Northeastern Regional Chapter Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Korean American Scholarship Foundation

Description Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF) scholarships provide targeted financial support to students of Korean heritage and eligible descendants of Korean War veterans who will be enrolled full time in the U.S. during the scholarship year. Award amounts vary and distribution is administered through regional chapters, so available scholarships and rules can differ by location. Non-Korean students may occasionally qualify if additional funds are available in a region. Applicants should expect to follow the specific instructions of the regional chapter that covers the school they attend or will attend.

• Purpose:

Provide financial aid to students of Korean heritage and certain veteran descendants.

• Scope:

Administered regionally; rules and awards vary by chapter.

• Residency:

Must be enrolled full time in a U.S. school during the award year.

• Openness:

Non-Koreans may qualify in some regions when extra funds exist.

Award Value KASF scholarships range from modest awards to larger grants depending on the region and available funds. Typical award amounts fall between $500 and $5,000. The final award for an individual applicant depends on the regional scholarship pool, the applicant’s category, and demonstrated need. Regions may allocate different scholarship types (merit, need-based, or veteran-descendant awards) with different award scales.

• Range: $500 to $5,000 per award.
• Variability:

Amounts and types differ by regional chapter.

• Determinants:

Award size depends on region, category, and demonstrated need.

• Types:

May include merit, need-based, and veteran-descendant awards.

Eligibility KASF sets several baseline eligibility criteria related to heritage, enrollment, academics, and financial need; specific regional chapters may add further requirements. Applicants must generally demonstrate Korean heritage (or eligible descendant status), be or plan to be full-time students in the U.S. during the award year, meet minimum academic standards, and show financial need. Eligibility can include U.S. citizens and foreign nationals who will reside in the U.S. for the award year. Always verify regional eligibility rules before applying.

• Heritage:

Must be of Korean heritage or a qualifying descendant of a Korean War veteran.

• Enrollment:

Full-time enrollment at a U.S. school during the scholarship year is required.

• Academics:

Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (unless region specifies otherwise).

• Financial Need:

Applicants must demonstrate financial need as required by the regional chapter.

Application Categories KASF organizes applicants by the academic status they will hold during the target school year; awards are assigned by category to ensure age- and level-appropriate support. Categories cover a broad range from high school underclassmen to graduate students. Your application should reflect the status you will have for the 2026–2027 school year. Select the correct category because some scholarships are available only to specific groups.

• High school:

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors (with seniors who plan to enroll in college).

• Undergraduate:

College freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

• Upper undergraduate:

College seniors.

• Graduate:

Students enrolled in graduate-level programs.

• Application match:

Apply under the category matching your status for 2026–2027.

Regional Variations & Instructions Regional chapters manage eligibility nuances, award types, and application procedures, so applicants must follow the rules for the region where their school will be located during the scholarship year. For example, one region’s application criteria specify the Northeastern states (CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT) for the 2026–2027 cycle. Because award types and amounts differ by chapter, applicants should consult the relevant regional page or contact the chapter directly before preparing materials.

• Follow region rules:

Application requirements and award availability differ by chapter.

• Northeastern example:

CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT have specified regional criteria for 2026–2027.

• Verify locally:

Confirm applicable guidelines and scholarship types with the regional office.

• Impact:

Regional rules determine eligibility, award amounts, and deadlines.

Application Requirements & Documentation Regions require specific documentation to assess eligibility, academic standing, and financial need; some applicants have additional form requirements. International or self-supporting students must complete a Personal Financial Statement form and upload it in the Financial Documentation section. Current non-students must provide acceptance letters or signed commitment letters demonstrating full-time enrollment for the award year. Maintain clear, complete scans of transcripts, proof of enrollment or acceptance, financial statements, and any veteran-descendant documentation that may apply.

• Personal Financial Statement:

Required for international and self-supporting applicants; upload to Financial Documentation.

• Enrollment proof:

Acceptance or commitment letters required for applicants who are not current students.

• Academic records:

Provide transcripts to verify GPA.

• Veteran documentation:

Provide proof if applying as a descendant of a Korean War veteran.

Application Timeline The KASF application cycle corresponds to the academic ("scholarship") year—applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll full time for that year. The materials provided reference the 2026–2027 school year as the target award year; regional chapters set their own application deadlines within that cycle. Because deadlines and review schedules vary, start early, confirm regional deadlines, and allow time to gather financial and enrollment documentation.

• Target year: 2026–2027 academic (award) year referenced.
• Deadlines:

Set by regional chapters—check the local chapter for exact dates.

• Preparation:

Begin early to collect transcripts, financial forms, and enrollment documents.

• Submission:

Upload required financial documentation as specified by the region.

History of the Award KASF scholarships are designed to support educational advancement for students of Korean heritage and, in certain regions, descendants of American veterans who served during the Korean War. The program is administered through regional chapters to better match local needs and resources, which explains variation in award types and eligibility rules across regions. The organization’s structure enables targeted assistance across academic levels—from high school to graduate study.

• Focus:

Support for Korean heritage students and eligible veteran descendants.

• Administration:

Distributed and managed by regional chapters.

• Levels covered:

High school through graduate students.

• Regional approach:

Local chapters tailor awards to community needs.

Key next steps

• Identify the regional chapter covering the school you attend or plan to attend.
• Confirm that you meet the heritage, GPA, and enrollment requirements for that region.
• Gather transcripts, financial documentation (including the Personal Financial Statement if applicable), and any acceptance/commitment letters.
• Check the regional deadline and submit the complete application on time.