What the funding covers
- Full tuition at your Korean university.
- Return airfare, a monthly living allowance and a settlement allowance on arrival.
- Medical insurance.
- Up to one year of Korean language training if you need it.
Who can apply
- Citizens of the countries NIIED invites that year, applying through the embassy or university track.
- Under 40 on 1 September of the year you start.
- A bachelor's degree (for a master's) or a master's degree (for a PhD) by 31 July of that year.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.64 out of 4.0, or the equivalent on other scales (2.80/4.3, 2.91/4.5, 3.23/5.0).
Which nationalities can apply
Open to citizens of the countries NIIED invites each year, with a quota per country; check the year's guidelines.
How to apply
- Choose one track: the embassy track in your country or the university track with a designated Korean university.
- On the embassy track you may pick up to three universities, and at least one must be a regional (Type B) university.
- Apply online on the Study in Korea site during the application window (12–25 February in 2026).
- Pass the first screening, then university admission; you are selected only if a university admits you.
Before you apply: things to know
- You can apply on one track only; applying on both disqualifies you.
- Each country has its own quota, so the number of places differs from country to country.
- The amounts are set in NIIED's guidelines each year, so check the current guidelines before you budget.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next typical deadline (≈ Feb 25, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Dec 3, 2026Research the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Dec 17, 2026Ask your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Dec 31, 2026Write the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Jan 14, 2027Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Jan 28, 2027Second draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Feb 11, 2027Finalise every document and complete the online form
Feb 18, 2027Submit, but never on the last day
Feb 25, 2027Typical deadline