What Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies (KFAS) International Student Scholarship actually covers.
The Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies (KFAS) is a prestigious private foundation established by SK Group, one of South Korea's largest conglomerates, with a mandate to support exceptional young scholars from across the globe in pursuing graduate education at top Korean universities. The KFAS International Student Scholarship programme selects outstanding master's and doctoral students from eligible countries — including a range of African nations — for full financial support during their studies in South Korea.
KFAS scholarships are awarded on a highly competitive basis, with a selection process that emphasises academic excellence, research potential, and demonstrated leadership qualities. Selected fellows are placed at Korea's most distinguished universities, including KAIST, Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, and Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), depending on the applicant's chosen academic field.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a generous monthly living allowance, international airfare, a settling-in allowance upon arrival in Korea, and health insurance for the full duration of studies. KFAS fellows also benefit from a vibrant alumni network that connects them with Korean industry leaders, government officials, and academics, creating lasting professional ties that extend well beyond their years as students.
For African applicants, the KFAS scholarship is particularly relevant in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), though it also supports studies in economics, public policy, and social sciences. The foundation maintains a special focus on candidates from nations with fewer educational opportunities, and applications from African countries are explicitly welcomed. The annual application cycle typically opens in autumn for the following academic year's intake.
Who can apply.
Open to masters, phd applicants seeking to study in South Korea. Eligible nationalities are listed below.
46 more eligible countries — full list available on the official application page.
Every academic discipline is accepted.
This programme does not restrict by field. Research proposals across humanities, sciences, engineering, agriculture, and medicine are all accepted.
From here to submitted.
Scholar Africa helps you discover, shortlist, and track. The application itself is submitted on the provider's site.
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Save itAdd this to your shortlist so we can recommend similar scholarships and remind you of the deadline.
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Prepare your documentsMost providers ask for the same set — transcripts, references, a personal statement, ID. Use the checklist below to track progress across all your applications.
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What we checked, when we checked it.
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Other scholarships worth a parallel application.
Same eligibility window or destination. Many strong applicants apply to three or four programmes per cycle.