The AKS Fellowship is a fully funded program offered by the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) in South Korea. It gives researchers and students from other countries a chance to study and research about Korean culture, history, language, and society.
If you are interested in Korean traditions, politics, or culture, the AKS Fellowship 2026 can help you explore them deeply while living in Korea.
About the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS)
The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) was created by the Korean government to promote the understanding of Korea’s culture and history. It is not a normal university. It is a national research institute where local and international scholars come together to study and share ideas.
The AKS Fellowship welcomes students, professors, and researchers who want to write papers or do advanced study in fields connected to Korea.
What the Fellowship Covers
The AKS Fellowship is fully funded, so you don’t need to pay for anything during your stay.
- Monthly living allowance (around ₩1.6M per month)
- Free on-campus accommodation
- Research funds for fieldwork and materials
- Round-trip flight ticket
- Library access and academic supervision
- Cultural experience programs
You can focus completely on your study or research while AKS takes care of your expenses.
Who Can Apply
The fellowship is open to students and researchers from any country.
To apply, you must:
- Be a non-Korean citizen
- Be enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or PhD degree
- Have a strong research plan related to Korean Studies
- Be fluent in English or Korean
- Be in good health
Undergraduate students are usually not eligible, but some short-term research opportunities are open for graduate students.
Fields of Research
You can apply to research in many fields under Korean Studies, such as:
- Korean History and Politics
- Korean Language and Literature
- Korean Culture, Music, and Arts
- Korean Education and Society
- Korean Philosophy and Religion
- Modern Korean Economy and Global Relations
If your topic connects to Korea, you can design your proposal freely.
Duration and Timeline for 2026
| Type of Fellowship | Duration | Expected Period |
| Short-Term Fellowship | 3–6 months | March – August 2026 |
| Long-Term Fellowship | 6–12 months | March – December 2026 |
Applications normally open in December 2025, and results are announced in February 2026.
How to Apply
- Go to the official AKS website.
Visit https://aks.ac.kr and look for the 2026 Fellowship announcement. - Download the forms.
You need the application form, research plan template, and recommendation letter form. - Prepare your documents.
- Application form
- Research proposal (2–3 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Degree certificate and transcript
- Recommendation letter from your professor or advisor
- Copy of passport
- Submit online.
Send all documents by email or upload through the official portal before the deadline. - Wait for results.
Selected candidates get an email and invitation letter from AKS.
How to Write a Strong Research Plan
Your research plan is the most important part. Write it simply and clearly.
Include:
- Your topic and reason for choosing it
- What you plan to study in Korea
- Which materials, books, or archives you will use
- How your work can help the understanding of Korea
- Your timeline for completing the research
Keep it original. The AKS team likes proposals that show real curiosity about Korean society or history.
Why Choose the AKS Fellowship
The AKS Fellowship gives you time, support, and access to the best Korean research sources.
You will:
- Use large libraries and old archives
- Work with Korean professors and researchers
- Join seminars, workshops, and conferences
- Visit museums, heritage sites, and cultural centers
- Build an international research network
Many past fellows have later published books or worked in universities after completing their AKS research.
Quick Summary
| Item | Details |
| Program Name | AKS Fellowship 2026 |
| Host Institution | Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) |
| Location | Seongnam, South Korea |
| Duration | 3–12 months |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Levels | Master’s / PhD / Researchers |
| Language | English or Korean |
| Deadline | December 2025 (expected) |
| Website | https://www.aks.ac.kr |
FAQs
Q: Can undergraduate students apply?
No, AKS is mainly for graduate students and researchers.
Q: Do I need to know Korean?
No, but it helps. Many researchers work in English.
Q: Can I bring my family?
No, the fellowship covers only the scholar.
Q: What is the selection based on?
Your research plan, academic background, and motivation.
Q: Will AKS help me publish my paper?
Yes, if your research meets academic standards, AKS can help you publish it in their journal or conference.
Related Posts
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Korea 2026
- UST Scholarship 2026
- KAIST Scholarship 2026
- How to Apply for Korean Scholarships 2026
Final Words
The AKS Fellowship 2026 is a golden chance for students who love Korean culture and want to do deep research. It is a simple program but gives you a powerful experience.
Start preparing your proposal early and apply with clear goals.
Stay connected with StudyInKorea360.com for real updates, forms, and deadlines.
Your path to becoming a Korean studies expert can begin with the AKS Fellowship.