FAQ
Scholarship Questions
Can I save my application and return to it later?
Yes. After creating an account in the KCSF Scholarship Application Portal, you may save your progress and return to your application before submitting it.
Do I need to select which scholarship I am applying for?
No. You will submit one KCSF Scholarship Application and automatically be considered for all scholarships for which you meet the eligibility requirements.
Can my resume or reference letters be provided in Korean?
All documents should be written in English. Alternatively, we will accept a certified translation along with the original Korean version.
For the essay question, should I include all suggested topics or only those I feel strongly about?
Donald Choi Canada Award of Excellence: Write about one of the topics listed in the Donald Choi Essay question form.
All Other Scholarships: The essay topic is open. Suggested topics are provided for guidance, but you may choose any topic, including those suggested or another of your choice. Note:
To be considered for the Hakyoo Park Humanitarian Award, your essay must reflect your vision of serving the community through religious or humanitarian work.
To be considered for the Park Family Foundation Leadership Award, your essay should demonstrate exceptional initiative and leadership.
To be considered for the Chung/Banz Achievement & Opportunity Award, your essay must address how limited financial resources or other family or personal hardship have affected your educational journey, opportunities, responsibilities, or goals, while demonstrating perseverance, academic commitment, strong character, and future potential.
Documentation Questions
What documents do I need?
Applicants generally need proof of full-time registration, official transcripts covering the two most recently completed full academic years, at least two recommendations, a resume, and the required essay/application responses.
Some scholarships may require additional information or documentation.
Please review How to Apply and Explore Our Scholarships before beginning your application.
What is accepted as proof of registration?
We require an official letter from your school registrar confirming your enrollment or confirmation of payment for tuition fees.
My school does not provide official transcripts in PDF form. Can my official transcripts be emailed directly to KCSF by the school?
Yes. If your school does not issue official transcripts electronically in PDF format, please ask your school to print and scan the official transcript and email the PDF directly to scholarships@kcsf.ca from an official institutional email address. The school should CC you on the email so you have confirmation that it was sent.
Financial Eligibility Related Questions
How do I demonstrate financial eligibility for the Chung/Banz Achievement & Opportunity Award?
Applicants must demonstrate financial eligibility through one of the following two pathways:
Pathway 1 — Government Student-Aid Assessment
Provide your official student-aid assessment showing that you received or qualified for the maximum Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students for the applicable academic year, or an equivalent maximum need-based grant through your provincial or territorial student financial-assistance program.
You do not apply separately for the Canada Student Grant. Apply for student financial assistance through the province or territory where you are considered a resident. Your eligibility for the Canada Student Grant will be assessed automatically as part of that application.
Find out more here: Government of Canada – Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students
Important Notes:
Processing times vary, so apply as early as possible and ideally at least 6-8 weeks before the KCSF deadline. Once your assessment is available, upload the official document showing your grant eligibility.
If you qualify through this pathway, no additional family income documentation is required.
Applicants from Quebec, Nunavut, or the Northwest Territories may submit documentation for the equivalent maximum need-based grant available in their jurisdiction.
Pathway 2 — Family Income Verification
If you cannot establish eligibility through Pathway 1, provide documentation showing that your previous year's gross annual family income does not exceed the applicable family-size income threshold for the maximum Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students.
Canadian applicants should provide the most recent Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment (NOA) for each applicable family member. KCSF will use the Line 15000 — Total Income amount to assess family income.
Dependent international applicants whose applicable family members do not file Canadian income tax returns must provide equivalent official tax or government-issued income documentation from the applicable country.
Financial eligibility is assessed on a pass/fail basis. Once you have established eligibility, the degree of financial need will not be used to rank your application.
Whose Income Should Be Included?
Family income means:
Dependent student: the combined income of the applicant and the applicant's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) upon whom the applicant is financially dependent.
Independent student: the applicant's income and, if married or in a common-law relationship, the combined income of the applicant and their spouse or common-law partner.
An applicant may not establish financial eligibility based solely on their own income if they are financially dependent upon a parent or guardian. KCSF may request additional documentation when necessary to clarify dependency status, family size, or reported income.
Recommendation Related Questions
How are recommendations submitted?
Applicants provide their recommenders' contact information through the KCSF Scholarship Application Portal. The Portal will then contact recommenders directly with instructions for submitting their recommendations.
Recommendations must be received by the application deadline. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their recommenders in advance and allow sufficient time for them to respond.
Who should I ask to provide a recommendation?
At least one academic recommendation must come from a professor or teacher. A second should ideally come from someone who knows you through employment, volunteering, leadership, community involvement, or another meaningful capacity.
Choose people who can provide specific examples and speak directly to your character, abilities, work ethic, contributions, potential, and aspirations.
Family members, relatives, and friends may not serve as recommenders.
Application Eligibility Related Questions
Can I apply for both a KCSF scholarship and bursary?
Yes. Eligible students may apply for both a KCSF scholarship and bursary during the same application cycle.
Can part-time students apply?
No. KCSF scholarships are available to eligible students enrolled full-time at an accredited post-secondary institution.
Do I have to be Korean Canadian?
Applicants must either be of Korean heritage or demonstrate a significant and meaningful connection to the Korean community. Applicants who are not of Korean heritage will be asked to describe their connection to the Korean community.
Can previous KCSF scholarship recipients apply again?
No. Students may receive only one KCSF scholarship during their lifetime.
Can high school students apply?
No. Applicants must be enrolled full-time at an accredited post-secondary institution during the applicable academic year.
LEAD Program Questions
What is the KCSF LEAD Program?
The Leadership, Engagement, Advancement & Development (LEAD) Program is KCSF's flagship leadership-development program for KCSF Scholars.
LEAD complements KCSF's financial investment in students with opportunities to develop leadership and professional skills, build relationships with peers and mentors, engage with the Korean Canadian community, and gain practical experience.
Is participation in LEAD required?
Yes. KCSF expects scholarship recipients to participate in the LEAD Program as part of the KCSF Scholar experience.
KCSF understands that students have academic, employment, family, and other responsibilities. Scholars who experience exceptional circumstances that affect their ability to participate should communicate with KCSF.
How long is LEAD?
LEAD takes place throughout the academic year and combines learning sessions with opportunities for practical application. Specific dates, program requirements, and participation expectations will be provided to each Scholar cohort.
Does LEAD cost anything?
There is no program fee for KCSF Scholars. KCSF works with donors, corporate sponsors, and funding partners to make LEAD available to scholarship recipients.
I still have a question. Who should I contact?
Please contact scholarships@kcsf.ca with additional questions about KCSF scholarships or the application process.