Ministry of Education
Korea Student Aid Foundation

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SME Employment-Linked Scholarship

Application Period for the Spring Semester 2026
Mar. 4, 2026 (Wed) 09:00 – Mar. 20, 2026 (Fri) 18:00

What is the SME Employment-Linked Scholarship?
A scholarship that supports students who plan to work for or start a business in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or mid-sized companies.

SME Employment-Linked Scholarship (Hope Ladder Type I) – Spring Semester 2026

Application Period

Mar. 4, 2026 (Wed) 09:00 – Mar. 20, 2026 (Fri) 18:00

Types of Support

Employment Support Type
Students who plan to work for or are already employed at SMEs or mid-sized companies

Start-up Support Type
Students who plan to start a business or have already started one

Eligibility

• Korean nationals enrolled at participating universities in the semester of selection
• Students in their 3rd year or above at a four-year university, or 2nd year or above at a junior college
• In principle, students on graduation deferment are not eligible. However, junior college students who previously received this scholarship may apply if they enroll in an advanced major program or transfer to a four-year university after graduation
• Applicants must have completed the minimum required credits at their university and have a minimum GPA equivalent to 70% (C⁰) or higher in the previous semester

Benefits

• Tuition: Full tuition for each supported semester
• Employment/Start-up Support Grant: KRW 2,000,000 per supported semester

Obligations

• Complete procedures such as consent for the scholarship payment guarantee insurance every semester (failure to consent may result in disqualification)
• Complete basic job training (the employment/start-up support grant is provided after completion)
• Maintain student status while enrolled (leave of absence, withdrawal, or expulsion will disqualify the student)
• Maintain employment at an SME or mid-sized company, or maintain a start-up, for 6 months × number of supported semesters during enrollment

※ If a student withdraws or is expelled, the entire scholarship amount must be repaid

Inquiries

Korea Student Aid Foundation Website
www.kosaf.go.kr

Hope Ladder Counseling Center
1800-0499