Cash · Vouchers
National Scholarship Type I (Direct Student Support) (국가장학금 Ⅰ유형)
Up to KRW 6,000,000 per year (Brackets 1-3), KRW 4,400,000 (4-6), KRW 3,600,000 (7-8), KRW 1,000,000 for Bracket 9; full tuition for basic livelihood recipients and the near-poverty group
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Annual support for academic year 2026: full tuition for basic livelihood recipients and the near-poverty group, KRW 6,000,000 for Brackets 1-3, KRW 4,400,000 for Brackets 4-6, KRW 3,600,000 for Brackets 7-8, KRW 1,000,000 for Bracket 9; Bracket 10 is excluded. Grades: completion of at least 12 credits in the previous semester and a score of 80 (B) or higher (70 (C) for basic livelihood recipients and the near-poverty group; a two-strike C-grade warning system applies to Brackets 1-3). Freshmen and transfer students in their first semester generally have no grade requirement. Determined by the student aid bracket (based on recognized income; Bracket 8 is about 200% of median income), not by income alone. Paid within the tuition amount; if combined with other scholarships exceeds tuition, the excess is adjusted. Benefit limit of 8 semesters.
- Eligibility
- Students of Korean nationality enrolled in or admitted to a domestic university (excluding graduate school) in student aid Bracket 9 or lower who meet the grade requirements.
- Timing
- Twice a year: 1st semester (1st round from late November to late December of the previous year, 2nd round in February), 2nd semester (1st round May 22 - June 22, 2nd round Aug 12 - Sep 9). The schedule for the 1st semester of academic year 2027 has not been announced (usually begins in late November).
- How to apply
- Apply on the Korea Student Aid Foundation (한국장학재단) website or mobile app (kosaf.go.kr), then consent to provision of household member information and submit documents. Consultation 1599-2000.
- Caution
- Enrolled students should apply in the 1st round as a rule. Determining the bracket takes about 8 weeks. From the 2027 semester, the support brackets will be reorganized from 10 to 5 (Ga-Ma); if you do not apply, retroactive payment is not available.
Cash · Vouchers
National Scholarship for Multi-Child Families (Full Tuition for Third Child and Beyond) (다자녀 국가장학금)
Full tuition for third and subsequent children in Bracket 8 or lower (KRW 2,000,000 for Bracket 9); for first and second children, KRW 6,100,000 for Brackets 1-3 and KRW 5,050,000 for Brackets 4-6
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- University students from multi-child families (3 or more children): first and second children receive KRW 6,100,000 for Brackets 1-3, KRW 5,050,000 for Brackets 4-6, KRW 4,650,000 for Brackets 7-8 and KRW 1,350,000 for Bracket 9. Third and subsequent children receive full tuition from the basic livelihood bracket through Bracket 8 and KRW 2,000,000 for Bracket 9. Grades: at least 12 credits and a score of 80 (B) or higher (relaxed for vulnerable groups). No separate application from Type I is needed (multi-child status is determined when you apply for the National Scholarship). The Bracket 7-8 amounts for first and second children of multi-child families are based on the table in the press release (checking with the Foundation is recommended).
- Eligibility
- University students from multi-child families (3 or more children) in student aid Bracket 9 or lower who meet the grade and credit requirements.
- Timing
- Same as the National Scholarship application period (1st semester: November-December and February; 2nd semester: May-June and August-September).
- How to apply
- Korea Student Aid Foundation (한국장학재단) website or app (kosaf.go.kr), 1599-2000.
- Caution
- Household member consent and document submission within the application period are mandatory. The 2nd round for the 2nd semester of academic year 2026 (until Sep 9) has ended; the next is the 1st semester of academic year 2027.
Loans · Finance
Income-Contingent Student Loan (Deundeun Student Loan) (취업 후 상환 학자금대출)
Full tuition + living expenses of KRW 2,000,000 per semester (KRW 4,000,000 per year), interest rate 1.7% per year (frozen for 6 consecutive years)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- From January 2026, the income requirement for tuition loans has been abolished (all brackets, undergraduate and graduate). Tuition loan limits range from KRW 61,000,000 to KRW 120,000,000 depending on the school system; living expense loans are KRW 4,000,000 per year (KRW 2,000,000 per semester; total of KRW 24,000,000 to KRW 48,000,000 depending on the school system). Living expense loans for graduate students are expanded to Bracket 6 or lower. Interest rate 1.7% (variable); interest before mandatory repayment accrues daily. If income is at or below the repayment threshold income, repayment of principal and interest is deferred. Living expense loans for Brackets 1-4 are interest-free before mandatory repayment. Interest waiver recipients (Bracket 6 or lower, etc.) are covered in a separate item.
- Eligibility
- Undergraduates (aged 35 or younger), professional master's students and graduate students (aged 40 or younger) at partner higher education institutions; grade and income requirements are relaxed.
- Timing
- Applications for the 2nd semester of academic year 2026 run July 1 - Nov 17, 2026 (in progress). The 1st semester of academic year 2027 usually opens from late December to January (not yet announced).
- How to apply
- Online via the Korea Student Aid Foundation (한국장학재단) website or app (kosaf.go.kr). Consultation 1599-2000.
- Caution
- The application deadline for the 2nd semester loan is Nov 17, 2026. If your income after graduation exceeds the threshold, mandatory repayment is made through the National Tax Service.
Cash · Vouchers
Education Benefit (Educational Activity Support Fee and High School Tuition) (교육급여)
Educational activity support fee per year: elementary KRW 502,000, middle KRW 699,000, high KRW 860,000 (2026, average +6%), one voucher per year
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Elementary, middle and high school students in households at 50% or less of median income (기준중위소득) (about KRW 3,247,000 per month for a 4-person household). Educational activity support fee: elementary KRW 502,000, middle KRW 699,000, high KRW 860,000 (for supplementary textbooks, school supplies, EBS textbooks, etc.). High schools not covered by free education receive separate support for admission fees, tuition and textbook costs. Card or simple-payment voucher; cash withdrawal is not possible. New recipients must separately apply for the voucher on the Education Benefit Voucher website. Recognized income is determined according to household composition and assets.
- Eligibility
- Elementary, middle and high school students in households whose recognized income is at or below 50% of median income.
- Timing
- Intensive application period in 2026: Mar 3-20; applications are accepted year-round afterward (support starts from the application date).
- How to apply
- Eup/myeon/dong administrative welfare center (행정복지센터), Bokjiro (복지로, bokjiro.go.kr), Education Expenses One-Click (교육비 원클릭, oneclick.neis.go.kr); inquiries 1544-9654 and 129.
- Caution
- Support starts from the application date, so applying at the start of the school year is recommended. Existing recipient students do not need to reapply.
Care · Services · Discounts
Neulbom School and Elementary Care Classroom (Free Programs for Grades 1-2) (늘봄학교·초등돌봄교실)
Free customized programs of 2 hours daily for Grade 1-2 students who wish to join; care from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the latest
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Reorganized in 2026 as 'Whole-Neighborhood Elementary Care and Education'; Grades 1 and 2 keep the current Neulbom School (all students who wish to join, free program of 2 hours daily, staying at school until 3 p.m.). Care classrooms operate from 7 a.m. before regular classes until 8 p.m. at the latest. Community-linked care is being expanded. Some snack and meal costs are charged separately for care classrooms. From Grade 3 and up, the focus shifts to after-school vouchers.
- Eligibility
- Elementary school Grade 1-2 students who wish to join.
- Timing
- Demand survey and application by each school at the start of the semester (usually February-March).
- How to apply
- Apply for Neulbom (care) at your school; see Neulbom School guidance (school notices and parent services).
- Caution
- Application periods per semester are announced by the school.
Cash · Vouchers
National Scholarship Type II (University-Linked Support) (국가장학금 Ⅱ유형)
Tuition scholarships that universities select and pay on their own (amounts vary by university), with priority for families with 3 or more children
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Paid by universities to students in connection with their efforts to ease the tuition burden. Covers Brackets 1-9 (Bracket 10 and relaxed grade criteria possible in cases of economic hardship), with priority for households with 3 or more children; amounts and selection criteria vary by university. Can be combined with Type I and university scholarships, but adjusted within the tuition amount. Selection criteria differ by university.
- Eligibility
- Students (including freshmen and transfer students) at participating universities whose income level has been verified, in Brackets 1-9 and meeting each university's criteria.
- Timing
- Same as the National Scholarship application period (2nd round for the 2nd semester Aug 12 - Sep 9 has ended); follows university notices.
- How to apply
- Screened together when you apply for the National Scholarship on the Korea Student Aid Foundation (한국장학재단) website or app; inquire at your university's scholarship office.
- Caution
- Applying for the National Scholarship is required. Check each university's own deadline.
Jobs · Education
National Work-Study Scholarship (국가근로장학금)
Hourly pay KRW 10,320 on campus and KRW 12,790 off campus (2026), up to 80 hours per month and 640 hours per semester
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- In 2026, the hourly rate is KRW 10,320 on campus and KRW 12,790 off campus. Hours are recognized up to 80 hours per month (40 hours per week during vacation) and 640 hours per semester. Selection: student aid Bracket 9 or lower and a previous-semester grade of C0 (70 points) or higher (grade requirements are relaxed for care leavers and students with disabilities). In 2026, 165,000 students are to be selected. The number selected and the cap on working hours differ by university (e.g., 35 hours per month for general on-campus work, according to university rules). Can be received together with the National Scholarship.
- Eligibility
- Students at participating universities in Bracket 9 or lower with a grade of C0 or higher (whether graduate students are included depends on the university notice).
- Timing
- 1st semester: 1st round late November - late December, 2nd round February-March; 2nd semester: 1st round May 22 - June 22, 2nd round Aug 12 - Sep 9. Intensive vacation work is separate.
- How to apply
- Apply on the Korea Student Aid Foundation (한국장학재단) website or app, then selection by the university or work institution. 1599-2290.
- Caution
- Advance application before the semester is required; the hourly rate rises every year.
Loans · Finance
Expanded Student Loan Interest Waiver (Bracket 6 or Lower) (학자금대출 이자 면제 확대)
Interest waiver for basic livelihood recipients, near-poverty group, multi-child families and Bracket 5 or lower; expanded to Bracket 6 or lower from July 2026
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Student loan interest waiver recipients: basic livelihood recipients, the near-poverty group, students from multi-child households and student aid Bracket 5 or lower, expanded to Bracket 6 or lower from July 2026. From May 2026, care leavers are included in the interest waiver (reported; details need to be confirmed). Check the Foundation's guidance for the scope of the waiver (e.g., interest during enrollment). Linked to the National Scholarship brackets.
- Eligibility
- University students who use student loans among the groups above.
- Timing
- Determined automatically when applying for a loan (effective July 2026).
- How to apply
- Check when applying for a loan on the Korea Student Aid Foundation (한국장학재단, kosaf.go.kr), 1599-2000.
- Caution
- Applies after the loan application and bracket confirmation.
Care · Services · Discounts
Elementary, Middle and High School Education Expense Support (After-School Free Course Voucher, Informatization, Meal Costs) (초중고 교육비 지원)
After-school program free course voucher, education informatization (PC and internet) support, meal costs, tuition support for high schools not covered by free education
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Students in basic livelihood recipient, single-parent and statutory near-poverty households and households at 50-80% of median income (criteria differ by city/province office of education) receive an after-school program free course voucher, education informatization costs (PC and internet), meal costs, and admission fees, tuition and school operation support fees for high schools not covered by free education. Items, amounts and income thresholds differ by city/province. Education Benefit recipients receive this in parallel with the Education Benefit. School uniform and school entrance preparation funds are provided separately by each local government.
- Eligibility
- Elementary, middle and high school students in households meeting the above income criteria (city/province office of education criteria).
- Timing
- Intensive application Mar 3-20, then year-round.
- How to apply
- Eup/myeon/dong administrative welfare center (행정복지센터), Bokjiro (복지로), Education Expenses One-Click (교육비 원클릭, oneclick.neis.go.kr), 1544-9654.
- Caution
- Support is based on the application date; applying at the start of the semester is recommended.
Cash · Vouchers
After-School Program Voucher for Grade 3 (After-School Voucher) (초3 방과후 프로그램 이용권)
After-school program voucher of KRW 500,000 per year for Grade 3 students who wish to join
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- From March 2026, Grade 3 students who wish to join receive an after-school program voucher of KRW 500,000 per year (pilot in 6 city/province offices of education in March using simple payment and Zero Pay). The participation rate of Grade 3 students is targeted to rise from 42.4% in 2025 to 60% in 2026. Implementation methods and places of use differ by city/province office of education. Grade 4 and above are not covered. Check separately whether low-income students can also use the free course voucher.
- Eligibility
- Elementary Grade 3 students who wish to join (detailed criteria by city/province).
- Timing
- Implemented from March; apply according to your city/province office of education's guidance.
- How to apply
- Check the guidance from your school and city/province office of education.
- Caution
- To be used within the school year; check with your office of education whether unused amounts carry over.
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Kkumdream Support Center for Out-of-School Youth (학교 밖 청소년 지원센터 꿈드림)
Free counseling, academic support (qualification exam), career, job experience and independence support, free health checkups
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- For out-of-school youth (usually aged 9-24 full age): free counseling, support for taking the high school equivalency exam (검정고시), college admission and career consulting, job experience and health checkups. Programs differ by regional center. Free of charge. Check eligible ages and programs by center. The responsible ministry is the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (성평등가족부, formerly 여성가족부).
- Eligibility
- Out-of-school youth who have left school or never enrolled.
- Timing
- Year-round; health checkups and others are recruited intensively each year.
- How to apply
- Visit or call the nearest Support Center for Out-of-School Youth (학교밖청소년지원센터), Youth Counseling Hotline 1388.
- Caution
- Check individual schedules such as the high school equivalency exam.
Cash · Vouchers
Independence Allowance for Care Leavers (KRW 500,000 per month) (자립준비청년 자립수당)
Independence allowance of KRW 500,000 per month for youth who have left care (for a set period after leaving care, including those who left before age 18)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- An independence allowance of KRW 500,000 per month is paid to young people who have left child care facilities, foster care, group homes and similar care (Policy Briefing, Feb 2024: also paid to those who left care before age 18). The payment period is stated as up to 5 years after leaving care (details need to be confirmed). Separate from the independence settlement fund (local government). Some local governments provide additional support.
- Eligibility
- Care leavers within 5 years of leaving care (aged 24 or younger, full age).
- Timing
- At the time of leaving care and year-round afterward.
- How to apply
- Community service center (주민센터) of your eup/myeon/dong of residence, Bokjiro (복지로), independence support counseling at the National Center for the Rights of the Child (아동권리보장원).
- Caution
- Within the application period after leaving care (retroactive payment may be limited; please check).
Cash · VouchersOfficial confirmation needed
Independence Settlement Fund for Care Leavers (자립준비청년 자립정착금)
One-time settlement fund paid by local governments when leaving care (varies by local government, usually KRW 10,000,000 or more)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- An independence settlement fund is paid when leaving care; amounts differ by local government (up to about 2 times, per 2024 reports), so the exact 2026 amount is not verified. Paid by the city or province. Separate from the independence allowance (KRW 500,000 per month). Checking with your local government of residence is essential.
- Eligibility
- Young people who have left care, such as from child care facilities.
- Timing
- At the time of leaving care.
- How to apply
- Care facility, the child welfare department of your city/county/district, Bokjiro (복지로).
- Caution
- Apply around the time of leaving care.
Cash · Vouchers
Lifelong Education Voucher (평생교육바우처)
KRW 350,000 per year lifelong education voucher (types: seniors, AI and digital, general with regional specialization)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Lifelong education courses can be taken with a voucher of KRW 350,000 per year. Eligible groups by type: Senior type (born on or before Dec 31, 1961), AI and Digital type (on or before Dec 31, 1996), General type (on or before Dec 31, 2007, regional specialization). Income requirements depend on the type: basic livelihood and near-poverty groups, etc., or no income requirement. Recruitment timing and eligibility differ by region. Regional call center 1600-3005.
- Eligibility
- Adults who meet the age and income requirements above.
- Timing
- Recruitment by region (Chungbuk, Chungnam, Ulsan and others currently recruiting; varies by region).
- How to apply
- Lifelong Education Voucher website (lllcard.kr), central call center 1600-3005.
- Caution
- Within the regional recruitment period (closes when the budget is exhausted).
Cash · Vouchers
Regional Talent Scholarship (Top-Performing Freshmen Outside the Capital Region) (지역인재 장학금)
Paid to top-performing freshmen who graduated from a high school outside the capital region and entered a university outside the capital region (amount per Foundation notice)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Aims to attract excellent talent to regional universities. New selection: within Grade 3 in high school records or the CSAT for four-year universities, within Grade 4 for junior colleges (Bracket 9 or lower). Continuing recipients must complete the minimum credits in the previous semester and score 80 (B) or higher. Check the notice for specific amounts. Continuing recipients selected from 2015 to 2025 are subject to renewal review. Apply in connection with the National Scholarship.
- Eligibility
- Freshmen who graduated from a high school outside the capital region and entered a university outside the capital region, in student aid Bracket 9 or lower and meeting the grade criteria.
- Timing
- In 2026, applications ran Aug 12 - Sep 9 (documents until Sep 16). The schedule for freshmen of academic year 2027 has not been announced.
- How to apply
- Korea Student Aid Foundation (한국장학재단) website or app (kosaf.go.kr).
- Caution
- Freshmen apply once at selection; continuing recipients are reviewed each semester for eligibility.
Cash · VouchersOfficial confirmation needed
Housing Stability Scholarship (Housing Costs for Students Studying Far from Home) (주거안정장학금)
Housing cost support for university students in the basic livelihood and near-poverty groups (check the amount in the Foundation notice; 2026 budget of KRW 17.5 billion)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- The 2026 budget for the Housing Stability Scholarship is KRW 17.5 billion. Monthly rent and housing costs of low-income university students studying far from home are paid as a scholarship (known to be around KRW 200,000 per month, but the 2026 amount and requirements are not officially confirmed). Can be applied for at the same time as the National Scholarship and the work-study scholarship. Residence and school location requirements must be checked.
- Eligibility
- Low-income university students such as basic livelihood recipients and the near-poverty group who attend a university in a different region from their parents' residence (check detailed requirements with the Foundation).
- Timing
- Apply together within the National Scholarship application period (for the 1st semester of academic year 2027, usually November-December).
- How to apply
- Korea Student Aid Foundation (한국장학재단) website or app (kosaf.go.kr).
- Caution
- Apply within the National Scholarship application period.
Loans · Finance
Mandatory Repayment of Income-Contingent Student Loans (Repayment Threshold Income and Deferral) (취업 후 학자금 의무상환)
Repayment threshold income for 2025 attribution: KRW 18,980,000 (gross salary KRW 28,510,000); 20% of the excess (25% for graduate school) must be repaid
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Based on earned income attributed to 2025 (withheld at source July 2026 - June 2027, or paid in advance by end of June): 20% of the portion exceeding an income amount of KRW 18,980,000 (gross salary KRW 28,510,000) (25% for graduate school loans). Repayment is deferred if income is at or below the threshold. Deferral can be requested (online) in cases such as unemployment, parental leave or being enrolled in school. For 2026 attribution (repayment in 2027), check the National Tax Service's final notice. The figure of KRW 30,370,000 in some sources is presumed to be a conversion from total salary and needs confirmation.
- Eligibility
- Holders of income-contingent student loans whose annual income exceeds the repayment threshold income.
- Timing
- The National Tax Service sends notices every year in late April; advance payment by end of June; withholding from July to June of the following year.
- How to apply
- National Tax Service student loan repayment (icl.go.kr, Hometax), National Tax Service consultation 126.
- Caution
- A deferral request must be made within the deadline; late payment incurs a surcharge. For amounts deferred during enrollment, check deadlines such as payment by Dec 31, 2030.
Loans · FinanceOfficial confirmation needed
General Repayment Student Loan (일반상환 학자금대출)
Interest rate of about 1.7% per year (reports of a freeze on student loan interest rates); limits by school level total KRW 40,000,000 to KRW 90,000,000 (based on some sources)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Principal and interest are repaid immediately after the loan is taken (grace and repayment periods can be chosen; some sources state up to 20 years). Limits by school level are KRW 40,000,000 to KRW 90,000,000 based on some sources, and income, grades, and age requirements need to be confirmed in the foundation's notice. Because the income requirement for income-contingent loans has been abolished, the income-contingent loan (ICL) is advantageous for most students. General repayment imposes a large interest burden before income begins.
- Eligibility
- Students at universities that have an agreement with the Foundation (check income, grade and age requirements in the notice).
- Timing
- Same schedule as income-contingent repayment (2nd semester until Nov 17, 2026).
- How to apply
- Korea Student Aid Foundation (한국장학재단) website or app.
- Caution
- The 2nd semester application deadline is Nov 17, 2026.
Care · Services · Discounts
Free High School Education and Compulsory Elementary and Middle School Education (고교 무상교육·초중 의무교육)
Admission fees, tuition, school operation support fees and textbook costs for high school are fully free (all grades; estimated about KRW 1,600,000 per student per year)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Support for admission fees, tuition, school operation support fees and textbook purchase costs for high school grades 1-3 (fully implemented in 2021). Private schools where the principal sets tuition and that do not receive financial deficit subsidies are excluded. Elementary and middle school are compulsory education. Students at excluded private schools receive separate support if they meet the income criteria for the Education Benefit or education expense support.
- Eligibility
- High school students nationwide (excluded schools are exceptions).
- Timing
- Applied automatically upon admission and enrollment; no separate application is needed.
- How to apply
- Follow the school's guidance (no separate application).
- Caution
- -
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Free School Meals (Elementary, Middle and High School) (무상급식)
Implemented by region (most elementary schools fully free; middle and high schools differ by city/province/county/district)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- The scope of free school meals varies depending on the budgets of city/province offices of education and local governments. Meal unit prices differ greatly by region (elementary school: up to KRW 933 per meal, as reported). Low-income students receive meal cost support through education expense support. Not uniform nationwide. Check with your school or office of education. Even in areas without free meals, low-income households may receive education expense support.
- Eligibility
- Depends on the school and region.
- Timing
- School guidance at the start of the school year.
- How to apply
- Inquire at your school or office of education, Bokjiro (복지로) (low-income support).
- Caution
- -
Cash · VouchersOfficial confirmation needed
School Uniform and School Entrance Preparation Support (Local Governments and Offices of Education) (교복·입학준비금 지원)
School uniform costs and entrance preparation funds for new middle and high school students (in-kind, cash or voucher); amounts vary by region
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Many cities, provinces, counties and districts support new middle and high school students with school uniforms (in-kind), uniform costs and entrance preparation funds. Amounts and eligibility differ by region, and some local governments also provide elementary school entrance preparation funds. Not a uniform nationwide program. Check notices from your city/county/district of residence and the office of education.
- Eligibility
- New students residing in the relevant local government (some with income criteria).
- Timing
- Usually January-March before admission.
- How to apply
- Inquire at your eup/myeon/dong, city/county/district office or office of education of residence, Bokjiro (복지로).
- Caution
- Deadlines vary by local government.
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Youth Counseling 1388 (Phone, Text and Online) (청소년상담 1388)
Free counseling for youth and guardians (24-hour phone and text; linked to regional Youth Counseling and Welfare Centers)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Phone, text, KakaoTalk and online counseling for youth (aged 9-24 full age) and guardians, plus links to psychological testing and counseling at Youth Counseling and Welfare Centers, and emergency rescue for youth in crisis. Free of charge. Counseling itself is free. Regional center programs operate separately.
- Eligibility
- Youth aged 9-24 (full age) and their guardians.
- Timing
- Year-round (24 hours).
- How to apply
- Call 1388 (no area code), text #1388, or contact a regional Youth Counseling and Welfare Center (청소년상담복지센터).
- Caution
- -
Cash · VouchersOfficial confirmation needed
Special Support for Youth in Crisis (위기청소년 특별지원)
Cash and services for living, academic, medical and independence costs for youth in crisis (amounts per local government notice)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Living, health (medical), academic and independence support for youth in crisis. Reported that the eligible age was extended to 9-24 (2021). Support is provided after application and review by the local government; many local governments accept applications in the first and second half of the year. Income criteria and limits must be checked by local government and year (not verified). Application periods differ by region.
- Eligibility
- Youth (aged 9-24) in crisis situations such as family crisis who meet the income criteria.
- Timing
- Notices in the first and second half of the year by local government.
- How to apply
- The youth department of your city/county/district of residence or the Youth Counseling and Welfare Center (청소년상담복지센터), 1388.
- Caution
- Application periods by local government.
HousingOfficial confirmation needed
Jeonse Rental Housing for Youth and University Students (LH) (청년·대학생 전세임대주택)
Jeonse deposit support of up to KRW 120,000,000 (capital region, reported from the Feb 2025 notice), then low rent
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- LH signs the jeonse (lump-sum deposit lease) contract and re-leases the home to low-income university students, job seekers and others. Deposit support limit is up to KRW 120,000,000 in the capital region (reported based on the Feb 2025 notice) and varies by region. There are income and asset criteria (details not verified). Check LH notices for the 2026 criteria. Limits differ by housing type and region.
- Eligibility
- Low-income university students and young people not owning a home (meeting income and asset criteria; check the notice for age requirements).
- Timing
- LH ad hoc and regular notices.
- How to apply
- LH Apply Plus (LH청약플러스, apply.lh.or.kr) or the My Home Portal (마이홈포털).
- Caution
- Application period per notice.
Cash · VouchersOfficial confirmation needed
BK21 Graduate Student Research Scholarship (BK21 대학원생 연구장학금)
Monthly research scholarship for full-time graduate students belonging to BK21 participating project groups and teams (amount per project group notice)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Graduate school project groups and teams participating in the Ministry of Education and National Research Foundation of Korea BK21 (Phase 4, etc.) program pay a monthly research scholarship to their full-time master's and doctoral students. Amounts differ by year and program (2026 figures not verified). Selected by the project group, not an open individual call. Inquire with the relevant project group after entering graduate school.
- Eligibility
- Full-time master's and doctoral students belonging to BK21 participating graduate project groups.
- Timing
- Selection by each graduate school (at the start of the semester).
- How to apply
- Notices of the relevant graduate school or project group (see nrf.re.kr).
- Caution
- Selection schedule by project group.
Tax
Education Expense Tax Credit for Student Loan Principal and Interest Repayments (학자금대출 원리금 상환액 교육비 공제)
A 15% education expense tax credit applies to repayments of principal and interest on income-contingent student loans (in the year of repayment, not the year the loan was received)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- A 15% education expense tax credit applies to the amount you repaid on student loan principal and interest in the year of repayment (no limit for your own education expenses). It cannot be claimed in the year the loan was received; it is applied in the year of repayment. Applies to both mandatory repayments withheld at source and voluntary repayments (confirm with the National Tax Service). There is no separate income deduction for student loan interest; it is unified under the education expense credit.
- Eligibility
- Employees and business owners who repaid a student loan themselves.
- Timing
- Year-end tax settlement and comprehensive income tax filing.
- How to apply
- Hometax Simplified Year-End Tax Settlement (data from the Korea Student Aid Foundation is collected automatically).
- Caution
- At year-end tax settlement for the year of repayment.
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Support for Students Eligible for Special Education (Free Education, Commuting and Therapy Support) (특수교육대상자 지원)
Free (compulsory) education for kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school students eligible for special education; commuting and therapy support and support staff
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Under the Special Education Act, free education from age 3 (full age) through high school, commuting support, therapy support (by city/province) and staff support such as special education assistants. 2026 figures differ by city/province office of education (not verified). Selection as a student eligible for special education comes first. Support content differs by region.
- Eligibility
- Kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school students selected as eligible for special education.
- Timing
- Selection is year-round; apply to the Special Education Support Center.
- How to apply
- Special Education Support Center (특수교육지원센터) of the Office of Education, Bokjiro (복지로).
- Caution
- Check the selection schedule for each school year.
Care · Services · DiscountsOfficial confirmation needed
Educational Support for Multicultural and Migrant-Background Students (다문화·이주배경 학생 교육지원)
Korean language education, preparatory schools and bilingual support (operated by schools and offices of education)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Offices of education and schools operate Korean language curricula, preparatory schools, basic academic support and bilingual education for migrant-background students. Check the 2026 support figures by Ministry of Education program (not verified). Support content and timing differ by office of education. Linked with Multicultural Family Support Centers.
- Eligibility
- Multicultural and migrant-background elementary, middle and high school students.
- Timing
- At the start of the semester and year-round.
- How to apply
- Your school, office of education or Multicultural Family Support Center (다문화가족지원센터) (1577-1366).
- Caution
- -
Care · Services · Discounts
K-MOOC (Korean Massive Open Online Courses) (K-MOOC 한국형 온라인 공개강좌)
All courses free of charge, certificate of completion issued, linked to Academic Credit Bank System credits
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Free online university courses operated by the National Institute for Lifelong Education (humanities, social sciences, engineering, AI, foreign languages and more). Certificates of completion are issued, and some courses are recognized for Academic Credit Bank System credits. Free of charge, but credit recognition for some courses requires a separate procedure.
- Eligibility
- Anyone (membership registration).
- Timing
- Always open for both open-enrollment and scheduled courses.
- How to apply
- Sign up at kmooc.kr and enroll in courses.
- Caution
- Application and study periods by course.
Care · Services · Discounts
Bachelor's Degree Examination System for Self-Study (독학학위제)
A bachelor's degree is awarded upon passing the 4-stage exams (general education, introductory major, advanced major, comprehensive degree exam); check the exam notice for exam fees
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Operated by the National Institute for Lifelong Education. A bachelor's degree is awarded upon passing four stages: general education, introductory major, advanced major and the comprehensive degree exam. The 2026 exam schedule and fees are announced on the website (figures not verified). Exams are taken stage by stage with no limit on study period. Can be combined with the Academic Credit Bank System.
- Eligibility
- High school graduates or above (check the notice for detailed eligibility).
- Timing
- Annual exam schedule is announced.
- How to apply
- Bachelor's Degree Examination System website (bdes.nile.or.kr).
- Caution
- Within the exam registration period.
Cash · Vouchers
Study Abroad Scholarship for Outstanding High School Students (Dream Scholarship) (우수고등학생 해외유학 장학금 드림장학금)
Scholarship for outstanding Grade 11-12 students in the basic livelihood and near-poverty groups entering overseas universities; annual limit raised from USD 60,000 to USD 70,000 (2026)
See eligibility · how to apply · cautions
- Details
- Low-income (basic livelihood and near-poverty group) students enrolled in Grade 11 or 12 in Korea who wish to enter an overseas university. Grades: within Grade 3 (or B or higher) for Grade 12, within Grade 2 for Grade 11. Reported that the annual support limit rises from USD 60,000 to USD 70,000 in 2026. Check the Foundation notice for detailed support items. Only a small number are selected.
- Eligibility
- Outstanding Grade 11-12 students who are basic livelihood recipients or in the near-poverty group.
- Timing
- Foundation notice (recruitment once a year).
- How to apply
- Korea Student Aid Foundation (한국장학재단) website (kosaf.go.kr).
- Caution
- Within the notice period.