The Korea Foundation (KF) has officially opened applications for its 2027 Support for Establishment of Professorship Programme, inviting universities worldwide to apply for funding to create new professorships in Korean Studies and Korean Language. The international grant programme is designed to strengthen Korean studies education and research globally by helping higher education institutions establish permanent academic positions that will promote Korean language, culture, history, and society. Applications will be accepted from 1 July to 11 September 2026, with successful institutions expected to begin implementation during the 2027–2028 or 2028–2029 academic year. Korean Studies Professorship Support Programme: Programme Aims to Expand Global Korean Studies According to the Korea Foundation, the initiative supports universities that demonstrate the capacity and long-term commitment to developing sustainable Korean studies programmes. The funding is intended to establish new professorships that will continue beyond the grant period through institutional support or jointly funded endowments. Korean Studies Professorship Support Programme: Universities Eligible to Apply Applications are open to: Universities located outside the Republic of Korea. Higher education institutions planning to establish new professorships in Korean Studies or Korean Language. Institutions with the infrastructure and long-term commitment to sustain Korean studies teaching and research. Two Types of Funding Available The Korea Foundation will support universities through two funding models. Tenure-Track Position (TTP) Under this model, the Foundation will provide up to 70% of the salary and employee benefits for a newly appointed professor of Korean Studies or Korean Language. After the grant period concludes, the recipient university will be expected to continue funding and maintaining the professorship using its own resources. Endowed Chair Position The Foundation will also provide annual endowment funding to establish a permanent professorship. To qualify, participating universities must contribute a 50% matching fund on a dollar-for-dollar basis, creating a jointly financed endowment that supports the position over the long term. Korean Studies Professorship Support Programme: Grant Duration The programme will provide financial support for a period of: Three to five years Following the completion of Foundation funding, recipient universities are expected to sustain the professorship independently or through the established endowment. Required Application Documents Applicants must complete an online application and submit supporting documents in either English or Korean. Required documents include: Completed online application form. Information on the institution’s current Korean Studies programme, including faculty, courses, library collections, and academic activities. Curriculum for Korean Studies or Korean Language degree programmes (where applicable). University salary scale for professors. Curriculum vitae of the proposed professor (if already identified). Curriculum vitae of the project director. Letter of support from the dean of the relevant faculty. Evaluation Criteria Applications will be assessed based on several key factors, including: Quality and feasibility of the proposed professorship. Institutional commitment to expanding Korean Studies. Academic reputation and previous achievements in Korean Studies. Financial sustainability and matching fund commitments. Expected long-term impact on Korean Studies education and regional diversification. Appointment Requirements The Korea Foundation stated that professors appointed through the programme should: Devote more than half of their teaching and research to Korea-related topics. Conduct research using primary Korean-language sources. Publish research findings in English and, where possible, Korean. Demonstrate proficiency in the Korean language. Korean Studies Professorship Support Programme: Reporting and Grant Administration Selected universities will enter into a formal grant agreement with the Korea Foundation before funding is released. Recipient institutions will also be required to: Submit annual project reports. Provide audited financial statements signed by the institution’s accounting officer. Notify the Foundation of any significant project changes or delays. Important Dates Universities interested in participating should note the following timeline: Applications Open: 1 July 2026 Application Deadline: 11 September 2026 (18:00 Korea Standard Time) Results Announced: December 2026 Programme Commencement: 2027–2028 or 2028–2029 academic year About the Korea Foundation The Korea Foundation is a public diplomacy organization dedicated to promoting international understanding of the Republic of Korea through educational, academic, cultural, and policy exchange programmes. The Foundation supports Korean Studies worldwide by strengthening teaching, research, and institutional partnerships across universities and research centres. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. 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