The Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF) was founded as a non-profit, volunteer-run organization to assist in providing for the financial requirements of Korean-American students pursuing higher education. Over 7,000 students from across the country have received scholarships from KASF totalling about $12 million over the previous 53 years. The foundation specifically wants to:
- Support Korean American students’ efforts to attain academic and personal success
- Promote civic engagement and community service as crucial components of leadership development.
- Encourage pride in and confidence in Korean cultural traditions and history.
In addition, subject to funding availability, KASF has given scholarships to the children of American veterans of the Korean War. The foundation is run by a voluntary Board of Directors and supporters, and local fundraising events and membership fees provide cash to cover operating costs. Many members of our board of directors donate to scholarships in addition to their volunteer efforts for the KASF.
The Korean American Scholarship Foundation gave $600,000 to high school students, undergraduate and graduate students, and descendants of Korean War veterans in 2021 alone.
Students who qualify for KASF scholarships (ranging from $500 to $5,000) are given the opportunity to apply (including international students from Korea).
Level/Field of Study
The Korean American Scholarship is a scholarship for undergraduates or potential undergraduates hoping to complete their first degree studies.
Host Nationality
The Korean American Scholarship Foundation is an NGO founded by Koreans in America.
Criteria for Korean American Scholarship
- Heritage – Regardless of citizenship, Korean heritage students are welcome to attend American universities (including Korean Nationals). Other students (non-Koreans) may be eligible for various scholarships if there is extra money available. All applicants must be enrolled full-time in a U.S. program during the application year for the scholarship. Scholarships may be available, specifically to the offspring of American veterans who served during the Korean War (applicable to selective regions).
- Registration – Students enrolled full-time in college, graduate school, or high school throughout the application cycle for scholarships.
- Academics – Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the classroom.
Required Supporting Documents to Apply for Korean American Scholarship
The following factors are used to evaluate applicants:
- Academic Achievement
- Community Service/Extracurricular Activities
- Essay
- Financial Need
- Recommendations
Deadline for the Korean American Scholarship
The deadline for the Korean American Scholarship is 30th June 2024.
Application Process for the Korean American Scholarship
The application for the Korean American Scholarship is quite straightforward. Ally you need to do is click on the button below to begin your application.
Scholarship Reward
The following is covered by KASF scholarships:
- High school students, according to their unique talents (i.e., winner of the musical competition)
- College
- graduate studies
- Professional Institutes (Law, Medical, etc.)
- Korean War survivors’ descendants American Veterans – only available in some areas
About the Sponsor
The Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF) was first established as a neighbourhood group in Washington, D.C., in 1969 by a small number of concerned Korean American community leaders. But in 1989, KASF became a nationwide organization due to the dramatically expanding Korean immigrant population in the U.S. and the rising demand for financial help for Korean American students. Despite having its headquarters in the Washington, D.C., metro area, KASF has seven regional chapters there as well as in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and Denver (see states that are covered by each regional chapter). While all regional chapters work together to collect money, run educational and cultural initiatives, and give out scholarships, they all follow the same set of KASF regulations.
FAQ
To be eligible to apply for a Korean American scholarship, you must fulfil each provider’s requirements. You must be of Korean descent is a frequent first rule. You can also be required to provide references and an essay to really make your application stand out.
One illustration is the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University. Through the KASF, they provide the scholarship stipend. It is accessible to Korean American students at Rutgers who are enrolled in the MA program in United Nations and Global Studies. The Benigno and Corazon Aquino Scholarship is provided by Boston College.