U.S.-Korea Presidential STEM Initiative
South Korea
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea, Presidents Biden and Yoon announced in April 2023 the establishment of a new educational exchange initiative amounting to $60 million, funded jointly, that aims to serve 2,023 Koreans and 2,023 Americans. Per the leaders' joint statement from April 26, 2023, the initiative includes 200 grantees under the Fulbright scholarship program, making it the largest number of grantees selected for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in Fulbright's history.
U.S. Scholar Awards under the U.S.-Korea Presidential STEM Initiative provide the opportunity for professionals and academics to complete projects of their choice in Korea through 3-10 months of grant support. Scholars are sought in all STEM fields, with the broad requirement that Scholars must pursue a distinctive project demonstrating a particular focus on Korea, or a comparative focus, with activities that can be reasonably accomplished within the proposed award time frame.
Per the OECD, Korea has one of the world's highest levels of R&D expenditure, allowing for fruitful study in a range of disciplines.
Any appropriate institution including institutions of higher education and research, authenticated colleges, authenticated universities, libraries, archives, hospitals, public television and radio stations, government agencies, national laboratories, privately sponsored nonprofit institutes, nonprofit organizations, government charted nonprofit research organizations, and foundations.
For information on higher education institutions in Korea, visit the website of the Korean Ministry of Education or its subsidiary website, Study in Korea.
The Korean academic year starts March 1, with approximately two months of summer break (July & August) and two months of winter break (January & February) between regular semesters. Individuals working with academic institutions are advised to bear these semester breaks in mind when selecting the proposed period of their award.
All scholars in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields of study
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
A letter from a Korean host institution is preferred. If no such letter is available at the time of initial application, candidates should indicate their preferred host institution in their application and try to obtain a letter by the semi-finalist stage. Fulbright Korea will follow up with all candidates who progress to the semi-finalist stage to confirm either 1) that they have a letter of invitation, or 2) their preferred host institution and/or placement city/region. Final award offers are contingent on the U.S. Scholar being able to be matched with an appropriate host.
Korean language fluency sufficient to complete the proposed project is required.
All applicants must submit the "Language Proficiency Report: Self Evaluation" as part of the application.
If activities require Korean language skills, non-native speakers of Korean should also submit the "Language Proficiency Report: External Evaluation." Native speakers need only to complete the "Language Proficiency Report: Self Evaluation."
Those without Korean language skills need to explicitly address this issue in their discussion of the feasibility of the project in their project statement.
Professionals and academics are all eligible for awards, provided they meet the below criteria:
A professional without a terminal degree must have a minimum of seven years of experience in their respective field to be eligible to apply for a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award. (Current graduate students and recent graduates may wish to consider a Fulbright U.S. Student Award.)
A professional with a terminal degree must have at least three years of experience in their respective field after the completion of their terminal degree.
An academic must have a minimum academic rank of assistant professor OR three years of experience after completion of a terminal degree.
Fulbright Korea (Korean-American Educational Commission)
U.S. Department of State - Korea
Email the East Asia and the Pacific Team with questions about applying.
(*All allowances are paid in Korean won. US dollar estimates are calculated using the IRS Average Exchange Rate for 2022 of US $1 = KRW 1291.729)
*Monthly Stipend: KRW 4,000,000 (US $3,100)
Housing Allowance: If housing is not provided by the host institution, a monthly housing allowance of KRW 700,000 (US $540) will be provided.
Round-trip economy-class international airfare for the grantee will be arranged with the guidance of the Fulbright commission.
Additionally, grantees will receive as one-time payments a Settling-in Allowance of KRW 250,000 (US $195) and a Transportation Allowance of
- KRW 350,000 (US $270) for awards of 3-6 months
- KRW 500,000 (US $385) for awards of 7-10 months
- One-time payment of KRW 500,000 (US $385) for awards of 3-6 months
- One-time payment of KRW 700,000 (US $540) for awards of 7-10 months
Round-trip economy-class international airfare for one accompanying dependent will be provided to a grantee for awards of 10 months.
An additional dependent benefit of KRW 200,000-650,000 (US $155-505) per month will be provided for grantees with accompanying dependents, based on the number of accompanying dependents and the grantee's housing situation.
Dependent Tuition Allowance
Up to approximately KRW 6,460,000 (US $5,000) per child per semester (max two semesters) will be provided for up to two accompanying dependents in grades K-12. In order to be eligible for tuition assistance, a school-aged child must be at least six years old at the time of the award start date.
The dependent tuition allowance will be provided on a reimbursement basis upon submission of actual receipts. Reimbursement is based on actual costs of tuition and fees only. The tuition allowance amount may be adjusted for shorter award periods.
The tuition allowance is designed to offset the costs of educational expenses, not to fully cover them. As such, grantees are encouraged to explore multiple educational options for dependents.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
Currency & Banking: The official currency of South Korea is the Korean Won (KRW). Per the Yearly Average Currency Exchange Rate from the IRS for 2022, USD 1 = KRW 1291.729. Cash is still widely used throughout the country, but credit and debit cards are also common payment methods available in most locations. Most foreigners opening bank accounts in Korea receive a debit card as it is difficult to gain access to credit in Korea without a domestic financial history. Checks are not typically used as those with local bank accounts can easily transfer money electronically via either ATMs or online/mobile banking established after obtaining a Korean Residence Card. Most banks require a Residence Card to open an account.
Wages: The average cost of living in South Korea, even within the capital of Seoul, is lower than in comparable areas of the United States. Accordingly, salaries are also, on average, lower than in the U.S. In 2023, the hourly minimum wage was KRW 9,620 (US $7.45), for a monthly minimum wage (at ~209 hours) of KRW 2,010,580 (US $1,560). (Source: ROK Minimum Wage Commission) Per 2021 survey data collected by The Seoul Institute, among single-person households in Seoul, approximately 84% earned 4 million KRW (US $3,100) or less per month. An additional 7.3% earned 4-5 million KRW (USD $3,100–3,870) per month. (Source: Seoul at a Glance 2022)
Rent: Most of the Korean population lives in apartments. Housing conditions are generally good as many buildings are either new or newly remodeled, but there are older-style apartments still, particularly in less metropolitan areas. Housing is overall smaller in size than in the U.S. as much of the peninsula (about 70%) is mountainous, leading to higher population density in the low-lying coastal and valley areas, including Seoul. South Korea uses a unique “key money” rental system, which typically requires a higher housing deposit but lower monthly rental costs. Rent varies considerably depending on the deposit required, location, sharing arrangement, furnishings, and apartment size/quality. Grant candidates working with universities are particularly encouraged to speak with their hosts about the availability of campus housing for faculty/visiting academics.
Transportation: Public transportation is inexpensive, timely, and clean. Subway systems are available in the major metropolitan areas of Seoul, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, and Busan. As of December 2023, the Seoul subway fare for a single trip of less than 10 km (6.2 miles) was KRW 1,400 (US $1.08). Bus fares are generally between KRW 1,200–3,000 (US $1–2.30) depending on the type of bus and distance travelled. During the daytime, the base fare for a regular taxi is about KRW 3,800 (US $3) for the first 2 km (1.2 miles). A rechargeable transportation card (T-money or CashBee) can be purchased at convenience stores for use on public transportation within Korea, as well as for taxi rides. Intercity regular and express buses are available relatively inexpensively, and trains also crisscross much of the country. A one-way economy class ticket for an express bus from Seoul in the northwest of the peninsula to Busan in the southeast costs around KRW 27,000 (US $21) whereas an economy class ticket for a fast train (KTX) costs around KRW 60,000 (US $46.50).
Food: Food prices are lower in Korea than in the United States. Local dishes such as bibimbap, tofu stew, dumplings, etc. can be purchased for around KRW 8,000-10,000 (US $6.20-7.75). A latte is around KRW 4,500 (US $3.50). A large Big Mac set (burger, fries, soda) from McDonalds is around KRW 8,000 (US $7). Vegetarian and vegan food is becoming more popular but is most readily available around metropolitan areas. Fresh produce is available inexpensively at traditional markets located throughout the country. Korea also has an excellent food delivery culture for both prepared meals and groceries. Tipping is not part of the culture in Korea, so food prices are as listed; no additional tip is expected. While the cost of international foods varies, prices are generally reasonable, and items that cannot be found locally may be available for shipment via Korea’s excellent and affordable postal system.
Fulbright East Asia Pacific Regional Travel Program
As conditions allow, Fulbright Scholars in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region may have the opportunity to apply for funds to support short-term (3-14 days) travel to other countries in the EAP region for activities such as lectures, workshops, graduate or faculty seminars, master classes or recitals, curricular advising or panel presentations. EAP Regional Travel Program funding covers transportation only. Regional Travel Program activities/host sites should not be included in the initial Fulbright application. Scholars may start the process of seeking out invitations for short-term activities in other EAP countries once notified that they have been selected for a Fulbright grant, but will only be able to apply for travel program funds, conditions permitting, once they have actively started their Fulbright grant in their host country.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
South Korea
Often referred to as an “educational powerhouse,” Korea places a distinct value on education linked to early recognition of its importance in economic mobility and development throughout Korea’s history, and particularly its history since the Korean War in the early 1950s. As with the rest of the country, Korea’s higher education system has seen rapid growth since the end of the Korean War. Today, Korea boasts over 400 higher education institutions, primarily categorized as junior/community colleges (2-3 years), universities (4 years), and graduate schools.
A high percentage of Korean professors have earned PhDs from U.S. institutions. Additionally, course offerings in English have increased, with around 30% of courses at Korean colleges and universities now taught in English. Some colleges and universities may also include departments or programs in which all courses are taught in English. In keeping with globalization and Korea’s current status as an advanced economy, such programs have ambitious international goals. (For more information on higher education in Korea, visit the Korean Ministry of Education's Study in Korea website.)
According to the 2023 Open Doors report, published by the Institute of International Education (IIE), during the 2021-2022 academic year, South Korea ranked 10th among the top 25 destinations of U.S. study abroad students. The U.S. also remains a popular study abroad destination of Korean students, with Korea consistently ranking as the third-largest origin of international students after China and India (a fact particularly significant considering the difference in population size between Korea and these two countries). Thus, the Korean higher education system is uniquely placed to influence the future of international education, while fostering educational and cultural exchange between the United States and Korea. This emphasis on strong academics is matched by a strong interest in research and development (R&D) as, per the OECD, Korea has one of the world’s highest levels of R&D expenditure.
More generally, with the spread in popularity of Korean culture, language, and arts worldwide, popularly known as the “Hallyu Wave,” South Korea has taken its place on the world stage as a major influencer of global culture and trends. The vibrancy of Korea’s growing music and film scenes, reflected in the worldwide fame of BTS, Parasite, and Squid Game, are equally matched by a vibrancy and uniqueness of history extending back to the mythical foundation of Korea with the Gojoseon Dynasty in 2333 BC. South Korea boasts 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including monasteries, temples, and tombs; palaces, villages, and fortress complexes. The cultural atmosphere of these sites is reflected in the traditions of dress, dwelling, and daily living still seen in the gracefulness of Hanbok and Hanok, tasted in the savoriness of Kimchi and Korean barbeque, and heard in the strains of Pansori and Samul Nori.
General Information about the Korean Academic Year
The academic year for higher education institutions in Korea officially starts from March 1 with the opening of the spring semester. The spring semester closes with a final exam period in mid- to late June.
Summer break is approximately two months long, with the fall semester starting the end of August or beginning of September. The fall semester closes with a final exam period in mid-December.
The largest holidays in Korea are Chuseok (fall harvest) and Seollal (lunar new year). The dates of both holidays vary from year to year according to the lunar calendar, with Chuseok falling in September/October and Seollal falling in January/February. Most institutions in Korea go on a short break (typically a five-day weekend) in observance of these holidays.
2018 U.S. Scholar - As with prior Fulbright awards, this experience has permitted wonderful development of new skills, knowledge, collaborations, and continuing professional relationships for which I remain very grateful [...]. My contacts and knowledgeability already have been helpful for my professional activities and productivity in the United States. The opportunity to develop professional relationships, friendships, cultural awareness, and language skills has led to personal growth and gratification as well as improved capacity to contribute to others.
2021 U.S. Scholar - This experience was even more amazing than any past experiences I've had in Korea. Part of it had to do with coming with my family which pushed me to engage more vis-a-vis schools and family trips, but just as importantly, having Fulbright status and funding also eliminated some of the financial difficulties I would have otherwise had staying here for a year and opened the doors to a lot of opportunities for presenting, travelling, and meeting people.
2021 U.S. Scholar - Truly a wonderful and rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. I hope that I have been able to contribute to the goals of Fulbright and the experience of others at least as much as I have received.
Prospective applicants can also reach out to Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassadors from the Korea Program:
- 2018 U.S. Scholar David Oh - Alumni Ambassador Profile
- 2019 U.S. Scholar Drew Ippoliti - Alumni Ambassador Profile
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Visa Requirements
All Fulbright U.S. Scholar awardees to Korea MUST obtain an A-3 visa and enter the country on a U.S. passport.
U.S. Applicant Advisory
Note: The Korean Government utilizes the words “national/nationality” as opposed to “citizen/citizenship” in most official documentation in English. These words can be viewed as interchangeable for the purposes of this advisory.
Candidates who are nationals of Korea will NOT be permitted to undertake Fulbright awards to Korea.
Individuals of Korean heritage may have dual U.S.-ROK nationality unbeknownst to them or their family.
In April 2010, the Republic of Korea passed legislation that allows dual nationality, with differing rules for men and women. If one of an applicant’s parents is or was a Korean national, the applicant may automatically inherit Korean nationality via Korea’s “jus sanguinis” laws. In order to confirm their Korean nationality status, applicants of Korean heritage MUST contact the nearest Korean Embassy or Korean Consulate PRIOR TO submitting a Fulbright application.
Applicants in the following circumstances are considered by the Republic of Korea to be Korean nationals:
Applicants who fall under any of the categories listed above must contact the nearest Korean Embassy or Korean Consulate immediately to learn more about these regulations and the suggested procedures for filing for renunciation/loss of Korean nationality.
Applicants who were born in Korea and received American citizenship through naturalization should have lost their Korean nationality automatically at the time of their naturalization. However, official renunciation documentation (국적상실신고) must still be submitted to the Korean Government in order to formalize a citizenship status change. Per the Korean Consulate in Houston, “Failure to formally renounce one’s citizenship after being naturalized in another country may cause issues when applying for visas, marriage or birth registry, and legal matters.” As such, those from Korea naturalized as American citizens must contact the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate to ensure that their loss of Korean nationality has been formally recognized.
Applicants who were born in Korea and received American citizenship through adoption should have lost their Korean nationality automatically six months after American citizenship was granted. However, it has come to Fulbright Korea's attention that Korean nationality renunciation has not always been finalized for adoptees. As such, those adopted from Korea also must contact the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate prior to submitting a Fulbright application to confirm their Korean nationality status.
It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to determine whether they have dual nationality and how it impacts their eligibility for a Fulbright award.
In order to avoid withdrawal of a Fulbright award, Fulbright Korea requires all American applicants of Korean heritage to provide written proof that they do not have Korean nationality before they accept their Fulbright award. From the time a candidate is offered an award, they have approximately two weeks to return a decision and submit written verification that they do not have Korean nationality/citizenship. Failure to provide written verification before the award acceptance deadline is grounds for award withdrawal. Additionally, at the time of or after award acceptance, if any individual is found 1) to have failed to disclose they are of Korean heritage or 2) to have dual nationality with Korea, their award offer will be withdrawn.
To obtain written verification of NOT having Korean nationality/citizenship, those of Korean heritage must contact the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate, or the ROK Ministry of Justice.
Written verification may take the form of:
In all instances, documentation must clearly indicate that the applicant does not have Korean nationality in order for it to be accepted as written proof.
As an individual’s Korean nationality status is contingent upon specific personal and family history, all applicants of Korean heritage should contact the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate as early as possible once they have established their interest in the Fulbright Program in Korea in order to confirm their Korean nationality status and acquire appropriate documentation.
More information about Korean nationality law can be found at:
General questions regarding this requirement may be addressed to the Korean-American Educational Commission (Fulbright Korea) via email. Fulbright Korea is not a U.S. or R.O.K. government or immigration agency and thus cannot answer specific inquiries.