How much would a professor-funded research assistantship pay me for a master's in South Korea?
In STEM programmes in South Korea, supervising professors typically pay monthly research stipends of KRW 800,000 to KRW 1,500,000 for research assistantships. The money comes from national research grants such as the BK21 project and is meant to cover your living expenses. Amounts can vary, so confirm with the lab.
In STEM programmes, supervising professors pay monthly research stipends of KRW 800,000 to KRW 1,500,000 (approx INR 57,840 to INR 1.08 L) through professor lab research assistantships (RA or TA).
Research Assistantship Details
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Programmes | STEM |
| Who pays | Supervising professors |
| Monthly stipend | KRW 800,000 to KRW 1,500,000 (approx INR 57,840 to INR 1.08 L) |
| Funding source | National research grants (such as the BK21 project) |
| Purpose | Cover living expenses |
Other Funding Options
- University merit scholarships at institutions like KAIST and UNIST offer full tuition waivers and basic monthly living stipends.
- The POSCO Asia Fellowship covers 100% of tuition and living expenses for students from Asian countries at partner universities.
- The GKS Graduate scholarship is the government's premier fully funded scholarship.
My Advice
Contact professors early and ask about lab funding before you accept an offer. Combine an assistantship with a scholarship application where possible, and treat the stipend as a range rather than a fixed amount.
Got a budget of 40 to 50 lakhs? See what South Korea costs.
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