The Korea Foundation

Program Outline

The Korea Foundation provides financial support to universities abroad seeking to hire new teaching staff with the goal of creating or expanding their Korean language or Korean studies program.

Eligible Applicants

Universities abroad which currently operate or plan to launch an educational and research program in Korean language or Korean studies

Eligible Areas

Korean language and/or Korean studies

Details of Support

The KF provides partial funding for the salary and employee benefits of a new teaching staff member in accordance with the recipient university’s existing salary scale.

- Housing expenses, salaries/compensation for assistants or secretaries, recruitment expenses, administrative expenses, and other indirect or overhead expenses are not covered by this grant.

- This program does not support expenses for existing faculty members.

Grant Period

One to three years

- Following the conclusion of the KF’s support, recipient universities must maintain the teaching staff position for at least the duration of the KF grant period.

Program Schedule

1. Application Period: July 1 to September 10, 2025 (Deadline: September 10, 18:00 KST)

2. Notification of Results: December 2025

3. The grant period starts in the 2026-27 or 2027-28 academic year.

Required Documents

1. Online application

2. Supplementary materials (to be uploaded with the online application)

  ① Curriculum for Korean language/Korean studies program (if applicable)

  ② Curriculum vitae of the project director

  ③ Curriculum vitae of the teaching staff member to be hired (only if the university has a specific candidate under consideration at the time of application)

  ④ The university’s salary scale

How to Apply

All required documents must be submitted in Korean or English via the KF Online Application System (http://apply.kf.or.kr).

 - Click on the “Apply” button at the bottom of this program announcement and complete the online application form.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Is the plan suitably organized to enable its stated objective to be achieved? Is the applicant university committed to fostering the development of its Korean language/Korean studies program? Does the applicant university have a long-term plan for enhancing internal Korean language/Korean studies education/research?

2. Considering its reputation and prior accomplishments/experience in Korean language/Korean studies, does the applicant university have adequate ability to implement and manage the program to fulfill its purpose?

3. Is the budget plan sound and specific? Are efforts being made by the applicant university to remain committed to the program (incl. matching funds)?

4. Is the expected outcome or goal feasible?

Important Reminders

1. Notification of Changes to the Project: After an application has been submitted, applicant universities must notify the KF of any changes to the project plan, including postponement and/or cancellation.

2. Revision of the Project Plan: When deemed necessary, the KF may request an applicant university to revise or supplement its project plan.

3. Disbursement of the Grant: Before grant funds are made available to recipient universities, the KF and each recipient university will enter into a grant agreement, the details of which (including regarding the project and budget) will be determined through mutual discussion.

4. Submission of Report: Recipient universities are required to submit an annual project report to the KF during the term of the agreement. The report must be accompanied by a financial statement drafted and signed by the recipient university’s accounting officer. The KF’s report format will be provided.

Contact

• Regarding the Program: studies@kf.or.kr

• Regarding the KF Online Application System: tech-support@kf.or.kr