What you’ll upload (Core file checklist about Required Documents)
Prepare clear PDF scans (English or Korean; add a certified translation if another language). Upload these to the online application portal during the application window.
- Online Application Form (completed in the portal)
- CV / Resume (education, research, publications if any)
- Research Proposal (your topic, methods, sources at AKS, month-by-month plan, expected outputs)
- Proof of Enrollment (Master’s or Doctoral overseas) or Master’s ABD Certificate (if applicable)
- Official Transcripts (from your current degree; add prior degree transcripts if requested by the portal)
- Passport (valid through the whole fellowship period)
- Language Proficiency (Korean/English, optional but preferred)
- Recent ID Photo (as specified in the portal)
The portal lists the exact items and any extra, track-specific files; follow the on-screen checklist precisely. Graduate School of Korean Studies+1
Special case: ABD proof (Master’s only)
If you’re applying as ABD in a Master’s program, prepare:
- Official ABD/All-But-Dissertation Proof (or certificate of coursework completion) from your university
- Any supporting letter the portal asks for (e.g., from an academic advisor), uploaded per portal instructions
Note: Doctoral ABD is not eligible for this fellowship; don’t upload Doctoral-ABD documents for this program. Graduate School of Korean Studies+1
File rules (format, naming, size)
- Format: PDF only (use readable scans; combine multi-page docs into one PDF)
- Language: English or Korean. If another language, add a certified translation
- File naming:
Surname_DocType.pdf(e.g.,Khan_Transcript.pdf) - Clarity: Ensure names/dates match your passport; avoid blurred or cropped pages
- Size limits: Respect the portal’s per-file size limit; compress PDFs if needed
Research proposal: what to include (1–3 pages, concise)
- Title & question (why it matters to Korean Studies)
- Methods (how you’ll work: archives, interviews, corpora, field notes)
- AKS resources you’ll use (library, Jangseogak Archives, collections)
- 6-month timeline (month-by-month milestones)
- Expected outputs (chapter, article draft, conference paper)
Quick “Ready to Upload” checklist
Use this to do a final pass before you hit submit:
- Application form fully completed in the portal
- CV in PDF, named correctly
- Research proposal tailored to AKS resources with a 6-month timeline
- Proof of enrollment (or Master’s ABD proof) attached
- Official transcripts included (current degree; extras if the portal asks)
- Passport scan valid through Feb 2026
- Language certs (optional but helpful)
- ID photo matches portal spec
- All files are PDF, readable, and within file size limits
Common mistakes that delay or sink applications
- Uploading the wrong ABD proof (Doctoral ABD → not eligible for this program)
- Generic proposal with no mention of AKS/Jangseogak resources (low feasibility signal)
- Late submission in the last hour (portal traffic spikes)
- Mismatched names/dates across passport, transcripts, forms (verification issues)
- Non-translated docs (upload a certified translation when not in English/Korean)
Document quality tips (to look credible at first glance)
- Match names exactly to your passport (given name / family name order)
- Use university-issued PDFs where possible (e-certs, e-transcripts)
- Highlight AKS fit right in the first paragraph of your proposal
- Keep a single ZIP backup of everything you submit
What happens after you submit
- You’ll receive notifications via email/portal.
- If selected, you’ll get onboarding instructions (travel, dorm, visa steps, advisor assignment, facility access, optional Korean classes).