How to Apply at Sky and Get Accepted at Yonsei University or Big 3 in South Korea (SKY) as a foreigner

My Success Story: How I Got Accepted with a 50% Scholarship (Without Even Asking!)

It is important to know that this guide is for people who are not Koreans and want to do their master in Seoul! My guide is focused on Computer Science.

This guide, ‘How to Apply at SKY,’ is designed to help Europeans navigate the application process for South Korea’s top universities. The rules and procedures differ from those in Europe, and finding accurate information can be challenging. Fortunately, I had Korean friends who helped me by calling the university offices in Korean, which made it much easier to get the necessary details. Now, I want to share what I learned to make the process smoother for others.

What Made My Application Stand Out?

1. Visiting the Lab in Seoul
   • During my holiday in South Korea, I took the opportunity to visit the lab at Yonsei University.
   • The professors were impressed as I was the first international applicant who had ever done this.
   • This visit allowed me to establish a personal connection with the faculty and demonstrate my genuine interest in the program.
2. Extensive Work Experience
   • Having held a senior position as a software engineer, my experience stood out.
   • Universities in South Korea highly value applicants with relevant industry experience, as it enhances the research capabilities of the institution.
3. Application Process: Easier Than Japan
   • Unlike in Japan, where applicants must submit everything via post, South Korea allows almost all steps to be completed online.
   • Documents only need to be sent physically once at the end of the process.
4. Applying to Only One Major
   • Unlike some universities that allow multiple applications, Yonsei only permits applications to one major at a time.

My Email to the Professor – how to apply at SKY

If you want to stand out, a well-written email to a professor can be crucial. Here is the exact email I sent:

Subject: Inquiry About Master’s Program in Computer Science at Yonsei University

Dear Professor [Insert Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in pursuing a master’s degree in computer science at Yonsei University in Fall 2023. As a professor in the department, I believe you would be an excellent resource for me as I explore this opportunity.

I am particularly interested in studying in South Korea because of my previous experience as a bachelor’s exchange student in the country. I fell in love with the culture and people of South Korea during my time there, and I am eager to continue building relationships in the country.

My career goal is to become a software architect, and I believe that a master’s degree in computer science from Yonsei University would provide me with the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve this goal. I am particularly interested in the fields of Internet of Things, Big Data, and Software Architecture, and I am excited to explore these areas in more depth through my studies.

I am not yet 100% sure how to go about creating a study plan or how flexible the program is, so I would greatly appreciate any guidance or advice you could provide. I am eager to learn more about the program and how it might fit into my long-term goals.

Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you further.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

My Research Plan (Accepted!) – How to apply at Sky

I applied with this one.

With the increasing presence of the Internet of Things (IoT) in our everyday lives, IoT will impact the way we live and work in the future. As these network devices spread, we can collect and analyze vast amounts of data in real-time. With more data, we can make more informed decisions, optimize processes, and thereby improve efficiency.

One of the best use cases of IoT devices is in smart cities. During my Bachelor’s degree at [Your University], I wrote a paper on IoT Platforms for Smart Cities and how to decide on the right platform to use. As part of my work, I participated in the Make Zurich Hackathon, which connects programmers with civil projects in the city to design IoT solutions.

For the hackathon, I wrote software for the city of Zurich, using Arduino equipped with a heat sensor to measure the use of public barbecue places. The data was stored in Amazon’s IoT solution and analyzed via a dashboard written in Angular.

Optimizing processes with data will ultimately lead to decreased energy consumption in urban cities, making them more sustainable and efficient. This is particularly relevant in large cities like Seoul, where small improvements can lead to significant environmental benefits.

At Yonsei, my research will focus on addressing privacy and security concerns related to IoT, including reducing the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks. Additionally, I want to explore how IoT can contribute to sustainability and efficiency and improve my technical expertise in IoT programming and platform integration.

Application Checklist

Letters of Recommendation

Dear Admissions Committee,

It is my great pleasure to recommend [your name] for any professional or academic pursuits he may be considering. As the former Director of International Affairs at our university, I had the privilege of working closely with [your name] during his time as a student in the [your bachelor degree] program from 2018 to 2021.

Beyond his academic achievements, [your name] commitment to personal growth and cultural exchange was also evident during his time at our university. He studied abroad at [your university] in Seoul, South Korea, where he earned the Certificate of Global Competence. This experience broadened his perspective and exposed him to new ways of thinking, learning, and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, [your name] actively participated in various international events and initiatives at our university, demonstrating his willingness to engage with different cultures and communities.

Based on my experiences working with [your name], I am confident that he possesses the qualities necessary to excel in any international academic or professional setting. His exceptional academic record, technical skills, and passion for personal growth make him a valuable candidate for any opportunity that he may pursue.

If you require any further information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Strange Requirements for “how to apply at SKY” :

• I had to provide a copy of my parents’ passports and family book, which is uncommon in Europe but mandatory at Yonsei.

Final Tips for a Successful Application

1. Visit the university in person if possible. This can give you a huge advantage.
2. Highlight your work experience. Senior positions are highly valued.
3. Write a strong email to a professor. It can help you get research opportunities and scholarships.
4. Be aware of unique Korean application requirements. Some documents might surprise you.
5. Start early and organize all required documents. Some take longer than expected to obtain.

With these strategies, you can increase your chances of getting accepted and even securing a scholarship, just like I did!

Good luck with your application to Yonsei University or other top universities in South Korea!

Fun is also included:

Two questions I got asked by the Professor:

• How many bottles of Soju can I drink?
• Am I interested in a Korean Girlfriend?

Both of the questions are fun questions and the professor just want to see if you are openminded and will go drinking soju with them.

I decided to withdraw my application because I moved to Japan. However, I hope this inspires others to consider pursuing their Master’s degree at Yonsei University—it’s a great opportunity for those seeking an enriching academic experience!

I hope this will help you to solve the question “how to apply at Sky”. If you are getting accepted, I recommend you to get adjusted to non verbal communication.

Read more about South Korea here.

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