2026 K-STAR R&D Internship Program

Call for Participants

The Korea Institute of Human Resources Development in Science and Technology (KIRD) hereby invites applications for participants in the 2026 K-STAR R&D Internship Program, as set out below, to promote the settlement of young international science and engineering researchers in Korea.

July 13, 2026

Bae Taemin, President

Korea Institute of Human Resources Development in Science and Technology (KIRD)

 

1. Program Objective

ㅇ To provide international researchers who have earned a master's or doctoral degree in Korea with hands-on experience in real R&D settings, thereby strengthening their employability and promoting their settlement in Korea

 

2. Program Details

A. Employability Training

ㅇ Eligibility: International talents who have graduated from a science or engineering graduate school in Korea and who either currently hold a K-STAR visa (F-2-7S) or are expected to obtain one within two months

ㅇ Dates: Monday, August 3 and Thursday, August 6

ㅇ Content: Training on job-seeking preparation (writing cover letters, interview strategies, etc.) and on early adaptation after joining a company

ㅇ Venue: KIRD Daejeon Center (11F, TBC, 593 Daedeok-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon)

ㅇ Note: Outstanding trainees among the training participants will be given priority interview opportunities for the internship

 

B. Internship Program

ㅇ Eligibility: 10 outstanding trainees selected from among those who complete the employability training

ㅇ Period: September 1 – November 30 (3 months)

※ The schedule may be adjusted depending on the K-STAR visa issuance timeline and the circumstances of the participating companies

ㅇ Content: Working as an intern at an actual Korean R&D company and conducting research

ㅇ Support: KRW 2.6 million per month before tax (paid directly to the intern by the participating company)

ㅇ Note: Monthly activity reports and a final report must be submitted

 

3. Selection of Participants

A. Selection Criteria

ㅇ Employability training: Participants will be selected through a comprehensive evaluation of the major and research capabilities stated in the application form, commitment to settling and finding employment in Korea, Korean communication skills, and other factors

ㅇ Internship: Outstanding trainees will be selected based on a combined evaluation of the course application form (80%) and course participation (20%), and will be given priority for interviews with internship companies

 

Evaluation Category	Evaluation Criteria	Points
Application form evaluation (80)	Major and research capabilities	20
	Commitment to settling and finding employment in Korea	40
	Korean communication skills	20
Course participation (20)	Diligence in course participation	10
	Willingness to collaborate and attitude toward participation	10
Total		100

 

B. Notification of Selection Results

ㅇ Results of the employability training participant selection: By July 29 (notified individually by email)

4. How to Apply

ㅇ Application period: Until 23:59, Wednesday, July 22, 2026

ㅇ How to apply: Online application (https://globalkird.career.greetinghr.com/o/226384)

ㅇ Inquiries: Q&A board (https://url.kr/44e1d9)

 Bokyung Kim, Research Fellow, Career Support Division (bkkim@kird.re.kr)