The ASEAN Korea Young Scholar Research Grant (YSRG) is hosted by the Korean Association of Southeast Asian Studies and supported by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund. Carrying the motto "Nurturing the next generation of Southeast Asians," the grant is designed to develop emerging scholars by funding high-quality, field-based research that advances the understanding of Southeast Asia and ASEAN-Korea relations. As a fully funded research grant backed by an established regional cooperation body, YSRG represents a significant opportunity for graduate researchers from ASEAN countries and the Republic of Korea to conduct meaningful fieldwork in their area of academic interest.
Why You Should Apply
This grant offers Master's and PhD students a fully funded pathway to conduct field-based research, complete with round-trip airfare, a generous monthly stipend, and a dedicated honorarium for a local research advisor — removing major financial barriers that often prevent graduate students from pursuing fieldwork abroad. Beyond the funding, selected researchers gain mentorship, the opportunity to present their work at an international workshop, and the chance to build academic networks with researchers and institutions across ASEAN and Korea, which can be invaluable for long-term academic careers in regional studies.
About the Post
Selected Young Scholars will conduct fieldwork-based research over a period of up to 3 months, focused on Southeast Asian Studies, ASEAN Studies, ASEAN-Korea Studies, ASEAN regional issues, ASEAN-Korea relations, Southeast Asian societies, comparative regional studies, or political, economic, social, cultural, and development issues affecting Southeast Asia. Scholars will be expected to complete their approved fieldwork, work with a local research advisor, and participate in the ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Research Workshop (conducted online) to present their research findings to a wider academic audience.
Recruitment Overview
The Korean Association of Southeast Asian Studies, supported by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund, has opened applications for the 2026 cycle of the Young Scholar Research Grant. The grant is open to Master's and PhD students who are citizens of ASEAN Member States or the Republic of Korea, currently pursuing their degree at a recognized university in the region. The application process is entirely online and free of charge, with a research proposal at its core. The application deadline is September 5, 2026, with results to be announced by the end of October 2026.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opening Date | Not mentioned |
| Application Deadline | September 5, 2026 |
| Result Announcement | End of October 2026 |
| Orientation | Mid-November 2026 |
| Fieldwork Period | November 2026 – April 2027 |
Vacancy Details
Specific numerical figures for the total number of grants/slots available under this cycle are not mentioned in the available information. The grant is open broadly to eligible Master's and PhD students from ASEAN Member States and the Republic of Korea, with selection based on proposal quality rather than a fixed quota structure as described.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit: Not mentioned in the available information.
Educational Qualification: Applicants must be pursuing a Master's or Doctoral (PhD) program at a recognized university in an ASEAN Member State or South Korea.
Experience: Not mentioned as a separate requirement, though applicants must be able to conduct research related to Southeast Asian Studies, ASEAN Studies, or ASEAN-Korea Studies and submit a proposal demonstrating originality, academic quality, and feasible fieldwork.
Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of an ASEAN Member State or the Republic of Korea.
Physical Standards
Not applicable for this research grant.
Salary/Pay Scale
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Round-trip International Airfare | Covered for approved fieldwork |
| Monthly Fieldwork Stipend | USD 1,400/- (for up to 3 months) |
| Local Research Advisor Honorarium | USD 200/- |
| ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Research Workshop | Participation included (Online) |
The grant is fully funded, and selected researchers also gain access to opportunities to build academic networks with researchers and institutions across ASEAN and Korea.
Selection Process
Selection is based on the following criteria:
- Academic quality of the applicant and proposal
- Originality of the proposed research
- Relevance to Southeast Asian or ASEAN-Korea Studies
- Quality of the proposed fieldwork
Detailed information on interview rounds or additional assessment stages beyond application/proposal review is not mentioned in the available information.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Not applicable — there is no written examination for this research grant; selection is based on the submitted research proposal and supporting application documents.
Application Fee
No application fee is required for the ASEAN Korea Young Scholar Research Grant 2026.
How to Apply
- Visit the official application form at https://forms.gle/ByMAaDezmX2YdS6A8.
- Review the full call for applications on the official website at https://www.akpgm.org/post/call-for-applications-2026-young-scholar-research-grant-ysrg for complete details and guidelines.
- Confirm your eligibility — you must be a citizen of an ASEAN Member State or the Republic of Korea, currently pursuing a Master's or PhD program.
- Prepare your research proposal, ensuring it demonstrates originality, academic quality, and a feasible fieldwork plan related to Southeast Asian or ASEAN-Korea Studies.
- Gather all required supporting documents: proof of degree enrollment, updated CV/Resume, and academic transcript.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal, academic, and research proposal details.
- Upload all required documents in the specified format.
- Review your application and proposal carefully before final submission.
- Submit your completed application online before the deadline of September 5, 2026.
- Await the result announcement, expected by the end of October 2026, and prepare for orientation in mid-November 2026 if selected.
Documents Required
Complete online application form, Research Proposal, Proof of degree enrollment, Updated CV/Resume, and Academic Transcript.
Important Instructions
- No application fee is required for this grant.
- Applicants must ensure their research proposal is original, academically sound, and includes a feasible fieldwork plan.
- Only citizens of ASEAN Member States or the Republic of Korea, currently enrolled in a Master's or PhD program at a recognized university in the region, are eligible to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the ASEAN Korea Young Scholar Research Grant 2026? A1. It is a fully funded research grant supporting Master's and PhD students from ASEAN countries and Korea to conduct field-based research on Southeast Asia and ASEAN-Korea relations, hosted by the Korean Association of Southeast Asian Studies.
Q2. Who is eligible to apply for this grant? A2. Citizens of ASEAN Member States or the Republic of Korea who are currently pursuing a Master's or PhD program at a recognized university in the region are eligible.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for YSRG 2026? A3. The application deadline is September 5, 2026.
Q4. What does the grant funding cover? A4. It covers round-trip international airfare for approved fieldwork, a monthly stipend of USD 1,400 for up to 3 months, a USD 200 honorarium for a local research advisor, and participation in an online research workshop.
Q5. Is there an application fee? A5. No, there is no application fee required for this grant.
Q6. What is the duration of the funded fieldwork? A6. The fieldwork period can last up to 3 months, tentatively scheduled between November 2026 and April 2027.
Q7. What research areas are supported under this grant? A7. Supported areas include Southeast Asian Studies, ASEAN Studies, ASEAN-Korea Studies, ASEAN regional issues, ASEAN-Korea relations, Southeast Asian societies, comparative regional studies, and political, economic, social, cultural, and development issues affecting Southeast Asia.
Important Links
- Official Website: https://www.akpgm.org/post/call-for-applications-2026-young-scholar-research-grant-ysrg
- Apply Online: https://forms.gle/ByMAaDezmX2YdS6A8
- Download Notification PDF: Not mentioned
- Official Notification: Call for Applications 2026 — Young Scholar Research Grant (YSRG), Korean Association of Southeast Asian Studies
Conclusion
The ASEAN Korea Young Scholar Research Grant 2026 offers Master's and PhD students from ASEAN countries and Korea a valuable, fully funded opportunity to conduct meaningful field-based research on Southeast Asia and ASEAN-Korea relations, complete with financial support, mentorship, and international networking opportunities. Eligible students are strongly encouraged to prepare a strong research proposal and submit their application before the deadline of September 5, 2026. For more such international scholarship and research grant updates, keep visiting certifica.in.