Imagine studying in South Korea — one of Asia’s most advanced education destinations — under a scholarship that exists not just to support your dreams, but to honour the sacrifices of your ancestors. The 2026 UN Veterans Descendants Scholarship does exactly that. It’s not just an academic award — it’s a bridge between generations, nations, and shared history.
What Makes This Scholarship So Special?
In a rare gesture of gratitude, the Government of South Korea and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) are opening doors for the descendants of UN soldiers who fought in the Korean War. These brave veterans once helped rebuild peace in Korea — now, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren are invited to study in the same land they defended.
This exclusive scholarship gives international students a fully funded chance to pursue higher education in Korea, including language training and a full degree program (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD). It’s not just a financial opportunity — it’s a symbol of honour and remembrance.
Scholarship Highlights
- Full Tuition Coverage – From intensive Korean language classes to your entire university degree.
- Free Accommodation – Comfortable on-campus dormitory rooms at HUFS, allowing you to study and live in the heart of Seoul’s global academic hub.
- Cultural Legacy – A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent your country and your family’s history in Korea.
- National Representation – Only one student per country may be chosen, making this one of the most prestigious and selective global awards.
Although airfare and personal living costs are not included, the scholarship’s core funding covers everything you need to succeed academically in Korea.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is open exclusively to foreign descendants of UN Korean War veterans — the sons, daughters, and grandchildren of heroes who once wore their nation’s uniform in Korea. Applicants must meet the university’s academic admission standards and, for graduate degrees, show sufficient English or Korean language ability.
For those without advanced Korean skills, don’t worry — you’ll start with an intensive language training program before beginning your degree studies.
Application Period & Entry
Applications for the 2026 UN Veterans Descendants Scholarship are now officially open for global applicants. This prestigious program invites the descendants of UN Korean War veterans to begin their academic journey in South Korea — a country their ancestors once helped protect. Successful candidates will commence their studies in March 2026, starting with an intensive Korean language training course designed to prepare them for their full degree program at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS).
Applicants are strongly advised to begin the process as early as possible to allow sufficient time for embassy-level verification and document screening. The final deadline for scholarship applications is November 21, 2025, but each participating country’s embassy may set an earlier internal cutoff date for preliminary selection. Early preparation not only increases your chances of timely approval but also ensures that all required documents — such as proof of ancestry, academic transcripts, and recommendation letters — are properly authenticated before submission.
Why This Matters?
The UN Veterans Descendants Scholarship isn’t just a scholarship — it’s a salute to those who helped shape modern Korea. It’s an opportunity for their families to return, not as soldiers, but as scholars.
For every descendant who walks through HUFS’s gates, it’s a living tribute — where gratitude becomes education, and sacrifice becomes opportunity.
So if your roots trace back to a UN soldier who served in the Korean War, this is your chance to turn legacy into learning. Pack your dreams, your pride, and your ambition — South Korea is waiting to welcome you home.