ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Research Grant 2026

Overview

The ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Research Grant (YSRG) 2026 is a research funding opportunity for postgraduate students from ASEAN Member States and the Republic of Korea. The grant supports Master’s and doctoral researchers whose work focuses on Southeast Asian Studies, ASEAN Studies, ASEAN-Korea relations, and related regional issues.

The programme is part of the ASEAN-Korea Platform for Great Minds (AKPGM), which is supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea through the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF). It is implemented by the Korean Association of Southeast Asian Studies (KASEAS).

The grant is intended to help young researchers carry out fieldwork that contributes to a better understanding of Southeast Asia and ASEAN-Korea relations. Selected researchers will also take part in an online Young Scholar Research Workshop, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas with other emerging scholars.

About ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Research Grant

The Young Scholar Research Grant was created to support the next generation of researchers working on Southeast Asian and ASEAN-Korea studies.

For postgraduate students, fieldwork is often an important part of completing a thesis or dissertation. However, expenses such as international travel, accommodation, local research support, and other fieldwork costs can make conducting research difficult.

The YSRG provides financial support specifically for approved fieldwork, allowing selected researchers to gather information and conduct research in relevant locations.

Grant Benefits

Selected grantees will receive financial support to help carry out their approved fieldwork.

The benefits include:

• Round-trip international airfare for approved fieldwork.
• A monthly fieldwork stipend of USD 1,400 for up to three months.
• A USD 200 honorarium for local research advisors.
• Participation in the online Young Scholar Research Workshop.
• Opportunities for academic exchange with other young researchers.

The grant is intended to support fieldwork rather than provide full funding for an entire Master's or doctoral degree. Applicants should therefore have a clearly defined research project and explain why fieldwork is necessary for their research.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants interested in the ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Research Grant 2026 must meet the programme requirements.

Eligible applicants should:

• Be a national of an ASEAN Member State or the Republic of Korea.
• Be currently enrolled in a Master's or doctoral programme.
• Study at a recognized institution in an ASEAN Member State or the Republic of Korea.
• Conduct research related to Southeast Asian Studies, ASEAN Studies, or ASEAN-Korea Studies.
• Have a research project that includes relevant fieldwork.
• Demonstrate the ability and preparedness to carry out the proposed research.

The programme covers research on Southeast Asian societies, regional issues, and ASEAN-Korea relations. The selection committee also aims to promote regional representation and generally seeks to award up to one grant to a researcher from each ASEAN Member State and the Republic of Korea, subject to the quality of applications.

Available Areas Of Study

The grant supports postgraduate research connected to Southeast Asia and ASEAN-Korea studies.

Possible research areas include:

• Southeast Asian Studies
• ASEAN Studies
• ASEAN-Korea relations
• International relations
• Regional politics and governance
• Economics and development
• History
• Culture and society
• Migration and mobility
• Regional cooperation
• Social and political issues
• Contemporary issues affecting Southeast Asia

Required Documents

Applicants are required to prepare and upload several documents as part of the application.

These include:

• Research proposal.
• Introduction to the host institution or fieldwork site.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Current or most recent certificate of enrollment.
• Academic transcript showing records up to the most recent semester.

Applicants should clearly explain their research objectives, the purpose of the fieldwork, where the research will take place, and how the fieldwork will contribute to the overall project.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of the proposed research and the applicant's ability to carry out the planned fieldwork.

The selection criteria include:

• Academic quality of the research.
• Originality of the research.
• Significance of the proposed work.
• Relevance to Southeast Asian Studies, ASEAN Studies, or ASEAN-Korea Studies.
• Quality of the proposed fieldwork.
• Feasibility of the fieldwork plan.
• Applicant's research capacity.
• Applicant's preparedness to undertake the research.

A strong application should therefore present a clear research question and show that the proposed fieldwork is realistic and necessary.

How To Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the eligibility requirements for the ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Research Grant.
2. Confirm that you are a citizen of an ASEAN Member State or the Republic of Korea.
3. Confirm that you are currently enrolled in a Master's or doctoral programme at an eligible institution.
4. Ensure that your research is relevant to Southeast Asian Studies, ASEAN Studies, or ASEAN-Korea Studies.
5. Prepare your research proposal.
6. Prepare information about your proposed host institution or fieldwork site.
7. Prepare your CV, enrollment certificate, and academic transcript.
8. Complete the online application form.
9. Upload all required documents.
10. Submit the application before the September 5, 2026 deadline.

Applicants should review their materials carefully before submitting to ensure that the research proposal and supporting documents clearly demonstrate the relevance and feasibility of the proposed fieldwork.