South Korea
1 Korean Studies Graduate Degree Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFlexible StartGrant Length12 Months |
Award Type
Fulbright Graduate Degree Grants
- Yes
Award Profile
Designed to promote academic and cultural exchange, Korean Studies Graduate Degree Awards provide up to two years of financial support to academically mature students pursuing a graduate degree (Master's or PhD) within the field of Korean Studies at a Korean university. The objective of the award is to promote the growth of Korean Studies as a field in the United States. As such, awards support individuals who intend to pursue Korean Studies as a core component of their career and thus wish to complete an advanced degree focused primarily on Korea. Students may pursue a degree in "Korean Studies" specifically, or they may pursue a degree in another discipline within the broader field of Korean Studies (e.g., Korean art, Korean music, Korean linguistics, Korean history, etc.).
South Korea holds a unique position geopolitically as it balances relationships with the U.S., China, North Korea, and other countries in East Asia. It is also in a unique position historically as it becomes increasingly multicultural and addresses issues of demographic change and technological advancement. Additionally, with the spread in popularity of Korean culture, language, and arts worldwide, popularly known as the “Hallyu Wave,” South Korea has taken its place on the world stage as a major influencer of global culture and trends. The vibrancy of Korea’s growing music and film scenes, reflected in the worldwide fame of BTS, Parasite, and Squid Game, are equally matched by a vibrancy and uniqueness of history extending back to the mythical foundation of Korea with the Gojoseon Dynasty in 2333 BC. South Korea boasts 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including monasteries, temples, and tombs; palaces, villages, and fortress complexes. The cultural atmosphere of these sites is reflected in the traditions of dress, dwelling, and daily living still seen in the gracefulness of Hanbok and Hanok, tasted in the savoriness of Kimchi and Korean barbeque, and heard in the strains of Pansori and Samul Nori.
As with the rest of the country, Korea’s higher education system has seen rapid growth since the cessation of the Korean War in 1953 through an armistice agreement. Today, Korea has over 400 higher education institutions. (For more information on higher education in Korea, visit the Korean Ministry of Education's Study in Korea website.) This emphasis on strong academics is matched by a strong interest in research and development (R&D) as, per the OECD, Korea has one of the world’s highest levels of R&D expenditure.
With its strong focus on growth and development, and its emphasis on maintaining tradition and history, South Korea is an excellent place to study and to research topics spanning a multitude of fields and issues.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grant support is for two academic years, with renewal for the second year contingent upon academic success (above a 3.0/4.0 GPA or equivalent) during the first year.
The academic year for higher education institutions in Korea officially starts from March 1 with the opening of the spring semester. The spring semester closes with a final exam period in mid- to late June. Summer break is approximately two months long, with the fall semester starting the end of August or beginning of September. The fall semester closes with a final exam period in mid-December. Thus, awards will begin late August 2025 or late February 2026. The award end date will coincide with the selected graduate program's final exam schedule.
Grantees whose preferred academic program(s) offer a fall semester start are recommended to start their grants in the fall following award notification to facilitate cohort bonding and networking with other Fulbright U.S. Student Program participants. However, grantees may also choose to begin study during the spring semester following award notification.
Orientation
A virtual pre-departure orientation session will be offered by the Fulbright Korea Commission during the spring/summer of 2025 prior to grantee arrival in Korea.
Grantees are also expected to attend any in-country orientation programming required by their host university or the Fulbright Korea Commission.
Candidate Profile
The Korean Studies Graduate Degree Program aims to prepare the next generation of Korean Studies faculty for American universities and Korean specialists for the public and private sectors. As such, only candidates who express a specific intent to pursue Korean Studies as a core component of their career will be considered. All candidates must clearly articulate their reasons for pursuing an advanced degree in Korean Studies in the Statement of Grant Purpose. Candidates must also clearly describe their future plans and articulate how earning a graduate degree within Korean Studies will contribute to their career path and to the enhancement of the field as a whole.
Graduate students in Korea are expected to study and conduct research on a full-time basis, while maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Since the publication of its first volume in 2008, Fulbright Korea Infusion has showcased the literary, artistic and academic talents of Fulbright Program participants in Korea. While the opinions expressed in Infusion are the contributors' own, and thus may not reflect official program policy or practice, Infusion also serves as Fulbright Korea's annual forum for grantee news, journalism, research, literature, artwork, poetry, photography, and video. The magazine aims to capture the diversity of the Fulbright Korea experience. To learn more about this experience, visit the Infusion website.
Eligibility
3 Months
- Candidates with dual U.S.-Republic of Korea nationality/citizenship will not be considered. (See section on "Visa Requirements/Dual Nationality" below.)
- Candidates currently residing in Korea (or those who will be residing there during the 2024-2025 academic year) will not be considered. As a tourist visa in Korea is for 90 days, residency is considered to be a cumulative stay of 3 months or more.
- Candidates who have already received a PhD degree by the grant start date are not eligible for consideration. (They should instead apply for a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award.)
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
As part of the selection process, semi-finalist candidates who are recommended for final review by the Fulbright Korea Commission may be contacted for interviews via video call or phone. An invitation to an interview is a further step in the selection process and not a guarantee that the semi-finalist will be selected for a grant in Korea.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Candidates with advanced levels of Korean language ability will be given preference. Applicants must show evidence of Korean language ability by:
- Providing transcripts containing the equivalent of at least 5 semesters of Korean language coursework; OR
- Providing TOPIK test results demonstrating Level 3 or higher proficiency; OR
- Providing LTI Korean test results in reading, writing, and listening demonstrating a Level B1 or higher proficiency in each skill.
Candidates will be asked to provide supporting documentation to the Commission at the semi-finalist stage in February 2025.
Language proficiency requirements are also contingent on the graduate degree program selected. As such, candidates should additionally reference the requirements of the degree program in which they intend to enroll.
For information regarding the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean), visit www.topik.go.kr.
For information regarding LTI (Language Testing International) Korean tests, visit www.languagetesting.com. LTI is a licensee of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Test results from LTI should be reported according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which utilizes an A1 to C2 scale.
Fulbright Proposal Types
No
Yes
Affiliation
Letter of acceptance required prior to grant start
No affiliation letter is required at the time of the application deadline. However, candidates must indicate within their application in which graduate program they intend to enroll. Candidates must independently apply for and receive admission to a graduate degree program within Korean Studies. Final issuance of the award is contingent upon independent acceptance into an eligible graduate degree program in Korean Studies.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
The Fulbright Korea Commission pays the host university directly for tuition costs of up to $15,000 per academic year. This is generally sufficient to cover all tuition costs associated with graduate degree enrollment.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
Award benefits are distributed on a bimonthly (once every two months) basis in the local currency of Korean Won (KRW). Grantees are required to open a local bank account to receive award benefits. The first two months of the stipend may be transferred in USD to the grantee's American bank account shortly after their arrival in Korea to allow for the processing time of necessary residence paperwork prior to opening a Korean bank account. Subsequent award benefits must be distributed in KRW.
Housing support, in the form of a monthly housing allowance or housing secured through the Fulbright Korea Commission, is additionally available.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Excess baggage fees
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
One-time payments are provided to offset costs associated with settling in, excess baggage/shipping fees, and the purchase of study/research materials. Such payments total approximately KRW 1,100,000.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Housing placement
For graduate students not in university-affiliated housing, the Fulbright Korea Commission will assist with securing external housing.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Currency & Banking: The official currency of South Korea is the Korean Won (KRW). Per the Yearly Average Currency Exchange Rate from the IRS for 2022, USD 1 = KRW 1291.729. Cash is still widely used throughout the country, but credit and debit cards are also common payment methods available in most locations. Most foreigners opening bank accounts in Korea receive a debit card as it is difficult to gain access to credit in Korea without a domestic financial history. Checks are not typically used as those with local bank accounts can easily transfer money electronically via either ATMs or online/mobile banking established after obtaining a Korean Residence Card. Most banks require a Residence Card to open an account.
Wages: The average cost of living in South Korea, even within the capital of Seoul, is lower than in comparable areas of the United States. Accordingly, salaries are also, on average, lower than in the U.S. In 2023, the hourly minimum wage was KRW 9,620 (US $7.45), for a monthly minimum wage (at ~209 hours) of KRW 2,010,580 (US $1,560). (Source: ROK Minimum Wage Commission) Per 2021 survey data collected by The Seoul Institute, among single-person households in Seoul, approximately 65.8% earned 2-3 million KRW or less per month. (Source: Seoul at a Glance 2022)
Rent: Most of the Korean population lives in apartments. Housing conditions are generally good as many buildings are either new or newly remodeled, but there are older-style apartments still, particularly in less metropolitan areas. Housing is overall smaller in size than in the U.S. as much of the peninsula (about 70%) is mountainous, leading to higher population density in the low-lying coastal and valley areas, including Seoul. South Korea uses a unique “key money” rental system, which typically requires a higher housing deposit but lower monthly rental costs. Rent varies considerably depending on the deposit required, location, sharing arrangement, furnishings, and apartment size/quality. Grant candidates working with universities are particularly encouraged to speak with their hosts about the availability of campus housing.
Transportation: Public transportation is inexpensive, timely, and clean. Subway systems are available in the major metropolitan areas of Seoul, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, and Busan. As of December 2023, the Seoul subway fare for a single trip of less than 10 km (6.2 miles) was KRW 1,400 (US $1.08). Bus fares are generally between KRW 1,200–3,000 (US $1–2.30) depending on the type of bus and distance travelled. During the daytime, the base fare for a regular taxi is about KRW 3,800 (US $3) for the first 2 km (1.2 miles). A rechargeable transportation card (T-money or CashBee) can be purchased at convenience stores for use on public transportation within Korea, as well as for taxi rides. Intercity regular and express buses are available relatively inexpensively, and trains also crisscross much of the country. A one-way economy class ticket for an express bus from Seoul in the northwest of the peninsula to Busan in the southeast costs around KRW 27,000 (US $21) whereas an economy class ticket for a fast train (KTX) costs around KRW 60,000 (US $46.50).
Food: Food prices are lower in Korea than in the United States. Local dishes such as bibimbap, tofu stew, dumplings, etc. can be purchased for around KRW 8,000-10,000 (US $6.20-7.75). A latte is around KRW 4,500 (US $3.50). A large Big Mac set (burger, fries, soda) from McDonalds is around KRW 8,000 (US $7). Vegetarian and vegan food is becoming more popular but is most readily available around metropolitan areas. Fresh produce is available inexpensively at traditional markets located throughout the country. Korea also has an excellent food delivery culture for both prepared meals and groceries. Tipping is not part of the culture in Korea, so food prices are as listed; no additional tip is expected. While the cost of international foods varies, prices are generally reasonable, and items that cannot be found locally may be available for shipment via Korea’s excellent and affordable postal system.
Dependents
The Commission provides limited dependent support to offset the costs of those accompanying dependents who reside in South Korea for 80% of the grant duration.
Visa sponsorship of dependents is available. However, please note that visas available through the Commission cannot be used by dependents to obtain employment in Korea. Thus, if a dependent wants to work in Korea, they should seek other visa sponsorship.
Housing Arrangements
For graduate students not in university-affiliated housing, the Fulbright Korea Commission will assist with securing external housing. Such external housing typically takes the form of a studio or "one-room" apartment.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Visa Requirements/Dual Nationality
Note: The Korean Government utilizes the words “national/nationality” as opposed to “citizen/citizenship” in most official documentation in English. These words can be viewed as interchangeable for the purposes of this advisory.
All Fulbright U.S. Student awardees to Korea MUST obtain an A-3 visa and enter the country on a U.S. passport.
Candidates who are nationals of Korea will NOT be permitted to undertake Fulbright awards to Korea.
Individuals of Korean heritage may have dual U.S.-ROK nationality unbeknownst to them or their family.
In April 2010, the Republic of Korea passed legislation that allows dual nationality, with differing rules for men and women. If one of an applicant’s parents is or was a Korean national, the applicant may automatically inherit Korean nationality via Korea’s “jus sanguinis” laws. In order to confirm their Korean nationality status, applicants of Korean heritage MUST contact the nearest Korean Embassy or Korean Consulate PRIOR TO submitting a Fulbright application.
Applicants in the following circumstances are considered by the Republic of Korea to be Korean nationals:
- An individual whose father was still a Korean national at the time of the individual’s birth (if born before or on June 13, 1998)
- An individual whose father or mother was still a Korean national at the time of the individual’s birth (if born on or after June 14, 1998)
- An individual whose father was a Korean national and was deceased at the time of the individual’s birth
Applicants who fall under any of the categories listed above must contact the nearest Korean Embassy or Korean Consulate immediately to learn more about these regulations and the suggested procedures for filing for renunciation/loss of Korean nationality.
Applicants who were born in Korea and received American citizenship through naturalization should have lost their Korean nationality automatically at the time of their naturalization. However, official renunciation documentation (국적상실신고) must still be submitted to the Korean Government in order to formalize a citizenship status change. Per the Korean Consulate in Houston, “Failure to formally renounce one’s citizenship after being naturalized in another country may cause issues when applying for visas, marriage or birth registry, and legal matters.” As such, those from Korea naturalized as American citizens must contact the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate to ensure that their loss of Korean nationality has been formally recognized.
Applicants who were born in Korea and received American citizenship through adoption should have lost their Korean nationality automatically six months after American citizenship was granted. However, it has come to Fulbright Korea's attention that Korean nationality renunciation has not always been finalized for adoptees. As such, those adopted from Korea also must contact the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate prior to submitting a Fulbright application to confirm their Korean nationality status.
It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to determine whether they have dual nationality and how it impacts their eligibility for a Fulbright award.
In order to avoid withdrawal of a Fulbright award, Fulbright Korea requires all American applicants of Korean heritage to provide written proof that they do not have Korean nationality before they accept their Fulbright award. From the time a candidate is offered an award, they have approximately two weeks to return a decision and submit written verification that they do not have Korean nationality/citizenship. Failure to provide written verification before the award acceptance deadline is grounds for award withdrawal. Additionally, at the time of or after award acceptance, if any individual is found 1) to have failed to disclose they are of Korean heritage or 2) to have dual nationality with Korea, their award offer will be withdrawn.
To obtain written verification of NOT having Korean nationality/citizenship, those of Korean heritage must contact the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate, or the ROK Ministry of Justice.
Written verification may take the form of:
- Family records such as a “basic certificate” (기본증명서), “family relations/register certificate” (가족관계증명서), etc.
- Loss or renunciation of Korean nationality records such as a “loss of nationality notice” (국적상실 허가 통지서), “renunciation of nationality notice” (국적이탈 허가 통지서), etc.
In all instances, documentation must clearly indicate that the applicant does not have Korean nationality in order for it to be accepted as written proof.
As an individual’s Korean nationality status is contingent upon specific personal and family history, all applicants of Korean heritage should contact the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate as early as possible once they have established their interest in the Fulbright Program in Korea in order to confirm their Korean nationality status and acquire appropriate documentation.
More information about Korean nationality law can be found at:
- www.hikorea.go.kr (Immigration website run by the Korean Government)
- overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-houston-en/index.do (Website of the Korean Consulate in Houston; has a good section on “Nationality/Naturalization” under "Consular/Visa Service")
General questions regarding this requirement may be addressed to the Korean-American Educational Commission (Fulbright Korea) via email. Fulbright Korea is not a U.S. or R.O.K. government or immigration agency and thus cannot answer specific inquiries.
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
U.S. Embassy and Consulate in South Korea : https://kr.usembassy.gov/
State Department Country Information : https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthKorea.html
Study in Korea: https://studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/main.do
Visit Korea : https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto