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Selected for Seoul Tech Scholarship, the University welcomes inaugural cohort of international scholars

Kyung Hee has been designated as a partner institution for the Seoul Tech Scholarship, an initiative established by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to support distinguished international students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. On October 7, the Seoul Metropolitan Government held an award ceremony on the eighth floor of Seoul City Hall, where three Kyung Hee graduate students were honored as the first cohort of Seoul Tech Scholars: Asim Daina at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sajjad Amina at the Department of Chemistry, and Mahmmood Muhammad Rafay at the Department of Biomedical Engineering. These scholars, who recently commenced their master’s programs, are all from Pakistan.

The Seoul Tech Scholarship provides comprehensive support to graduates and imminent graduates from developing nations with expertise in STEM fields. This initiative responds to South Korea’s demographic challenges, including a declining birth rate and a shrinking youth population, by encouraging the development of a future-ready workforce equipped to drive growth in critical industries.

Focused on four strategic areas—AI, biotechnology, robotics, and fintech/blockchain—the scholarship seeks to increase the number of international students in Seoul’s STEM programs, which currently represent only 10% of the nearly 74,600 international students across 54 universities. Seoul has selected institutions with established support frameworks for international students to serve as primary partners in preparing future STEM leaders.

As a participating institution, Kyung Hee is responsible for the selection and oversight of scholarship recipients, working alongside the Seoul Metropolitan Government to provide tuition support. In addition, the University has formalized partnerships with national scholarship organizations in Malaysia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other developing nations through memoranda of understanding (MOUs). This collaboration led to the recommendation of candidates beginning in March, and following a two-stage screening process, nine international scholars were selected by June.

Three of these students were admitted to Kyung Hee. Each receives approximately 20 million KRW in financial support over the span of two-year master’s program, covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and airfare. The University also offers a comprehensive suite of programs to assist international students in adapting to life in Korea, including Korean language instruction, legal support services, and alumni networking opportunities.

Kyung Hee provides robust support for graduates as well. A dedicated career support center offers consultations with professional advisors, job preparation workshops, and specialized career services. The University conducts regular surveys to monitor graduates’ employment outcomes, including job sector, salary, and residential location. For those seeking employment, Kyung Hee plans to offer further assistance, including job listings and tailored training programs, to facilitate a smooth transition into professional roles in Seoul.