Australia-Korea Foundation Scholarship Program

Program Objectives

• To develop a group of Australian graduates with a good understanding of Korean language, culture, society, politics, economy and the bilateral relationship.
• To increase Australia's capacity to engage with Korea and to strengthen Australia-Korea relations through people-to-people and institutional linkages.

Scholarship amount

The value of individual scholarships generally range between $3,000 to $10,000.  PhD candidates can apply for up to $15,000.

Target Groups

See program examples for each target group below.

The program will provide individual scholarships targeted at the following three groups:

1. Australian PhD, Masters or Honours students who are undertaking research in a field of study important to the Australia-Korea relationship.
2. Australian later year undergraduates who are studying Korean, to further their language skills and cultural understanding through experiencing Korea first hand.
3. Australian graduates pursuing a career in an Australia-Korea related profession and developing business experience and networks in Korea for their future careers.

Eligibility and Application Details

Eligibility

The Australia-Korea Foundation Scholarship is open to all Australian citizens and permanent residents who:

• are currently enrolled at an Australian tertiary institution undertaking a PhD, Masters, Honours or Undergraduate course with a Korea-related field of study.  Recent Australian graduates employed in a Korea-related field may also apply.
• are able to supply two referee reports, one of which must comment on the applicant's academic achievement. Further comment may be sought from referees.

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be assessed on the following selection criteria

• the strength of the proposed research, study or internship program
• demonstrated interest in and understanding of Korea and Korean language/culture or an interest in increasing this knowledge
• demonstrated cultural awareness and adaptability
• academic merit

Costs

The Australia-Korea Foundation Scholarship is provided to assist the recipient in covering costs associated with travelling to/from and living in Korea, including:

• return economy class international airfare from Australia to Korea
• departure taxes
• Korean student visa (if applicable)
• travel insurance whilst outside Australia
• tuition fees (if applicable) including University application and enrolment fees
• accommodation which may be university dormitory-style on campus or similar
• contribution to living expenses
• contribution to textbooks and other study materials
• medical vaccinations, as required
• health examination costs
• passport fees (where applicable)
• travel costs not mentioned above (including excess baggage and domestic flights to connect to international flights)
• communication costs (telephone, internet, postage etc)
• all other incidental costs

Statutory declaration

Successful applicants will be required to sign a statutory declaration which includes statements that:

• he/she has read and understands the contents of the Australian Government Travel Advice for Korea (the latest travel advice is available from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller website)
• he/she will agree to abide by all Australian and Korean laws and regulations and all instructions from the Program coordinators for the duration of their participation in the Program
• any current or future claim against the Australia-Korea Foundation or any director, member, employee, contractor or associate of the Australia-Korea Foundation in respect of their travel to Korea is irrevocably waived
• he/she is aware of and understands the conditions of a student visa that includes limitations on work whilst in Korea
• he/she will agree to participate in an alumni association of the Australia-Korea Foundation Scholarship Program.

Applications

Applications must be submitted online

Scholarship application form

Written references and academic transcripts can be uploaded to the application form. If you have any questions, please contact: australia.korea@dfat.gov.au

Applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome in late June / early July 2013.

Program Examples for the three Target Groups

1.  Australian PhD, Masters or Honours students who are undertaking research in a field of study important to the Australia-Korea relationship:

Travel grants offered to graduate/postgraduate researchers to undertake field work or a program of study in Korea, with preference given to those that have an identified host university or partner organisation in Korea.

Researchers will gain an understanding of Korean culture and aspects of contemporary life in Korea while completing their research, which may be in any discipline.

Individual scholarships for researchers may be provided up to a maximum of $10,000, while PhD candidates may apply for up to $15,000.

2.  Australian later year undergraduates who are studying Korean, to further their language skills and cultural understanding through experiencing Korea first hand:

Travel grants offered to current students who have demonstrated a high level of Korean linguistic ability, to provide an opportunity to attend a Korean university for one semester or a full academic year, preferably through their home institution’s exchange or study abroad programs.

Individual scholarships for undergraduates may be provided up to a maximum of $5,000.

3.  Australian graduates pursuing a career in an Australia-Korea related profession and developing business experience and networks in Korea for their future careers:

Australian recent graduates who have completed a tertiary degree in a Korea-related discipline and employed in a related area, who are keen to gain some work experience in Korea and develop Korean language skills and cultural understanding for the workplace, may consider undertaking a program that includes study/work activities such as:

one semester of language study in Korea

• one semester studying a business course at a leading university in Korea
• a work placement or internship for up to 6 months in an Australian or Korean company based in Korea.

Individual scholarships for graduates may be provided up to a maximum of $10,000.