2026 Hansae Yes24 Foundation Global Fellowship: Scholarship Guide for Southeast Asian International Students
Must-read for graduate students from Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Indonesia! We have summarized the 2026 second-half recruitment schedule and full scholarship benefits for the renamed 'Global Fellowship'.
The massive global businesses of South Korean companies are shifting significantly to Southeast Asia. Consequently, there is a high demand within Korea for bright minds to lead economic and cultural exchanges with Southeast Asia.
In line with this trend, the Hansae Yes24 Foundation provides generous financial support to young research talent from Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Did you know that there is a special, welcoming competitive category specifically for Southeast Asian international students, rather than having to compete tooth and nail against students from other regions?
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Curious about other scholarship schedules?
Check out the overall recruitment schedule at a glance in the 2026-2027 Korea Study Abroad Scholarship Calendar.
1. Why the Hansae Yes24 Foundation focuses on supporting Southeast Asian students
This scholarship foundation was established based on the philosophies of "diversity" and "global mutual growth" of group companies, including domestic bookstore and fashion enterprises.
Why Southeast Asia? Because group companies like Hansae Co., Ltd. have long established business bases deep within the Southeast Asian region, contributing to the economic growth of these areas.
In other words, the board of the foundation views you not as simple beneficiaries, but as "VIP investment targets" who will act as business or academic bridge mentors traveling between Korea and Southeast Asia in the future. Unlike other scholarships, the unique feature is that you can truly feel a sense of being 'welcomed'.
2. Details of tuition and research support funding for Master's/Ph.D. programs
This support emphasizes the student's academic motivation rather than the ranking of the university.
Support Amount: They provide a certain level of scholarship per semester (usually around 4 million KRW annually, which varies but is a very solid tuition subsidy) directly to Master's/Ph.D. students in major domestic graduate schools, as well as specialized graduate schools such as interpretation/translation graduate schools or KDI!
Seizing Additional Opportunities: Beyond financial support, if you are an international student interested in Korea's books, publishing, entertainment, retail, or textile industries, there is a 120% chance that the foundation's cultural infrastructure will become a massive stepping stone for you.
3. How to write about 'potential for contribution to bilateral cultural exchange' in your application
The secret to being accepted to this scholarship is answering the question, "How will you connect Korean culture (K-Culture) with local Southeast Asian culture?"
Avoid this answer: "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 the local e-commerce traffic in Vietnam and the purchase algorithms of Korean online brands (like YES24) to increase the efficiency of logistics/IT exchange between the two countries by over 40%."
👉 For such perfect K-business communication, writing Korean-style reports/proposal essays is essential. Create a smooth self-introduction letter in Korean based on the TOPIK Writing Mastery Strategy!
4. Additional activity benefits such as cultural field trips and academic seminars hosted by the foundation
They promise continuous management rather than just ending with a deposit confirmation.
Whenever a new class of scholars is selected, a cultural field trip benefit is held where all scholars rent a bus to visit major hubs and historical sites within Korea! You also get the added bonus of a beautiful friendship party where you can interact with students from other ASEAN countries in different departments.
5. Hansae Yes24 Recruitment Schedule (2026 status and 2027 forecast)
This program, recently renamed the 'Global Fellowship', recruits twice a year (first and second half).
Category | 2026 Status | 2027 Expected Schedule |
|---|---|---|
First Half Recruitment (for Fall Semester) | Early Feb ~ Early Mar | Scheduled early Feb 2027 |
Second Half Recruitment (for Spring Semester of next year) | Mid-July ~ Mid-August | Scheduled mid-July 2027 |
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Curious about other scholarship schedules?
Check out the monthly recruitment schedule at the 2026-2027 Korea Study Abroad Scholarship Calendar.
(※ Please check the official Hansae Yes24 Culture Foundation website for detailed announcements.)
FAQ
Q: I am a freshman in my first year of undergraduate studies, am I ineligible?
A: The core global scholarships of this foundation primarily target talent in 'Master's and Ph.D.' programs that guarantee academic achievement. If you are an undergraduate international student, please refer to undergraduate-focused scholarships such as the Woojung Foundation that supports Asian students.
Q: Can students from Central Asia who are not from Southeast Asia apply?
A: Based on previous announcements, the Hansae Yes24 scholarship selection process often limits eligibility requirements to major ASEAN countries. The foundation's selection policy may change from year to year, so be sure to cross-check the target country announcements on their website and at the international student office.
Next Steps
Check out more scholarship information and admission strategies!
A to Z guide for TOPIK exam online registration and grade confirmation
First step to studying in Korea, D2 student visa application guide
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Key to Scholarship Acceptance, TOPIK Score
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