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!)

In April 2023, I received an admission offer from Yonsei University for the Master’s program in Computer Science together with a 50% scholarship. At the time, I had seven years of professional software engineering experience, a Bachelor’s degree from a Swiss university, and previous exchange experience in South Korea. Although I ultimately chose to attend Waseda University in Japan, the application strategy described in this guide directly resulted in my acceptance.

At the time of my application, I had accumulated approximately seven years of professional software engineering experience. My roles included software development, software architecture, API design, cloud systems, and enterprise applications. During conversations with faculty members, I got the impression that this professional background differentiated me from applicants who came directly from undergraduate studies.

Trusting the Roadmap

When I started my application, I had no insider connections to Yonsei University and no special advantage beyond my academic background and professional experience. Everything I learned came from researching requirements, communicating with professors, and carefully preparing my application materials. The fact that this process ultimately resulted in both an admission offer and a scholarship is the reason I feel confident sharing these recommendations. They are not theoretical tips copied from a university website, but lessons learned from an application that was successfully accepted.

What Made My Application Stand Out?

One of the questions I am most frequently asked is why my application was successful. While there is no guaranteed formula for getting accepted to Yonsei University or any other SKY university, I believe several factors significantly strengthened my application and helped distinguish me from other international candidates.

At the time of my application, I was not a traditional student applying directly after completing my bachelor’s degree. Instead, I already had several years of professional experience as a software engineer, international study experience in South Korea, and a clear research direction that aligned with the university’s academic strengths. Combined with careful preparation and direct communication with faculty members, these factors helped me present a compelling application package.

It is important to understand that admissions committees evaluate applicants holistically. Academic performance is important, but universities also look at research potential, professional achievements, leadership experience, international exposure, communication skills, and how well an applicant’s goals align with the department’s research priorities.

The following factors are not theoretical suggestions copied from an admissions website. They are the specific elements that formed part of my own successful application, which ultimately resulted in an admission offer to Yonsei University’s Master’s program in Computer Science together with a 50% scholarship. While every applicant’s situation is different, understanding what contributed to a successful application can help future students build a stronger profile and avoid common mistakes during the admissions process.

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 at Yonsei University

One of the strategies that helped my application stand out was reaching out directly to a professor before submitting my application. While many international applicants simply upload their documents and wait for a decision, I wanted to establish contact with the research group and better understand whether my interests aligned with the lab’s ongoing projects.

The email below is the exact message I sent during my application process. It eventually led to further communication with the professor and helped me arrange a visit to the laboratory in Seoul. Although sending an email alone will not guarantee admission, it can demonstrate genuine interest, initiative, and professionalism when done respectfully and thoughtfully.

For applicants wondering how to contact a professor at Yonsei University or another SKY university, this example may serve as a useful starting point.

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, you would be an invaluable resource as I explore this opportunity, and I would be grateful for the chance to learn about your research.

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

The following research plan is the exact version I submitted as part of my application to Yonsei University’s Master’s program in Computer Science. This proposal was reviewed by the admissions committee and contributed to my successful admission offer and 50% scholarship. While admission decisions are based on many factors, including academic background, recommendations, and professional experience, this example should give prospective applicants a realistic idea of the level of detail and structure expected in a competitive application.

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

Letters of recommendation are one of the most important components of a master’s application in South Korea. While grades and test scores demonstrate academic ability, recommendation letters provide admissions committees with insight into an applicant’s character, work ethic, research potential, and ability to succeed in an international academic environment.

For my application, I obtained recommendation letters from professors who knew my academic work and could speak about my achievements in detail. Rather than asking someone famous who barely knew me, I focused on selecting recommenders who could provide specific examples of my skills, international experience, and professional development.

The example below is based on the style and structure of recommendation letters commonly used for international master’s applications. It highlights academic performance, personal qualities, and international experience, all of which are highly valued by universities such as Yonsei University and other SKY institutions.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 wants to see if you are open-minded and will go drinking soju with them.

I decided to withdraw my application because I have officially moved to Japan to begin my professional journey here. While my path has led me to Tokyo, I truly hope this inspires others to consider pursuing their Master’s degree at Yonsei University. It is a prestigious institution that offers an incredibly enriching academic experience and a unique cultural perspective for anyone looking to grow globally.

For those aiming for a career in Japan, I found that having a degree from a top local school like Waseda University made a significant difference in how companies approached me. It serves as a major credential that opens doors to high-level tech roles and helps you stand out in a competitive market.

To help you get started, I’ve created a guide on how to get accepted at Waseda, where I share the exact steps I took to secure my spot. Whether you choose Yonsei or Waseda, pursuing a Master’s is a powerful way to fast-track your journey and build a solid foundation for your future in tech.

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.

If you are like me and applied in both Japan and South Korea, you might also be interested in my detailed guide comparing life, studies, and opportunities in Japan and South Korea. It provides practical insights on cost of living, digital services, university culture, work expectations, and daily life, helping you understand which country fits your goals better.