2026 Hansae Yes24 Foundation Global Fellowship: A Scholarship Guide for Southeast Asian International Students
Must-read for graduate students from Vietnam, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries! Here is a summary of the 2026 second-half recruitment schedule and full scholarship benefits for the newly renamed 'Global Fellowship.'
South Korea's massive global businesses are shifting significantly toward Southeast Asia. Consequently, there is a high demand within Korea for talent who can lead economic and cultural exchange with Southeast Asia.
In line with this trend, the Hansae Yes24 Foundation provides generous financial support to young research talent from Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Did you know that instead of a brutal, winner-take-all competition against students from other regions, there is actually a special and welcoming selection process exclusively for Southeast Asian international students?
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Curious about other scholarship schedules?
Check out the overall recruitment schedule at a glance at the 2026-2027 Korea Study Abroad Scholarship Calendar.
1. Why the Hansae Yes24 Foundation focuses on supporting Southeast Asian students
This foundation was established based on the philosophies of "diversity" and "global mutual growth" shared by group companies such as domestic bookstore chains and fashion brands.
Why Southeast Asia? Because various affiliates, including Hansae Co., Ltd., have long established strong business footholds deep in the Southeast Asian region, contributing to the economic growth of those areas.
In other words, the foundation's board sees you not merely as a beneficiary, but as a "VIP investment target" who will act as a bridge mentor for business or academia between Korea and Southeast Asia in the future. Unlike other scholarships, the unique feature here is that you can truly feel a sense of being 'welcomed'.
2. Details on tuition and research grant support for Master's/Ph.D. programs
Support is focused on the student's passion for learning rather than the prestige of their university.
Support Amount: For students currently enrolled in Master's or Ph.D. programs—not only at major general graduate schools but also at specialized graduate schools like those for Translation and Interpretation or KDI—the foundation provides a certain level of scholarship per semester (usually around 4 million KRW annually, though variable, it is a very solid tuition subsidy)!
Catching Additional Opportunities: Beyond financial support, for international students interested in Korea's publishing, entertainment, retail, or textile industries, this foundation’s cultural infrastructure is 120% likely to serve as a huge stepping stone.
3. How to write about 'potential to contribute to bilateral cultural exchange' in your application
The secret to being a top-tier candidate for this scholarship is answering the question, "How will you connect Korean culture (K-Culture) with local Southeast Asian culture?"
Answer to avoid: "I will study hard and become a great engineer."
Answer that increases acceptance rate by 500%: "Based on my deep learning research, I will optimize traffic for local Vietnamese e-commerce sites and purchasing algorithms for Korean online brands (like YES24), increasing the logistics/IT exchange efficiency between the two countries by over 40%."
👉 For this kind of perfect K-business communication, writing Korean-style reports/proposal essays is essential. Use the TOPIK Writing Section Mastery Strategy as a foundation to create a smooth self-introduction letter in Korean!
4. Benefits of additional activities like cultural tours and academic seminars hosted by the foundation
It does not end with a bank deposit confirmation; the foundation promises continuous management. Whenever a new class of scholars is selected, a cultural tour benefit is held where all scholars charter a bus to visit major landmarks and historical sites in Korea! You get the added bonus of an 'uijeong' (friendship) party to network with international students from different majors and various ASEAN countries.
5. Hansae Yes24 Recruitment Schedule (2026 Status and 2027 Projections)
This program, recently renamed the 'Global Fellowship,' conducts recruitment twice a year (first and second half).
Category | 2026 Status | 2027 Expected Schedule |
|---|---|---|
First Half Recruitment (for Fall Semester) | Early Feb ~ Early Mar | Expected Early Feb 2027 |
Second Half Recruitment (for Next Spring Semester) | Mid-July ~ Mid-Aug | Expected Mid-July 2027 |
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Curious about other scholarship schedules?
Check the monthly recruitment schedule at the 2026-2027 Korea Study Abroad Scholarship Calendar.
(※ Please check the detailed notice on the Hansae Yes24 Culture Foundation Official Website.)
FAQ
Q: I am a first-year undergraduate student. Am I ineligible?
A: This foundation's core global scholarship is primarily targeted at talent in 'Master's and Ph.D.' programs that guarantee academic performance. If you are an undergraduate student, please refer to undergraduate-focused scholarships such as the Woojung Foundation that supports Asian students.
Q: Can a student from Central Asia who is not from Southeast Asia apply?
A: Based on previous announcements, the Hansae Yes24 scholarship selection process often groups eligibility requirements around key ASEAN countries. The foundation's selection policy may change from year to year, so please be sure to cross-check with the target country notices posted on the website or at your international student office.
Next Steps
Check out more scholarship information and admission strategies!
A to Z Guide to Online Registration and Grade Checking for the TOPIK Exam
First Step to Life in Korea: D2 Student Visa Application Guide
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The Key to Scholarship Success: TOPIK Score
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