The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) offers a fully-funded scholarship for international students to pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Korean Studies. This scholarship covers full tuition and provides a monthly living stipend, making it very valuable for students. AKS’s Graduate School of Korean Studies specializes in humanities and social sciences related to Korea, with small classes and strong research support.
All admitted international students (including Indians) receive a full tuition waiver, access to free Korean language classes, and opportunities to work as research assistants. Around 15 students are selected each year for an additional government scholarship (800,000 KRW per month for one year, renewable) to help with living expenses.
Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Tuition Waiver | All admitted international students have tuition fully covered by AKS. |
| Monthly Stipend (Scholarship) | Up to 15 students receive a Government Scholarship of 800,000 KRW/month for the first year (renewable). |
| Free Korean Language Courses | AKS provides free Korean classes to help international students adapt and study. |
| Small Classes & Research Support | Student–faculty ratio is about 5:1, ensuring personalized attention. Students can join research projects and workshops. |
| POSCO Global Fellowship | (Optional) About 3 top students are recommended for this fellowship, which offers 1,000,000 KRW/month stipend, 100,000 KRW/month health insurance, and a 1,000,000 KRW settlement grant. |
Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be a foreign national. Indian students qualify. Applicants with Korean citizenship (even dual) are not eligible. |
| Education | Master’s: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). Doctoral: Master’s degree (or equivalent). |
| Language | Korean Cultural Studies: English proficiency (TOEFL ≥ 80, IELTS ≥ 6.5, TEPS ≥ 301). Other majors: TOPIK level 4+ required. |
Applicants can choose any of the 13 majors offered. For PhD applicants, a corresponding Master’s degree is required.
2026 AKS Graduate School Scholarship Guidelines
You can download 2026 AKS Graduate School Scholarship Guidelines here: DownloadPrograms, Majors and Duration
AKS offers Master’s (2 years) and Doctoral (3 years) programs in Korean Studies, under four divisions:
- Humanities: Korean History; Diplomatics and Bibliography; Philosophy; Korean Linguistics & Literature
- Culture & Arts: Anthropology & Folklore; Religious Studies; Musicology; Art History; Cultural Informatics & Human Geography
- Social Sciences: Political Science; Sociology; Education
- Global Korean Studies: Interdisciplinary Korean studies majors
Korean Cultural Studies is offered only as a Master’s program in English. Most other majors are taught in Korean.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
- Check Eligibility and Choose a Major
- Prepare Your Documents
- Register Online: at studyinkorea.go.kr
- Complete the Application Form
- Upload Required Files
- Pay Application Fee
- Submit Letters of Recommendation (by Sep 24, 2025)
- Submit Before Deadline (Sep 19, 2025, 17:00 KST)
- Interview (if shortlisted, Nov 12–14, 2025)
- Receive Decision (Dec 5, 2025)
- Send Original Documents (by Jan 9, 2026)
- Apply for Visa (D-2)
- Prepare for March Enrollment (Classes start Mar 1, 2026)
Application & Admission Timeline
| Event | Date (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| Online Application Period | Sep 8 – Sep 19, 2025 |
| Recommendation Letters due | Sep 24, 2025 |
| Interview (if invited) | Nov 12–14, 2025 |
| Admission Results Announced | Dec 5, 2025 |
| Deadline to Post Original Docs | Jan 9, 2026 |
| Spring Semester Begins | Mar 1, 2026 |
Required Documents
- Application Form (online)
- Personal Statement & Research Plan
- Academic Transcripts & Diplomas
- Language Test Scores
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Passport & Nationality Proof
- Certificate of Family Relations (if required)
- Application Fee Receipt
- Master’s Thesis Abstract (for PhD applicants)
- Bank Statement/Sponsor Letter (if asked)
- Health Check Certificate (after admission)
Important Reminders
- Always refer to official AKS sources for updates.
- Stay informed by checking the AKS admissions page and your email.
- Consider learning Korean even for English programs—it will help academically and socially.
This scholarship is a great opportunity to study Korea in depth and save on expenses. For the most up-to-date information, always check the official AKS Graduate School admissions page or contact the admissions office directly.
Contact Information
Website: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/kh-en/brd/m_25856/view.do?seq=64&page=1
Email: admission_intl@aks.ac.kr
Tel: +82-31-730-8183
