Apply Now: IKS Graduate Fellows Program
IKS Graduate Fellows Program
The Institute for Korean Studies (IKS) invites motivated and intellectually curious graduate students from all disciplines to apply for the 2026-2027 IKS Graduate Fellows Program. The IKS Graduate Fellows Program selects outstanding graduate students from across the university to conduct original research on Korea-related issues.
Possible research topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Korean politics and democracy
- Economics, public policy, and education in Korea
- Inter-Korean relations or international relations in Asia
- Korean history, literature, media, performance, and the arts
- Consumer culture, fashion, and textiles in Korea
- Other cross-cultural or comparative studies with Korea as a central case
"By working as an IKS Graduate Fellow, I was able to meet and network with numerous excellent scholars from across disciplines whose research engages with Korea or Korea-related issues. Moreover, presenting my own research at the Annual IKS Research Symposium helped me improve it significantly, which was a huge plus for me"
—Yu Bin Kim, 2023-'24 IKS Graduate Fellow
Assistant Professor at Knox College (2024-present)
"Over the past two years as an IKS graduate fellow, I had the privilege of participating in and organizing events such as the inaugural Yun Posum Conference. This experience not only broadened my understanding of various research topics related to Korea's social, political and cultural issues but also allowed me to build collaborative partnerships with prominent scholars if you are passionate about Korean studies and eager to make a meaningful impact, I highly recommend applying for this rewarding opportunity."
—Juhyun Bae, 2023-'24 IKS Graduate Fellow
Assistant Professor at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (2024-present)
Eligibility & Requirements
- Graduates of all majors, years, and backgrounds are eligible
- In Spring 2027, you must participate in the IKS Research Symposium and attend at least one Korean Studies brown-bag session
- Applications require a resume/CV and short answers for why you want to be an IKS Fellow & your research topic/question of interest
Benefits of the Program
- Close academic mentoring from MU faculty
- Present at the annual IKS Research Symposium
- Opportunities to build leadership and management skills
- Receive a $600 research stipend
Apply Now
IKS will accept applications for the 2026-2027 Graduate Fellows Program until Friday, September 25, 2026.
