In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the advancement of science and technology relies heavily on international cooperation and knowledge sharing. Recognizing this, the Government of South Korea has established the Brain Pool Fellowship Program, a prestigious initiative managed by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and administered through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF). The program aims to attract leading foreign researchers to contribute to Korea’s rapidly evolving research and innovation landscape.
The Brain Pool Fellowship Program in South Korea offers world-class international researchers the chance to collaborate on strategic R&D projects while accessing cutting-edge facilities, generous funding, and long-term career development within Korea’s innovation ecosystem.
Whether you are a seasoned academic, a mid-career scientist, or an industry-based expert, the Brain Pool Program provides exceptional opportunities to forge lasting international research collaborations and advance global scientific goals in partnership with Korea’s renowned institutions.
What Is the Brain Pool Fellowship Program?
The Brain Pool Fellowship Program (BP) is a flagship research initiative funded by the Korean government. Its mission is to enhance Korea’s R&D competitiveness by engaging world-class foreign researchers across all scientific and technological domains. This program plays a key role in internationalizing Korean research institutions and fostering innovation through global collaboration.
The program is offered in two distinct formats:
- Brain Pool (Standard): Designed for individual researchers, this stream facilitates short- and long-term stays at Korean universities, national labs, or industrial research centers.
- Brain Pool Plus (BP+): A strategic expansion that provides increased financial support and longer project durations, primarily targeted at high-impact national R&D priority areas.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants and Hosts
Host Researcher (Based in South Korea)
- Must be a full-time faculty member or a senior researcher affiliated with a Korean university, public research institute, or industry R&D center.
- Responsible for initiating and submitting the fellowship application.
- Acts as the official host and collaborator throughout the fellowship.
Brain Pool Candidate (International Researcher)
- Must hold a PhD degree or have a minimum of five years of overseas R&D experience.
- Should currently reside outside of Korea, including Korean nationals abroad.
- Individuals employed full-time in Korea are generally ineligible, unless under limited-term contracts.
- Candidates with significant industry experience may qualify if sponsored by corporate R&D labs.
Priority is given to candidates with a robust research portfolio, publication record, and a demonstrated ability to lead or participate in collaborative projects.
Duration and Fellowship Types
The Brain Pool Fellowship is structured into the following participation types:
Fellowship Type | Duration | Extension / Reapplication |
Type 1 (Short-Term) | 6–12 months | One-time reapplication permitted |
Type 2 (Long-Term) | Up to 3 years (2+1) | Third year based on interim evaluation |
Additionally, the Brain Pool Plus (BP+) stream may support projects lasting up to 10 years (4+6). This format is specifically designed for major national research initiatives in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, semiconductors, energy transition, and quantum computing.
Financial Support and Program Benefits
The Brain Pool Fellowship is notable for its comprehensive financial support. Depending on the program stream, participants can expect funding that covers personal, research, and institutional expenses.
Standard Brain Pool Fellowship
- Monthly Stipend: ₩5 million to ₩25 million (approximately USD 4,000 to 20,000), adjusted by candidate experience.
- Relocation Expenses: Includes airfare, visa processing, insurance, and initial settlement support.
- Housing Subsidy: Up to ₩12 million annually for long-term fellows, starting from the second year.
- Research Funding: Up to ₩1 million annually for equipment and material costs.
- Overhead Support: Contributions to the host institution for project facilitation.
Brain Pool Plus (BP+)
- Up to ₩600 million annually for large-scale research initiatives.
- Funding includes salaries, consumables, research equipment, facilities, and project coordination.
- Ideal for government-prioritized, cross-disciplinary projects requiring sustained collaboration.
Application Process and Timeline
Application Process
Applications must be submitted by the Korean host researcher via the NRF’s ERND (Electronic Research and Development) System. International candidates cannot apply independently.
Submission and Review Timeline
- Calls for applications are typically announced in December or early Q1 of the calendar year.
- Evaluation involves peer review, relevance to national R&D needs, and interviews when applicable.
- Approved researchers must relocate to Korea within three months of selection. Extensions or remote participation are not permitted.
Who Should Apply for the Brain Pool Fellowship?
This fellowship is highly suitable for:
- International scholars seeking structured research collaborations abroad.
- Korean nationals overseas looking to reconnect professionally with Korea.
- Postdoctoral researchers or established faculty aiming to expand their research networks.
- Industry professionals interested in applying technical expertise within Korean R&D ecosystems.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to proactively reach out to Korean research institutions. Key universities such as Seoul National University, KAIST, and POSTECH often guide applicants through host matching and proposal development.
Key Dates and Contact Information
Feature | Details |
Latest Call Closed | February 2025 |
Next Call Expected | December 2025 or Early 2026 (To be confirmed) |
Application Portal | ERND System – NRF Korea (Link mgiven below) |
Phone | NRF H&D Development Team |
Keep an eye on updates via EURAXESS and institutional career boards.
Why Consider the Brain Pool Program?
South Korea offers one of the most dynamic and technologically advanced research ecosystems in the world. With its strategic investments in science, world-class universities, and thriving industrial sector, the country presents a unique environment for foreign researchers to thrive.
Benefits of joining the Brain Pool Program include:
- Engaging in high-level collaborative research with top Korean scholars.
- Building an international academic footprint through joint publications and conferences.
- Accessing state-of-the-art laboratories and infrastructure.
- Immersing in Korean culture, language, and innovation-centered development.
- Contributing to Korea’s national R&D objectives while advancing your personal research goals.
Conclusion
The Brain Pool Fellowship Program is more than a research grant—it is a strategic career investment and a gateway to transformative scientific collaboration. Through generous funding, robust institutional support, and access to one of Asia’s premier R&D environments, this program empowers international researchers to leave a meaningful impact on global innovation.
If you are prepared to collaborate, lead, and innovate in an international context, the Brain Pool Fellowship is your opportunity to be at the forefront of change.
Quick Summary
Feature | Details |
Program Name | Brain Pool Fellowship Program |
Host Country | |
Funded By | Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), National Research Foundation (NRF) |
Duration | 6–12 months (Short-Term), up to 3 years (Long-Term), up to 10 years (BP+) |
Study Mode | Full-time, In-Person (No remote or delayed starts) |
Eligibility | Foreign researchers with PhD or 5+ years R&D experience; host-led application |
Financial Support | ₩5M–₩25M/month stipend, relocation costs, housing, research funds |
Fields of Study | All science and technology fields; national priority R&D areas (BP+) |
Deadline | Last Call: Feb 2025; Next Expected: Dec 2025 or Early 2026 (To be updated) |
Official Website |
References
ERND System Portal: https://ernd.nrf.re.kr/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Brain Pool Fellowship invites foreign researchers to collaborate with Korean institutions on science and technology projects through fully funded short- or long-term research stays.
Applicants must hold a PhD or have five years of overseas R&D experience and reside outside Korea at the time of application.
You must apply through a Korean host researcher who submits the proposal via the NRF’s ERND online system. Direct applications are not accepted.
The program offers short-term (6–12 months) and long-term (up to 3 years) options, with additional extensions under the Brain Pool Plus track.
Researchers receive a monthly stipend of ₩5–25 million, plus relocation support, housing allowance, and research funding, depending on qualifications and program type.
Yes, experienced R&D professionals without a PhD can apply if invited by a Korean corporate research lab and meet eligibility criteria.
Calls are typically announced in December or early in the first quarter. The next cycle is expected to open soon.
You need a research proposal, CV, proof of degree or experience, and a formal invitation from the Korean host institution.
Yes, applicants may reapply in future cycles if their proposal aligns with program priorities and eligibility remains valid.
The program covers all STEM fields, with priority areas including AI, biotech, green energy, quantum science, and semiconductor research.
