The POSCO Asia Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for outstanding students from Asian countries to pursue their Master’s or Ph.D. degrees in South Korea. Funded by the POSCO TJ Park Foundation, this fellowship is part of POSCO’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in science and technology across Asia. If you are an aspiring student seeking higher education in a globally recognized academic environment with complete financial support, this fellowship could be your gateway to success.
About POSCO Asia Fellowship
The POSCO Asia Fellowship is an initiative of the POSCO TJ Park Foundation, a corporate foundation established by the global steel-making giant POSCO. The fellowship is designed to strengthen educational and research cooperation between South Korea and other Asian countries by offering financial support to highly talented students in the region. Through this fellowship, POSCO aims to develop future leaders who can contribute to sustainable development and regional collaboration.
The fellowship supports postgraduate study (Master’s or Doctoral programs) in South Korea’s leading universities, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Every year, around 40 to 50 exceptional students from various Asian countries are selected under this program.
Financial Coverage
The POSCO Asia Fellowship 2026 provides comprehensive financial support to selected candidates. The following benefits are included under the scholarship:
- Full Tuition Fee: Tuition is fully covered for the entire duration of the Master’s or Ph.D. program.
- Monthly Stipend: KRW 1,000,000 per month (~USD 750) to cover living expenses such as food, housing, and local transportation.
- Settlement Allowance: A one-time payment of KRW 1,000,000 upon arrival in Korea.
- Health Insurance: The fellowship includes the cost of National Health Insurance for the student during their study period.
- Korean Language Classes and Cultural Programs: Students will have access to language support and various programs designed to enhance their cultural experience in Korea.
- Alumni Network and Ongoing Support: Upon completing the program, fellows become part of the POSCO alumni network, offering future opportunities for collaboration and career development.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the POSCO Asia Fellowship 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of an Asian country other than South Korea. Dual citizens holding Korean nationality are not eligible.
- Educational Qualification:
- For Master’s applicants: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.
- For Ph.D. applicants: A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
- Field of Study: Preference is given to applicants in STEM disciplines, although other fields may be considered depending on the program and university.
- Admission Requirement: Candidates must apply for admission to a South Korean university and gain acceptance to be eligible for the fellowship.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet the English or Korean language requirements set by the university. This may include scores from recognized tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or TOPIK.
- Character and Leadership Potential: POSCO is looking for future leaders. Applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities, a strong academic background, and commitment to serving their home country.
Participating Universities
Applicants can apply to one of the top universities in South Korea. These include:
- Seoul National University (SNU)
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology)
- Yonsei University
- Korea University
- Hanyang University
- Ewha Womans University
- Kyung Hee University
- Sungkyunkwan University
Each university has its own admission deadlines and requirements. Candidates must first be accepted to one of these institutions before they can be nominated for the POSCO Asia Fellowship.
Required Documents
Applicants are expected to submit a complete application along with the following documents:
- Completed POSCO Asia Fellowship application form
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of university admission (or proof of application submission)
- Language proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or TOPIK)
- Personal statement or study plan
- Letters of recommendation (usually two)
- Passport copy and other identification documents
- Additional documents as requested by the specific university
Application Deadline
The official application period for the POSCO Asia Fellowship 2026 will open in May 2025, and the deadline is expected to be May 31, 2025. Selection announcements typically occur between September and November 2025. The selected scholars will begin their programs in the Spring or Fall semester of 2026, depending on the university’s intake schedule.
It is essential to check the university’s own admission deadlines as they may be earlier than the fellowship’s final deadline.
How to Apply
The application process involves two main steps:
- Apply to a University in Korea:
Candidates must first apply to one of the participating Korean universities and receive an admission offer (or confirmation of pending admission). - Submit Fellowship Application:
After receiving admission (or conditional admission), applicants must submit their fellowship application through the designated university office (usually the Office of International Affairs or the Graduate School). Each university may have a slightly different process, so contacting the university directly is highly recommended.
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Official Apply Link
Interested applicants can find full details and application materials on the official POSCO TJ Park Foundation website:
This is the only official site through which updates and details will be provided, so applicants are advised to monitor it regularly.
Final Thoughts
The POSCO Asia Fellowship 2026 is not just a scholarship—it is an opportunity to grow academically, culturally, and professionally in one of Asia’s most advanced countries. If you aspire to be a future leader in your field and are looking for a fully funded graduate program, this fellowship offers an excellent pathway to success.
Be sure to prepare your application thoroughly, meet all the deadlines, and stay connected with your chosen university to maximize your chances. Good luck!