KF Scholarship for Graduate Studies: 2026-27 Application

Scholarship Overview

The 2026–27 KF Scholarship for Graduate Studies, provided by the Korea Foundation, supports international graduate students pursuing research on Korea-related subjects at universities outside of South Korea. The program offers one year of financial assistance to M.A. students and Ph.D. candidates. Eligible research areas include humanities, social sciences, arts, cultural studies, media, and communications.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, Pakistani students are eligible to apply for this scholarship. The Korea Foundation explicitly excludes applicants from Europe, Japan, and North America. As Pakistan is not in these excluded regions, students holding Pakistani citizenship or permanent residency are encouraged to apply, provided they meet all other academic requirements.

Funding and Benefits

The scholarship provides financial support for a duration of one year. The specific funding amount is not explicitly stated in the source; candidates should check the official Korea Foundation portal for exact stipend details and coverage.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the 2026–27 cycle, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled or planning to enroll as a full-time graduate student.
• Study at a university located outside of North America, Europe, and Japan.
• Hold citizenship or permanent residency in a country outside of Korea.
• Focus research on a Korea-related topic.
• Must not have already obtained a Ph.D.

Required Documents

Applicants are required to submit the following materials:

• Online application form.
• A detailed study or research proposal.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Official academic transcripts.
• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Proof of citizenship or permanent residency.

All documents must be in English or Korean. If original documents are in another language, official translations must be provided.

Application Timeline

• Application Window: August 3, 2026, to September 11, 2026.
• Reference Letter Submission Deadline: September 16, 2026.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the official Korea Foundation Application Portal. Candidates should create an account, complete the application, and upload all required documents before the September 11, 2026, deadline.

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

Ensure your research proposal clearly highlights its connection to Korea to align with the foundation's requirements. Since the application is entirely online, verify that your documents are scanned clearly in English or Korean. Seek guidance on your research proposal through your university supervisor early to ensure it meets international academic standards.

Important Terms and Limitations

Note that the funding period varies by region. Applicants from most regions, including the Middle East and South Asia, follow a cycle of September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027. Review the terms on the official website to ensure your research period fits these requirements.