US-Korea Presidential STEM Initiative
In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea, Presidents Biden and Yoon announced in April 2023 the establishment of a new educational exchange initiative amounting to $60 million, funded jointly, that aims to serve 2,023 Koreans and 2,023 Americans. Per the leaders’ joint statement from April 26, 2023, the initiative includes 200 grantees under the Fulbright scholarship program, making it the largest number of grantees selected for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in Fulbright’s history.
Graduate Student Program under the U.S.-Korea Presidential STEM Initiative provides the opportunity for Korean students to pursue master’s or doctoral programs in STEM fields at U.S. universities. The program targets applicants who wish to enroll in U.S. graduate schools for the following year’s fall semester. The program is open to candidates from various STEM disciplines, with a preference for emerging technologies such as biotechnology, semiconductors, batteries, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and space studies.
This program offers merit-based scholarships, and financial need is not a factor considered during the selection process. Merit is assessed based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, future potential, and societal contributions. Additionally, candidates with unique attributes such as specialization in rare fields, diverse educational backgrounds, and fewer international experiences are favored.
Scholarships are provided for one year, commencing from the start of the degree program, with the possibility of a one-year extension based on academic performance and budget availability, resulting in a potential total of two years of support.
Please reference the Korean version of the KAEC website for more information.