If you are building a career in polar science, international field exposure can accelerate your research impact. The KOPRI Fellowship Program 2026 offers early-career scientists a fully funded opportunity to conduct research in South Korea for up to three months, with airfare, accommodation, and living expenses covered.
With the March 27 deadline approaching, qualified applicants should begin contacting host researchers immediately.
Quick Facts
- Host Country: South Korea
- Study Level / Job Type: Research Fellowship (Early Career Scientists)
- Funding Type: Fully Funded (Travel + Living + Accommodation)
- Eligible Countries: Asian countries, Arctic countries, Chile, New Zealand, and Arctic Indigenous researchers
- Deadline: March 27, 2026
About the Opportunity
The KOPRI Fellowship Program 2026 is organized by the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), a government-sponsored polar research institute of the Republic of Korea. Since 2015, the program has supported international collaboration by welcoming promising scientists to conduct research within KOPRI’s facilities.
The fellowship operates under three categories:
- Asia Fellowship Program – For early-career scientists from Asian countries
- Arctic Fellowship Program – For early-career scientists from Arctic countries and researchers of Arctic Indigenous heritage
- Antarctic Fellowship Program – For early-career scientists from Chile or New Zealand
Selected fellows participate in KOPRI’s Institute Visiting Program, gaining access to office space and/or laboratory facilities while collaborating with KOPRI researchers for up to three months.
The Korea Polar Research Institute officially offers this opportunity, and applicants should apply through the official application portal and designated submission email.
Also Check: UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the KOPRI Fellowship Program 2026, applicants must:
- Be classified as an early-career scientist
- Be currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program, or
- Have completed a Master’s or PhD within the past five years (2021–2026)
- Meet nationality/category requirements under Asia, Arctic, or Antarctic schemes
- Secure support from a cooperating KOPRI scientist
- Submit all required documents before the deadline
Researchers of Arctic Indigenous heritage may apply under the Arctic scheme at various career stages, according to program guidelines.
Benefits
The fellowship provides comprehensive support, including:
- Round-trip international airfare
- Moderate living expenses
- Accommodation within KOPRI facilities
- Office and/or laboratory access
- Direct collaboration with Korean polar scientists
- International research networking opportunities
Beyond financial support, fellows gain structured exposure to one of Asia’s leading polar research institutions, strengthening academic profiles and international research partnerships.
Who Should Apply
This program is ideal for:
- Early-career researchers specializing in polar science
- Master’s or PhD candidates developing Arctic or Antarctic research
- Scholars seeking international laboratory access
- Researchers building long-term academic collaborations
- Scientists aiming to publish or expand global networks
Applicants with clearly defined research proposals and strong institutional backing will benefit most from this fellowship.
Also Check: IRD ARTS PhD Bursary in Marine Science 2026
Application Process
- Identify and contact a suitable KOPRI scientist to discuss your proposed research.
- Prepare the required documents:
- Application Form
- Research Proposal
- Home Institute Agreement
- Letter of Recommendation
- Submit your complete application package via email to:
fellowship@kopri.re.kr - Ensure submission is completed on or before March 27, 2026.
Award announcements are expected in April 2026.
How to Apply
Because applicants must secure cooperation from a KOPRI scientist before submission, early preparation is essential. Begin discussions as soon as possible to strengthen your proposal and confirm research alignment.
Submit your completed application package to the official fellowship email before March 27, 2026.
