Types of Grants & Scholarships
The financial aid programs administered by KOSAF are customized for students’ various needs. Together, the programs offer aid to an increasing range of students. Through its grants and scholarship programs, KOSAF strives to establish a system in which any qualified individual has the opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of financial status.
KOSAF’s grant and scholarship programs are divided into three main categories: need-based, merit-based, and work-based.
KOSAF’s grant and scholarship programs are divided into three main categories: need-based, merit-based, and work-based.
MERIT-BASED AID
The Presidential Science Scholarship
| PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM | The Presidential Science Scholarship is designed to support top students with high creativity and potential to thrive in the field of science and technology. By nurturing outstanding Korean students committed to pursuing their study either in Korea or overseas, this scholarship seeks to cultivate future leaders in science and technology. | ||
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| DISTRIBUTION OF AID | DOMESTIC | - Full cost of attendance - Additional KRW 2.5 million per semester for students of academic excellence - KRW 1.8 million per semester as living expenses for a student from a “Recipient of Basic Living” household. |
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| ABROAD | Up to $50,000 each year for academic and living expenses | ||
| ELIGIBILITY | - Primarily high school seniors who are expected to enter 4-year college in fall. - Student majoring in engineering or science fields at a four-year college. - Selection based on academic performance and recommendation from schools |
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| SELECTION PROCESS | Scholarship recipients are chosen in a highly competitive process with multiple stages. Students select one primary field (among mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and earth sciences) and submit their applications. Field selection is based on a student’s demonstrated abilities and on what is closest to his or her preferred college major. In addition to application forms and accompanying documents, students need recommendations from a school administrator and a number of science teachers. Students must also write and submit a proposal about their aspirations and specific academic plans to materialize them. Recipients are selected through application reviews and in-depth interviews. | ||
| FURTHER INFORMATION | A limited number of scholarship applicants are selected through recommendation by superintendents in cities and provinces. Recommendations may be made for eligible students who have graduated from a regular high school in a qualifying district, and who are enrolled in or planning to enroll in a college in the same district. For students in postsecondary institutions in Korea, a full scholarship covers tuition and other academic fees, and an additional award recognizes academic accomplishment. Among these students, an additional scholarship can be provided for living expenses during study for those receiving basic living subsidies. Students need to satisfy the academic requirements in order to continue receiving the scholarship on semester basis. Recipients must adhere to their study plans and work in the field of science and technology after graduation. Otherwise, they will have to return all of the scholarships they received. Recipients may not apply for other scholarships or loans from KOSAF or other institutions. | ||
- IN THIS SECTION
- Grants & Scholarships
- Types of Grants & Scholarships
- Application and Disbursement
- Student Loans
- Types of Student Loans
- Application Process and Repayment
- Sharing & Volunteering
- Types of Volunteer Programs
- RELATED SITES
- Cheong Wa Dae, Office of the President
- Government of the Republic of Korea
- Ministry of Education
- Education, Culture, Sports & Tourism Committee
- The National Assembly of the Republic Korea
- The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea
- Ministry of Strategy and Finance
- SEE ALSO
- Download relevant legal texts
