ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Research Grant 2026: Fieldwork Support for Postgraduate Researchers

The ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Research Grant (YSRG) 2026 is now open for applications. This grant supports postgraduate researchers from ASEAN Member States and the Republic of Korea to conduct fieldwork that enhances understanding of Southeast Asia, ASEAN-Korea relations, and regional dynamics.

Application Closing Date: September 5, 2026
Location: Fieldwork in ASEAN Member States or Republic of Korea
Programme Duration: Up to three months of fieldwork
Stipend: USD $1,400 per month
Minimum Qualification: Master’s or doctoral program enrollment

About the ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Research Grant (YSRG) 2026

The YSRG is part of the ASEAN-Korea Platform for Great Minds (AKPGM) project. This initiative is supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea through the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF). The Korean Association of Southeast Asian Studies (KASEAS) is responsible for implementing the project.

The main goal of the YSRG is to nurture the next generation of scholars focused on Southeast Asia. It achieves this by funding fieldwork that contributes to new knowledge about Southeast Asian societies, regional issues, and the relationship between ASEAN and Korea. The grant encourages locally grounded research and academic exchange.

This program is designed for researchers who want to conduct in-depth studies in the region. It supports academic exploration and fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities within Southeast Asia and its connections with Korea.

About the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF)

The ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF) supports various projects aimed at strengthening ties between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea. These projects cover a wide range of areas, including culture, education, and economic cooperation. The fund plays a key role in promoting mutual understanding and collaboration between the two regions.

The AKCF supports initiatives that foster people-to-people exchanges and joint research. The YSRG is one such initiative, focusing on academic research to build a stronger foundation for future cooperation.

Available Research Areas

The grant supports research relevant to several key areas:

• Southeast Asian Studies
• ASEAN Studies
• ASEAN-Korea Studies

This includes research on Southeast Asian societies, regional challenges, and the evolving relationship between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea.

What the Grant Offers

Selected grantees will receive several benefits to support their research:

• International Airfare: Round-trip international airfare for approved fieldwork.
• Monthly Stipend: A fieldwork stipend of USD $1,400 per month for a maximum of three months.
• Advisor Honoraria: Honoraria of USD $200 for local research advisors.
• Workshop Participation: Opportunity to participate in the Young Scholar Research Workshop, conducted online.

Programme Duration and Location

The fieldwork supported by this grant can last for up to three months. The research will be conducted in ASEAN Member States or the Republic of Korea, depending on the applicant’s research focus and proposal.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Research Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a national of an ASEAN Member State or the Republic of Korea.
• Be currently enrolled in a Master’s or doctoral program at a recognized institution in an ASEAN country or the Republic of Korea.
• Conduct research that is relevant to Southeast Asian Studies, ASEAN Studies, or ASEAN-Korea Studies.
• The selection committee aims for balanced regional representation, typically awarding up to one grant per ASEAN Member State and the Republic of Korea, depending on application quality.

Competencies Required

Applications will be evaluated based on several factors:

• Academic Quality: The originality and significance of the proposed research.
• Relevance: How well the research aligns with Southeast Asian studies, ASEAN studies, or ASEAN-Korea studies.
• Fieldwork Feasibility: The quality and practicality of the proposed fieldwork plan.
• Research Capacity: The applicant’s demonstrated research skills and preparedness.

Who Should Apply?

This grant is ideal for postgraduate students currently pursuing Master’s or doctoral degrees. Applicants should be nationals of ASEAN Member States or the Republic of Korea. The program is best suited for those whose research directly contributes to understanding Southeast Asian societies, regional issues, or the specific relationship between ASEAN and Korea.

If you are a dedicated researcher looking to conduct fieldwork in these areas and gain valuable experience, this grant could provide the necessary support.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents as part of their application:

• Research Proposal
• Host Institution Introduction (Fieldwork Site)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certificate of Enrollment from your current or most recent academic institution
• Academic Transcript (including records up to the most recent semester)

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply online through the provided link. Ensure all required documents are prepared and uploaded accurately.

Click here to apply for the ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Research Grant 2026

For more detailed information, visit the official ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund website.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Ensure your research proposal is clear, original, and relevant to the specified study areas.
• Verify that your fieldwork plan is feasible and well-structured.
• All submitted documents must be accurate and complete.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is September 5, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before this date to avoid any last-minute issues.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS.