KF Fellowship Fellowship| Opportunity in Korea

KF Fellowship for Field Research is an annual program offered by the Korea Foundation to support scholars engaged in Korea-related research. Since its establishment in 1992, the fellowship has supported hundreds of researchers by providing them with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in Korea and access valuable academic resources. The 2026 edition continues this long-standing commitment by offering financial support, research opportunities, and collaboration with leading Korean scholars and institutions.

The primary aim of the KF Fellowship for Field Research is to promote Korean studies and advance Korea-related research in the humanities and social sciences. The program is specifically designed for scholars affiliated with universities or research institutes outside Korea, enabling them to conduct on-site field research in Korea. Through direct engagement with local academic communities, fellows can deepen their understanding of Korean society, culture, history, and contemporary issues.

to financial assistance, the fellowship provides a strong platform for academic collaboration and professional development. Fellows gain access to important research materials, libraries, and archives while building networks with Korean academics and institutions. By fostering international research partnerships, the KF Fellowship for Field Research strengthens global scholarship on Korea and supports the development of future leaders in Korean studies.

scholarship summary

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Eligibility Criteria

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

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

KF Fellowship Benefits

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

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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.