A major international research opportunity has opened for the 2026-2027 academic cycle as the CHEY Institute for Advanced Studies invites applications for the CHEY International Scholar Exchange Fellowship (ISEF). Designed for accomplished researchers and postdoctoral fellows, this competitive fellowship offers a unique chance to conduct collaborative research in South Korea while engaging with some of the country’s leading universities and research networks. For scholars seeking international exposure, institutional collaboration, and dedicated time for high-impact research, the CHEY ISEF program presents a timely and well-supported pathway into the Korean academic ecosystem.
The fellowship enables selected researchers to spend either six months or one full year in South Korea, working closely with partner universities and research institutions. The call is particularly relevant for researchers in the humanities and social sciences, medicine and pharmacy, and technology and natural sciences, reflecting the multidisciplinary focus of the CHEY Institute for Advanced Studies. This is the second time researchers affiliated with Uppsala University can apply under this exchange framework, further strengthening global academic cooperation between Europe and South Korea.
Funding Plan and Fellowship Support
The CHEY International Scholar Exchange Fellowship is structured as a fully supported research mobility program, allowing fellows to focus entirely on their academic work without financial strain. Successful applicants receive a comprehensive funding package that covers essential research and living costs throughout their stay in South Korea.
The fellowship includes round-trip international airfare along with an establishment grant to support relocation expenses at the start of the research period. Fellows are provided with a monthly research stipend to cover living and research-related costs during their stay. In addition, the program offers dedicated support for publishing research articles, helping fellows disseminate their findings in reputable academic outlets.
Health and accident insurance are also included for the duration of the fellowship, ensuring participants are fully covered while conducting research abroad. Beyond financial and academic support, the CHEY ISEF program places strong emphasis on cultural integration. Fellows gain access to Korean language courses, cultural tours, and visits to industrial facilities, allowing them to better understand Korea’s academic, cultural, and innovation landscape.
Who Can Apply?
The CHEY International Scholar Exchange Fellowship is open to faculty members and researchers at foreign universities or research institutions who hold a doctoral degree. Postdoctoral researchers are fully eligible to apply, making this opportunity particularly attractive for early-career scholars seeking to build international research profiles.
Applicants must be 50 years of age or younger at the time of the application deadline. The program welcomes candidates from a broad range of disciplines, including humanities and social sciences, medicine and pharmacy, and technology and natural sciences. A strong research proposal and the ability to engage in collaborative work with South Korean universities are central to the selection process.
Research Duration Options
The fellowship offers flexible research periods to accommodate different academic needs. Applicants may choose a one-year research stay running from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027. Alternatively, six-month research stays are available, either from September 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027, or from March 1, 2027, to August 31, 2027. This flexibility allows researchers to align the fellowship with existing academic commitments or project timelines.
Application Timeline
The application process for the CHEY International Scholar Exchange Fellowship 2026–2027 is now open. The last date to submit applications is February 20, 2026. Following the review process, fellowship results are scheduled to be announced on April 3, 2026, giving selected candidates ample time to prepare for their research stay in South Korea.