Seoul Tech Scholarship selects 28 international STEM students… offers up to KRW 20,000,000 a year

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has finalized the selection of 28 international master’s scholarship recipients in STEM fields for the 2026 Seoul Tech Scholarship. This year, 1,335 applicants from 83 countries applied, and the final selectees come from 15 countries. The scholars will study fields connected to AI, biotechnology, robotics, quantum technology, fintech, and creative industries at 8 graduate schools in Seoul.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government presented scholarship certificates on September 18 and announced the selection results on September 21. Support is worth up to KRW 20,000,000 per recipient per year and covers tuition, a monthly living allowance, health-insurance premiums, airfare to enter Korea, and other costs for up to 2 years of a master’s program.

What is the Seoul Tech Scholarship?

The Seoul Tech Scholarship is a scholarship program launched by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 2024 to attract and develop international master’s-level STEM talent needed for Seoul’s future industries. It goes beyond paying tuition by combining settlement support so scholars can conduct research at graduate schools in Seoul and move on to employment or entrepreneurship after graduation.

The number selected rose from 9 in 2024 to 15 in 2025 and 28 in 2026. This year’s scholars will study at 8 universities: Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University, Korea University, Sogang University, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, University of Seoul, Sungkyunkwan University, and Soongsil University.

Which fields and capabilities are considered?

The Seoul Metropolitan Government listed majors related to Seoul’s core industries, including not only artificial intelligence and computer engineering but also biotechnology, biomedical sciences, stem-cell regenerative engineering, intelligent robotics, aerospace, and mobility. In 2026, it expanded eligible countries worldwide and introduced a point-based selection system that reflects factors such as Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) scores and whether an applicant’s major is related to a core industry.

This means scholars are not selected on grades alone; major fit, Korean-language ability, and prospects for study and settlement in Seoul are considered together. Students preparing for the next recruitment should specifically organize how the master’s program at their preferred university and their research plan connect with industries Seoul is seeking to develop.

Support also continues beyond the scholarship

In connection with the Seoul Global Center, the Seoul Metropolitan Government provides Korean-language education, daily-life counseling, and Seoul adjustment programs. It also operates job-focused internships, job matching, and startup incubation to help graduate-school research experience lead to actual career paths.

This announcement concerns the 2026 selection results. Future applicants should check the next recruitment notices from the Seoul Metropolitan Government and participating universities for eligible departments, recommendation procedures, application documents, and schedules. For now, it is a time to compare relevant master’s programs at participating universities and prepare TOPIK results, a major-related research plan, and proof of academic background and grades in advance.