Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) Graduate Fellowship 2025

Omran Aburayya
May 11
3 min read

If you're a graduate student passionate about Korean Studies and eager to immerse yourself in Korea's rich academic and cultural landscape, the 2025 AKS Graduate Fellowship offers a unique, fully funded opportunity to conduct research at the prestigious Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) in Seongnam, South Korea. Applications are now open for this six-month non-degree fellowship, running from September 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. This program is designed to support emerging scholars in deepening their expertise and contributing to the global discourse on Korean Studies.

🎓 AKS Graduate Fellowship Summary

Location: Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Host Institution: Graduate School of Korean Studies (GSKS), Academy of Korean Studies (AKS)
Study Level: Master’s students or ABD (All But Dissertation) in a Master’s program
Target Group: International graduate students with a focus on Korean Studies
Fields of Study: Korean Studies (humanities and social sciences)
Award Value and Coverage:
- Monthly stipend of KRW 750,000
- Round-trip economy-class airfare (up to KRW 2,060,000)
- Free on-campus dormitory accommodation
- Access to AKS facilities and Korean language courses
Duration: 6 months (September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026)
Application Deadline: May 9, 2025, 17:00 KST
Start Date: September 1, 2025
Eligible Applicants: Foreign nationals or Korean nationals educated entirely outside Korea

📚 Fellowship Overview

The AKS Graduate Fellowship is a non-degree program aimed at fostering the next generation of scholars in Korean Studies. Fellows will engage in independent research under the guidance of an AKS faculty advisor whose expertise aligns with their research interests. Participants will have full access to AKS's extensive resources, including the library and Jangseogak Archives. Additionally, fellows can enroll in Korean language courses to enhance their linguistic proficiency, which is beneficial for their research endeavors.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support:
- Monthly stipend of KRW 750,000
- Reimbursement for round-trip economy-class airfare (maximum of KRW 2,060,000)
Accommodation:
- Complimentary on-campus dormitory housing
Academic Resources:
- Access to AKS's library and Jangseogak Archives
- Free Korean language courses
Mentorship:
- Guidance from a designated AKS faculty advisor

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria as of September 1, 2025:

Nationality: Be a foreign national or a Korean national who has completed all education (elementary through college) outside of Korea.
Educational Background:
- Currently enrolled in a Master's or doctoral degree program at an overseas university, or
- Have completed coursework and hold ABD status in a Master's program at an overseas university.
- Note: ABD students in a doctoral program are not eligible.
Research Focus: Research topic must pertain to Korea/Korean Studies.
Language Proficiency: High proficiency in Korean is preferred.
Previous Participation: Individuals who have previously participated in the AKS Graduate Fellowship are not eligible to apply again.

📝 Application Procedure

Application Period: April 28, 2025, 10:00 KST – May 9, 2025, 17:00 KST
Application Method: Online submission via gradaks.recruiter.co.kr
Required Documents:
- Completed online application form
- Personal statement
- Research proposal (approximately 3 pages)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts
- Certificate of enrollment or coursework completion for current program
- Letter of recommendation from academic advisor
- Copy of passport and ID photo
- Language proficiency certificates (e.g., TOPIK, TOEFL, IELTS), if available
- Finalists may be required to submit original documents by post to the Graduate School of Korean Studies at AKS.