semangat selalu!”
Name: Putri Puji Hasnah (2020)
Host University: KDI School of Public Policy and Management (Master of Development Policy)
“I once asked God to redirect my life. Maybe GKS is the answer to my prayers. I never expected that I would finally make it here, but I strongly believe there will be many ways to turn the pure intention I have carried with me into something meaningful, to bring as much benefit as I can to the people and the world around me. Pursuing a completely different major for my master’s might be challenging. It might even feel like I’m starting from zero. But God has entrusted me with what I once prayed for, and I choose to take it as a sign to keep going.”
Kak Putri juga membagikan tips and trick, nih, untuk para pejuang Beasiswa GKS selanjutnya!
“Make the most of your privilege. Some people spend years working toward their dreams. I worked for almost two years to save enough money to finally apply for a master’s scholarship. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but even pursuing a scholarship requires a certain level of privilege. Still, keep holding on to your dreams. What’s meant for you will find its way to you.”
Those were the stories and preparation tips from our two seniors regarding the 2026 GKS selection. Once again, congratulations on your studies in South Korea! We wish you good health and smooth sailing with all your endeavors there~ For fellow BKK UGM students who want to follow in their footsteps, don’t hesitate to start gathering application information as early as possible. Keep your spirits up, and see you in our next scholarship update! ^^
(Salwa Aulia, Alma Naya)
