2020 Academic Exchange Program for North Korean and Unification Studie…

1. MOU-IFES North Korean Studies Fellowship

a. Program Overview 

The “MOU-IFES North Korean Studies Fellowship” is designed to provide fellowship support for 6 months to 1 year to scholars interested in conducting intensive research on North Korea and Korean Peninsula issues. 

Managed by the Institute for Far Eastern Studies of Kyungnam University, this fellowship provides numerous programs for scholars including opportunities to work with prestigious experts on North Korean issues, attend special lectures by current and former government ministers and policy makers, and participate in academic exchange, expert workshops, and field trips, among other activities and events. 

b. Program Outline 

 Individual Research Project (50%) 

 Cooperative Project with researchers/teams in the institute (20%) 

 Participation in Academic Programs related to North Korea and Korean unification (30%) 

 - Opportunity to attend/participate in program-related weekly seminars, field workshops, project presentations, and academic forums, among other events 

c. Grant Period : 6 to 12 Months (possibility to extend fellowship for up to 24 months) 

 First fellowship program for 2020 will start on September 1, 2020 

 Recipient of the fellowship grant should enter the Republic of Korea at least 15 days prior to the start of the program 

d. Applicant Eligibility 

 Foreign nationals who mainly work in the fields of North Korean studies and/or peace and Korean unification studies (including PhD candidates working on thesis, and postdoctoral researchers). Persons with work experience (including journalists, government officials, international development experts, etc.) and research agenda relevant to the promotion of peace on the Korean Peninsula will also be considered. 

 A PhD candidate (for scholars) or a person with over five years of experience in relevant fields. 

 The following qualifications will be given favorable consideration: - Korean language proficiency - previous contributions to academic journals and media - previous presentations to academic conferences and seminars - public sector work experience relevant to North Korean and Korean unification issues 

e. Grant Amount 

 Living expenses (KRW 2,300,000 to 3,000,000/month) 

 Round-trip flight ticket (expense reimbursement) 

 National health insurance (Korea’s National Health Insurance) 

 Initial relocation subsidy (KRW 1,000,000) 

2. MOU-UNKS North Korean Studies Scholarship 

a. Overview 

The “MOU-UNKS North Korean Studies Scholarship” is designed to support rising scholars interested in pursuing a master’s degree or doctorate in North Korean and unification studies. Scholarships will be provided to applicants of the master’s degree or doctorate in North Korean and unification studies at the University of North Korean Studies. Successful applicants to the doctoral program can receive a scholarship for up to three years. 

b. Applicant Eligibility 

 Foreign nationals under the age of 40 who apply to enter a master’s or doctoral program on studies of North Korea and Korean unification. 

 Academic requirements: Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree with minimum final cumulative GPA of 80% or better. 

 Favorable consideration will be given to applicants with Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) level 5 (or above) and those who have applied to the doctoral program. 

c. Grant Period 

 Up to 2 years for Master’s Degree applicants (renewed annually) 

 Up to 3 years for Doctor’s Degree applicants (renewed annually) 

 The initial grant will be provided for one year with annual review and renewal process. 

※ For more information please refer to the attachment.