2026 KF Fellowship – Fully Funded Opportunity in Korea

2026 KF Fellowship for Field Research is an annual program offered by the Korea Foundation to support scholars conducting Korea-related research. Since its launch in 1992, the fellowship has helped hundreds of researchers gain first-hand experience and access valuable resources in Korea. The 2026 edition offers financial support, research opportunities, and collaboration with Korean scholars and institutions.

About the KF Fellowship

KF Fellowship for Field Research aims to promote Korean studies and Korea-related research in the humanities and social sciences. It provides scholars at universities or research institutes outside Korea with the chance to conduct on-site field research, collaborate with local academics, and access important research materials.

2026 KF Fellowship Quick details

(Quick facts about eligibility, benefits, and deadlines)

Check ASU Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Program

Eligibility Criteria

The KF Fellowship is open to scholars outside Korea who are working on:

• Korean studies topics
• Korea-related areas in the humanities or social sciences
• Comparative or case studies involving Korea
• Important emerging fields closely related to Korea

Applicants must qualify under one of the two categories:

Type A

Doctoral candidates who have completed required coursework and are writing their dissertation

Type B

• Full-time lecturers or higher (assistant, associate, or full professors)
• PhD holders engaged in research or professional work

2026 KF Fellowship Benefits

Monthly Stipend

• Type A: KRW 2,300,000 per month
• Type B: KRW 3,000,000 per month

Additional Support

• Travel insurance
• One-time entry expenses:
  • Doctoral candidates: KRW 500,000
  • PhD holders: KRW 1,000,000
  • Tenured associate or full professors: KRW 1,500,000
• Round-trip airfare (only for fellows from countries listed as ODA Recipients by the OECD DAC list)

Fellowship Duration

• Minimum: 1 month
• Maximum: 6 months
• Fellowship must take place between January 1 and December 31, 2026
• The start date should be no later than November 30, 2026

Required Documents

Type A applicants must submit:

• Application form
• CV (signed)
• Research proposal (5–10 pages)
• Cooperative research proposal from a Korean scholar
• Two letters of reference
• Enrollment or employment proof
• Graduate transcripts (MA & PhD)
• Copy of most recent academic degree
• Certificate of coursework completion

Type B applicants must submit:

• Application form
• CV (signed)
• Research proposal (5–10 pages)
• Cooperative research proposal from a Korean scholar
• Two letters of reference
• Copy of most recent academic degree
• Proof of employment

Check:Swedish Institute Scholarship 2026 – Apply Now for Fully Funded Opportunities

Application Schedule

• Application Period: July 1 – September 1, 2025 (6:00 p.m. KST)
• Reference Submission Deadline: September 8, 2025 (6:00 p.m. KST)
• Results Announcement: December 2025

How to Apply for the KF Fellowship

Applications must be submitted online via the KF Online Application Portal: http://apply.kf.or.kr

Why Apply for the KF Fellowship?

The 2026 KF Fellowship for Field Research is more than financial aid it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Korea’s culture, access world-class research resources, and collaborate with leading Korean scholars. Whether you’re a doctoral candidate or an established researcher, this fellowship can elevate your academic work and strengthen your global research network.