The 2025 AKS Graduate Fellowship offers this unique opportunity to international graduate students willing to immerse themselves in Korea for research purposes.

The AKS Graduate Fellowship is a non-degree, six-month research program organized by The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) in Korea. The fellowship invites outstanding international graduate students enrolled in Korean studies-related programs to conduct independent research under academic supervision at AKS. This program enables participants to gain deeper insights into Korean culture, society, and history while fostering international scholarly collaboration.

The 2025 fellowship cycle runs from September 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. It is an excellent opportunity to develop your academic career while experiencing Korea through a fully funded opportunity.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: May 9, 2025
• Online Application Period: April 28 – May 9, 2025
• Fellowship Duration: September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (6 months)
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Organizer: The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS)
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Graduate students (Master’s or ABD in Master’s program)
• Number of Opportunities: 5 Fellowships
• Focus Areas: Korean Studies
• Host Country: Republic of Korea

Benefits

The selected fellows will benefit from the following items:

• Monthly stipend of KRW 750,000 (approximately USD 550) for 6 months
• Economy-class round-trip airfare
• Free on-campus guesthouse accommodation
• Academic guidance from a designated AKS professor
• Access to the AKS facilities, such as the library and Jangseogak Archives
• Free Korean language classes

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply for this fellowship?

• Applicants must be either:
  • A foreign national, or
  • A Korean citizen who has completed their education outside of Korea
• Must be:
  • Currently enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral program, or
  • An ABD (All But Dissertation) student in a Master’s program
• ABD students in a doctoral program are not eligible
• The proposed research topic must be related to Korean Studies
• Previous AKS Graduate Fellows are ineligible to apply.

Fellows’ Obligations

Fellows are responsible for the following activities and obligations:

Proof of Academic Eligibility: Fellows must submit an original certificate or official letter from their university confirming that, as of September 1, 2025, they are:

• Enrolled in a Master’s program,
• Completed coursework for a Master’s or
• Enrolled in a Doctoral program but not yet in ABD status.
  Deadline: September 21, 2025. Failure to submit this will result in fellowship cancellation.

Academic Advisor: Fellows must choose an AKS professor whose expertise aligns with their research topic.

Course Enrollment: Fellows must take at least one major-related course or an independent study with their advisor. Courses are graded “S” (Successful) or “U” (Unsuccessful), and an “S” is required.

Presentation: Fellows must present their research at the end of the fellowship. If leaving early, they must arrange an individual session with their advisor and notify the office at least one week in advance.

Final Report: Fellows must submit a thesis/report before departure:

• Minimum 16,000 letters (Korean) or 5,000 words (English), excluding bibliography.
• Must be submitted to both the advisor and the Office of Academic & Student Affairs.

Publication Acknowledgment: Any publication based on the fellowship research must acknowledge the support of the Graduate School of Korean Studies, AKS.

Stay in Korea

• Fellows are encouraged to obtain personal health insurance.
• Must reside in Korea for the duration of the whole fellowship. Temporary absences require prior approval.
• Submit a Certificate of Entry & Exit from the local Community Service Center before leaving Korea.

Required Documents

The following is the list of required documents:

• Application Form
• Personal Statement
• Research Plan
• Bachelor’s Degree, Graduation Certificate, and Transcripts
• Certificate of Enrollment (or Coursework Completion or Graduation) and Official Transcripts for a Master’s Degree
• Letter of Recommendation
• Certificate of Enrollment and Official Transcripts for a Doctoral Degree (if applicable)
• Language Proficiency Certificate(s) (e.g., TOPIK, TOEFL, IELTS) (if applicable)
• A Copy of the Passport
• An ID Photo

Documents Submission:

Finalists must send original documents by post to:

The Graduate School of Korean Studies
The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS)
323 Haogae-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si,
Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea, 13455
Tel: +82-31-730-8188
Email: [email protected]

How to Apply?

• Visit the application portal using the link below.
• Complete and submit the online application between April 28 and May 9, 2025
• Ensure submission of all required documents by the deadline.

Apply Now

The official AKS website provides further details and information regarding the AKS Graduate Fellowship.

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