A promotional poster for the Seoul Future Foundation's scholarship program / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
For many Korean university students, the dream of a semester abroad often collides with the harsh reality of soaring international inflation and travel costs.
On Friday, the Seoul Future Talent Foundation unveiled a scholarship program that will provide up to 5.5 million won (approximately $4,100) to students heading overseas this fall.
The Seoul Global Exchange Student Scholarship aims to support 60 undergraduate students scheduled for departure in the second half of 2026. With a total fund of 307.5 million won, the program differentiates its support based on the destination's cost of living. Students heading to universities within Asia are eligible for a 4 million won scholarship, while those traveling to non-Asian regions — typically involving higher tuition and living expenses in North America or Europe — can receive the maximum grant of 5.5 million won.
The initiative, which has been a staple of the city’s educational support system since 2014, is introducing a new mentorship component this year. Recognizing that financial aid is only one part of the equation, the foundation will link new recipients with former scholars to provide practical advice on navigating local life and academic rigors abroad.
Eligibility is strictly defined to ensure the funds reach high-achieving students from diverse economic backgrounds. Applicants must be enrolled in a four-year or community college within Seoul and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 85 percent. Furthermore, the scholarship is targeted at those within the lower-income brackets as defined by the Korea Student Aid Foundation.
"The experience of being an exchange student serves as the foundation for growing into a global leader," said Nam Sung-wook, chairman of the Seoul Future Foundation.
Recipients will also participate in the "Seoul EX-Changers" program, acting as student correspondents to share their international experiences with peers back home. Applications open online on May 18 and will run through May 27, following a rigorous selection process involving document reviews and interviews.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
