KOREA POLAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE (KOPRI)
KOPRI Fellowship Program (Korea Polar Research Institute)
full · masters, phd
- 4 research themesPolar science focus areas
- ~KRW 1,500,000 / month (est.)Monthly stipend
- Round-trip airfareTravel covered
- All nationalitiesWho can apply
- Masters, PhD, PostdocLevels supported
- South KoreaWhere you research
At a glance
full
Funding
€24k
Max amount
Jun 30, 2027
Deadline
Open to applicants of all nationalities
Country
Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI)
Provider
The KOPRI Fellowship Program, run by the Korea Polar Research Institute in Incheon, South Korea, supports international postgraduate (Master's and PhD) and postdoctoral researchers working in polar and climate science. The fellowship is built around 4 main research themes: climate change and polar regions, marine ecosystems, atmospheric sciences and meteorology, and glacial studies and ice-core analysis. Selected fellows join KOPRI's research teams and collaborate with established polar scientists while contributing to interdisciplinary studies of the Arctic and Antarctic. The fully funded package covers round-trip airfare to South Korea, accommodation and living expenses, research funding for laboratory and field work, and a monthly stipend estimated at around KRW 1,500,000 per month. The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities, and the application deadline typically falls in mid-2026. Because KOPRI updates its themes, stipend levels and timelines each cycle, confirm the exact current-cycle figures, research areas and closing dates on the official KOPRI website before you apply.
What's covered
- Round-trip airfare — International economy-class round-trip airfare between the fellow's home country and South Korea.
- Accommodation and living expenses — Coverage of accommodation and day-to-day living costs for the duration of the research stay at KOPRI.
- Research funding — Funding for laboratory work, fieldwork and other research-related expenses tied to the approved project.
- Monthly stipend — A monthly stipend to support the researcher during their stay, estimated at around KRW 1,500,000 (est.) per month.
- Research collaboration and facilities — Access to KOPRI's polar research facilities, datasets and supervision from leading polar scientists.
How to apply
Applications are made online through the official KOPRI website and centre on a research proposal matched to KOPRI's projects.
- Review research themes — Study KOPRI's current research areas and identify the theme and host team that fit your background and interests.
- Prepare a research proposal — Write a structured research proposal aligned with KOPRI's polar science objectives and your degree level.
- Assemble your documents — Gather your academic transcripts, CV, letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose outlining your objectives and expected contributions.
- Submit the online application — Complete and submit the online application through the official KOPRI website with all required documents.
- Await review and confirmation — Selected fellows are notified and confirm logistics such as travel and accommodation with KOPRI.
Eligibility
Enrolment / statusEnrolled in a Master's, PhD or postdoctoral research programme at the time of application.
Academic backgroundA background in polar science, environmental studies, climate change, marine biology or a closely related field.
Research potentialDemonstrated strong academic record and clear research potential.
Research proposalSubmission of a well-structured research proposal aligned with KOPRI's ongoing polar and climate research projects.
Proposals must align with one of KOPRI's research themes such as climate change and polar regions, marine ecosystems, atmospheric sciences, or glacial studies and ice-core analysis. Coordination with a KOPRI host researcher strengthens an application.
Eligible countries
Open to applicants of all nationalities
Deadlines
2026 cycle~mid-2026 (est.)
Selection
Applications are assessed on academic record, research potential and the quality and fit of the proposed research with KOPRI's ongoing polar and climate projects. Proposals that clearly map onto an existing KOPRI research theme and host team are prioritised. Final decisions consider scientific merit, feasibility and the availability of supervision and facilities.
Verified sources
- Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) - Official Sitekopri.re.krofficial
About the provider
The Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) is South Korea's national institute for polar science, based in Incheon. It operates Arctic and Antarctic research stations and the icebreaker research vessel Araon, and leads the country's research on polar ecosystems, glaciology, atmospheric science and climate change.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who runs the KOPRI Fellowship Program?
+
It is run by the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), based in Incheon, South Korea, which leads the country's Arctic and Antarctic research.
Which research levels are supported?
+
The fellowship supports international Master's, PhD and postdoctoral researchers working in polar and climate science.
Is it open to all nationalities?
+
Yes. The KOPRI Fellowship is open to researchers of all nationalities.
What research areas are covered?
+
Key areas include climate change and polar regions, marine ecosystems, atmospheric sciences and meteorology, and glacial studies and ice-core analysis.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
+
Yes. It covers round-trip airfare, accommodation and living expenses, research funding and a monthly stipend.
How much is the monthly stipend?
+
The monthly stipend is estimated at around KRW 1,500,000 (est.) per month. Confirm the exact current-cycle amount on the official KOPRI website.
Does it cover travel to South Korea?
+
Yes. Round-trip airfare between the fellow's home country and South Korea is included.
What academic background do I need?
+
A background in polar science, environmental studies, climate change, marine biology or a related field, with strong academic and research potential.
Do I need a research proposal?
+
Yes. A well-structured research proposal aligned with KOPRI's ongoing projects is a central part of the application.
What documents are required?
+
A research proposal, academic transcripts, CV, letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
How do I apply?
+
Applications are submitted online through the official KOPRI website, which publishes the detailed submission guidelines each cycle.
When is the deadline?
+
The deadline typically falls around mid-2026 (est.). Check the official KOPRI website for the exact current-cycle dates.