Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to the 2026 VKCSF Scholarship application cycle. To help you navigate the process smoothly, we have compiled answers to the most common inquiries. Please review these carefully before reaching out to our team.
Eligibility & Application Basics
- Who is eligible to apply? Full-time students for the 2026-2027 academic year who are residents of Greater Vancouver (of Korean heritage attending school in BC or elsewhere with local ties), international students of Korean heritage in Greater Vancouver, or non-Korean heritage students pursuing Korean studies in BC.
- Can I apply if I have received a VKCSF scholarship before? Yes, previous recipients are eligible. However, the foundation’s priority is to reach as many students as possible, so scholarships are typically not awarded more than twice to the same individual unless there is significant financial need.
- When is the deadline? All application materials must be submitted by May 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Late applications will not be considered.
Required Documents
- How should I submit my documents? Documents must be saved as PDFs (except your photo, which must be a JPEG) and uploaded to a shared Google Drive folder named “VKCSF 2026 Scholarship Application: [Last Name, First Name]”. Share this folder with vkcsfapply@gmail.com and set the permissions to “Editor”.
- What are the photo requirements? Photos must be in JPEG format, passport-style (face centered and 50% of the height), and at least 1 MB in size.
- What should be in my essay? Describe a seemingly small or ordinary moment that had a lasting impact on you. Why it mattered, and how did it shape who you are today. It must be a maximum of 500 words with the word count listed at the bottom.
- Is financial information mandatory? No, submitting a financial need summary is optional. If you choose to submit one, you must also include your and your parents’ 2025 Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the CRA.
Transcripts & References
- Do I need to send official transcripts? Yes. While you upload unofficial PDFs to your Google Drive folder for the initial review, official transcripts must be sent directly to us from your school or the Ministry of Education via email to vkcsfapply@gmail.com.
- Who can serve as my referee? You must provide an academic reference. This should be an instructor or professor from an educational institution. References from family members are not allowed.
- How do I know if my referee submitted their letter? It is your responsibility to follow up with your referee. We do not send separate confirmation emails when documents are received.
Post-Selection & Awards Ceremony
- How will I be notified if I am selected? Selected candidates will be notified by email. Please check your junk/spam folders before reaching out to us.
- Is the awards ceremony mandatory? Yes, attendance is a mandatory requirement for recipients. If you cannot attend for an exceptional reason, a family member or close friend must attend on your behalf.
- Will my information be made public? Yes, as part of the recipient agreement, your name, photo, and scholarship remarks will be published in the ceremony program and on our website.
Still have questions? If your inquiry is not covered here or in the full 2026 Application Guidelines, please contact us at vkcsfapply@gmail.com.