MBK Scholarship Foundation Selects 17 Prospective University Students as Scholars

MBK Scholarship Foundation announced on the 5th that it has selected a total of 17 prospective university students as the 17th generation of scholarship recipients.

Hundreds of students applied for the 17th MBK Scholarship selection. Interviewers, including Kim Byung-joo, chairman of the MBK Scholarship Foundation, conducted in-depth interviews one by one with about 30 candidates who passed the document screening, overcoming a double-digit competition rate.

The regional distribution of the selected scholars was evenly spread across Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Daegu, Gyeongsang, Gwangju, and Jeolla. Scholars were selected from nine universities nationwide, including Catholic Kwandong University, Korea University, Seoul National University, Ewha Womans University, Yonsei University, Chung-Ang University, Hanyang University, Korea National University of Arts, and Hongik University (in alphabetical order). The scholars’ majors were also diverse, covering humanities and social sciences, science and engineering, education, arts and physical education, and pre-medical fields. Among the 17 scholars, 10 were female and 7 were male.

Instead of having separate selection criteria or conditions, the selected MBK scholars must pledge to inherit and practice the foundation’s value of ‘Pay it forward’?meaning those who have received help aim to give back to society.

Kim Byung-joo, chairman of the MBK Scholarship Foundation, said, "Each applicant showed a bright and healthy will and attitude to challenge themselves in their field without losing their passion for learning despite very difficult circumstances." He added, "I hope the selected scholars focus on their studies after entering university and later become leaders in various fields of society, faithfully fulfilling their pledge to give back to society."

With the new selection of 17 scholars this year, the total number of MBK scholars selected since 2007 has increased to 202.

The MBK Scholarship Foundation does not discriminate based on the applicant’s gender, region of origin, intended university, or major. Those who have excellent academic performance and potential as future leaders despite difficult living and academic environments can apply. No third-party recommendation is required, and both early and regular admission applicants are eligible to apply.

The MBK Scholarship Foundation provides full coverage of admission and tuition fees to the selected scholars. In addition to textbook expenses, eligible scholars receive a ‘study encouragement allowance’ every semester. The foundation is also known for the strong bonds and friendships among scholars, as alumni who have entered society often participate in award ceremonies, facilitating frequent meetings and communication between senior and junior cohorts.