This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Korean
Vocabulary
장학금

B1 noun #3,100 most common 10 min read

장학금

janghakgeum Top 3,100

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 장학금 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 장학금 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '장학금' as a single noun meaning 'scholarship.' Think of it as 'school money' that you don't have to pay back. At this stage, focus on simple sentences like 'I want a scholarship' or 'He got a scholarship.' You don't need to worry about the complex Hanja (Chinese characters) yet. Just remember that '금' at the end often means 'money.' It is a positive word that students use when they study hard. You might hear it in basic conversations about school life or in simple stories about good students. The most important verb to remember with this word is '받다' (to receive).

At the A2 level, you can start using '장학금' in slightly more complex ways. You should be able to distinguish between 'receiving a scholarship' (장학금을 받다) and 'applying for a scholarship' (장학금을 신청하다). You might also learn that there are different types, such as '성적 장학금' (merit scholarship for good grades). You can use this word to talk about your goals or your friends' achievements. For example, 'If I study hard, I can get a scholarship' (열심히 공부하면 장학금을 받을 수 있어요). You will also notice this word appearing in university brochures or on school notice boards. It is a key word for describing student life in Korea.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social importance of '장학금' in South Korea. It is not just about money; it is about 'spec' (resume building) and honor. You should be able to use the word in various grammatical structures, such as using '-기 위해' (in order to) – '장학금을 받기 위해 밤새 공부했어요' (I studied all night to get a scholarship). You should also be familiar with related terms like '등록금' (tuition) and '학자금 대출' (student loan), and know how they differ. You might hear this word in news clips about rising tuition or in dramas where characters struggle with financial issues. You should also be able to use the more colloquial verb '타다' (to win/get) in appropriate casual settings.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '장학금' in formal and professional contexts. You should understand the nuance of verbs like '수여하다' (to award) and '지급하다' (to pay out/disburse). You can discuss the criteria for scholarships, such as '선발 기준' (selection criteria) or '자격 요건' (eligibility requirements). You should be able to read and understand detailed application guidelines for programs like the 'Global Korea Scholarship' (GKS). At this level, you can also express opinions on educational policy, such as whether scholarships should be merit-based or need-based. You should be aware of the 'tensification' pronunciation rule where '금' sounds like '끔'.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the Hanja roots (獎學金) and how they relate to other academic and financial terms. You can engage in complex discussions about the role of '장학재단' (scholarship foundations) in corporate social responsibility. You should be able to understand academic papers or high-level news articles discussing the economic impact of '국가장학금' (national scholarships) on household debt. You can use the word in nuanced ways, such as discussing '장학금 혜택의 사각지대' (blind spots in scholarship benefits). Your usage should include formal honorifics and a wide range of sophisticated collocations like '장학금을 확충하다' (to expand scholarship funds) or '장학금을 기탁하다' (to donate/endow a scholarship).

At the C2 level, you command the word '장학금' with native-like precision across all registers. You can analyze the socio-political implications of scholarship distribution and its effect on educational inequality (교육 불평등). You can navigate the most complex administrative processes involving scholarships, including legal contracts or foundation bylaws. You are capable of giving a formal presentation or writing a persuasive essay on the necessity of '보편적 장학금' (universal scholarships) versus '선별적 장학금' (selective scholarships). You understand the historical evolution of scholarship systems in Korea from the post-war era to the present digital age. Your grasp of the word includes its metaphorical use in literature or high-level rhetoric to describe the investment in future human capital.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

장학금 in 30 Seconds

A noun meaning scholarship or academic grant used primarily in educational and administrative contexts.
Commonly paired with verbs like '받다' (receive), '타다' (get), and '신청하다' (apply).
Carries high social prestige and is a key indicator of academic success in South Korea.
Distinguished from '학자금 대출' (student loans) as it does not require repayment.

The Korean word 장학금 (jang-hak-geum) is a compound noun that serves as a cornerstone of academic achievement and social mobility in South Korean society. At its most fundamental level, it translates to "scholarship" or "academic grant." To understand the weight this word carries, one must look at its constituent Hanja characters: 獎 (장 - to encourage or reward), 學 (학 - to learn or study), and 金 (금 - money or gold). Thus, the word literally signifies "money provided to encourage learning." In the high-pressure environment of the Korean education system, receiving a 장학금 is not merely a financial relief; it is a significant badge of honor and a public recognition of a student's diligence and potential.

Academic Merit Context: In university settings, the most common form is the '성적 장학금' (merit-based scholarship), awarded to students with the highest Grade Point Average in their department. It is a highly competitive goal that students strive for to reduce the burden of tuition on their families.
Financial Need Context: Government and private foundations offer '복지 장학금' or '저소득층 장학금' to ensure that talented individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can pursue higher education without financial constraints.
Corporate and External Context: Many large corporations like Samsung or Hyundai establish foundations that provide '외부 장학금' (external scholarships) to students pursuing specific fields of study that align with the industry's future needs.

"열심히 공부해서 이번 학기에는 꼭 장학금을 받고 싶어요." (I want to study hard and definitely receive a scholarship this semester.)

The usage of 장학금 extends beyond the classroom. It is a frequent topic in news reports discussing government policy, university tuition hikes, and corporate social responsibility. In a culture where education is seen as the primary vehicle for success, the accessibility and distribution of these funds are subjects of intense public interest. Parents often discuss 장학금 as a target for their children, not just for the money, but for the prestige it adds to a resume (스펙 - spec) when applying for jobs later.

"그 학생은 성적이 우수하여 4년 내내 장학금을 놓치지 않았습니다." (That student was so excellent that they didn't miss a scholarship for all four years.)

Furthermore, the term is used in various institutional names, such as the '한국장학재단' (Korea Student Aid Foundation - KOSAF), which is the primary government body managing student loans and grants. When people talk about '신청' (applying) or '수혜' (benefiting), 장학금 is the object of these actions. It represents hope, hard work, and the societal commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders and professionals.

"우리 회사는 임직원 자녀들을 위해 매년 장학금을 지원하고 있습니다." (Our company provides scholarships for the children of our employees every year.)

Global Context: For international students, the 'GKS' (Global Korea Scholarship) is the most famous example of a government-funded 장학금 aimed at attracting global talent to study in Korea.

"국가 장학금 덕분에 학비 걱정 없이 대학에 다닐 수 있게 되었습니다." (Thanks to the national scholarship, I was able to attend university without worrying about tuition.)

Using 장학금 correctly involves understanding its relationship with specific verbs and particles. Because it is a noun representing a benefit or a sum of money, it most frequently appears as an object in a sentence. The most natural verb pairings reflect the lifecycle of a scholarship: applying for it, winning it, and receiving it.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 받다 (to receive): This is the most common way to say you got a scholarship.
2. 타다 (to win/get): More colloquial, often used for prizes or competitive funds.
3. 신청하다 (to apply): The administrative action of submitting an application.
4. 수여하다 (to award): Used when an institution gives the money to a student (formal).
5. 놓치다 (to miss out): Used when one fails to meet the requirements or deadline.

"이번에 성적이 올라서 장학금을 받게 되었어요." (My grades went up this time, so I ended up receiving a scholarship.)

When describing the amount or the nature of the scholarship, you can use adjectives or noun modifiers. For example, '전액' (full amount) or '반액' (half amount) are often placed directly before 장학금 to specify the coverage. In more complex sentences, you might use the particle '-으로' to indicate that a certain amount of money is being treated as a scholarship.

"그는 재단으로부터 500만 원의 장학금을 수여받았습니다." (He was awarded a scholarship of 5 million won from the foundation.)

In formal documents or announcements, you will see the word used with honorifics and passive structures. For example, '장학금이 지급되다' (scholarship is being paid out) or '장학금 혜택을 누리다' (to enjoy the benefits of a scholarship). Understanding these patterns is crucial for anyone navigating the Korean academic system or reading news about education.

"장학금 신청 기간을 놓치지 않도록 주의하세요." (Be careful not to miss the scholarship application period.)

In everyday conversation among students, you might hear the shortened form '장학' used in compound terms, but 장학금 remains the standard. It is also common to use the verb '타다' when boasting or talking excitedly with friends, whereas '받다' is neutral and safe in all contexts.

"너 이번에 장학금 탔다며? 축하해!" (I heard you got a scholarship this time? Congratulations!)

Sentence Structure Tip: [Subject] + [Scholarship Type] + 장학금 + [Object Particle] + [Verb].
Example: 민수는 성적 장학금을 받았다. (Minsu received a merit scholarship.)

The term 장학금 is ubiquitous in South Korean life, particularly because of the nation's profound emphasis on education. You will encounter this word in a variety of environments, from the high-stakes world of university administration to the emotional narratives of television dramas.

On University Campuses: This is the primary habitat of the word. You will see it on banners announcing application dates, on the university website's 'Student Life' portal, and in the 'Tuition Bill' (등록금 고지서) where the scholarship amount is deducted from the total. Students constantly talk about '장학금 컷' (the minimum GPA required to receive a scholarship).
In K-Dramas and Movies: Plotlines involving a '흙수저' (dirt spoon - someone from a poor background) character often revolve around their struggle to maintain a 장학금. It serves as a narrative device to show the character's intelligence and perseverance. If a character loses their scholarship, it signifies a major crisis.
News and Media: Headlines often feature the word when discussing government budgets. Phrases like '국가장학금 예산 확대' (Expansion of the national scholarship budget) are common during election cycles or legislative sessions.

"부모님께 효도하려고 이번에 장학금을 목표로 공부했어요." (I studied with the goal of getting a scholarship this time to show filial piety to my parents.)

In a familial setting, 장학금 is a point of pride. Grandparents might give extra '용돈' (pocket money) to a grandchild who received a 장학금. It is often mentioned in '명절' (traditional holidays) when relatives gather and ask about each other's children's studies. Hearing "우리 애가 장학금을 받았어" (My child received a scholarship) is the ultimate 'bragging right' for a Korean parent.

Additionally, you will hear it in corporate environments. Many Korean companies offer 장학금 as part of their employee benefits package. An HR representative might explain, "자녀 학자금 및 장학금 지원 제도가 있습니다" (We have a support system for children's educational expenses and scholarships). This highlights how the concept is integrated into the social safety net and corporate welfare in Korea.

"장학금 수여식이 강당에서 열릴 예정입니다." (The scholarship award ceremony is scheduled to be held in the auditorium.)

Lastly, international students in Korea will hear this word constantly during orientation. The 'GKS' (Global Korea Scholarship) and '교내 장학금' (on-campus scholarships) are vital for their survival and study. Language instructors and university staff will frequently use the term when discussing administrative requirements and academic performance.

While 장학금 is a straightforward noun, learners often make mistakes in its collocation (the words it naturally goes with) and its distinction from other financial terms. Understanding these pitfalls will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

Confusing Scholarship with Loan: The most critical mistake is confusing 장학금 with 학자금 대출 (student loan). A scholarship does not need to be paid back, whereas a loan does. In English, we sometimes use 'aid' for both, but in Korean, you must be specific. Using '장학금' when you mean a loan can lead to significant misunderstandings about your financial status.
Using the Wrong Verb: Learners often try to translate "win a scholarship" literally using '이기다' (to win a game). This is incorrect. Use 받다 (receive) or 타다 (get/win). Another common error is using '장학금을 만들다' (to make a scholarship). If you are creating a fund, use '장학금을 조성하다' or '장학재단을 설립하다'.
Misunderstanding 'Grant' vs. 'Scholarship': While English distinguishes between merit-based 'scholarships' and need-based 'grants', Korean often uses 장학금 for both, though '보조금' (subsidy) can be used for general grants. However, in an academic context, stick to '장학금' unless it's a specific research grant (연구비).

"장학금을 빌렸어요" (Incorrect: I borrowed a scholarship)
"학자금 대출을 받았어요" (Correct: I received a student loan)

Another subtle mistake is the mispronunciation of the final syllable. Some learners pronounce it as [장학금] with a light 'k' sound, but due to the Korean phonological rule of 'tensification' (경음화), the 'ㄱ' in '금' becomes a double 'ㄲ' sound after the 'ㄱ' in '학'. It should sound like [장학끔]. Failing to do this won't usually stop you from being understood, but it is a marker of a non-native accent.

"장학금을 이겼어요" (Incorrect: I won the scholarship like a game)
"장학금을 탔어요" (Correct: I got/won the scholarship)

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse 장학금 with 장려금 (incentive/subsidy). While both involve money given to encourage something, '장학금' is strictly for education, while '장려금' is used for employment (고용장려금) or business incentives. Using '장려금' to mean a school scholarship will sound unnatural to a native speaker.

To truly master Korean, you need to know the synonyms and related terms that provide nuance to the concept of financial support. While 장학금 is the most general and common term, other words are used depending on the source of the money or the reason it is being given.

장학금 vs. 학자금 (Scholarship vs. Educational Funds): 장학금 specifically refers to the award money. 학자금 is a broader term meaning "educational expenses" or "funds for study." You will often hear '학자금 지원' (support for educational expenses), which might include both scholarships and loans.
장학금 vs. 보조금 (Scholarship vs. Subsidy/Grant): 보조금 is a general term for a subsidy or grant given by the government or an organization to assist with costs. While a scholarship is a type of '보조금', the latter is used more in business, agriculture, or social welfare contexts rather than for individual students' grades.
장학금 vs. 지원금 (Scholarship vs. Support Fund): 지원금 is a general "support fund." During the pandemic, the government gave out '재난지원금' (disaster relief funds). In education, '생활비 지원금' refers to money given specifically for living expenses rather than just tuition.

"이것은 장학금이라기보다 연구를 위한 지원금에 가깝습니다." (This is closer to a support fund for research rather than a scholarship.)

Other specific terms include:

장려금 (Incentive): Money given to encourage a specific behavior (e.g., 근로장려금 - earned income tax credit).
연구비 (Research Grant): Money given specifically to researchers or professors for projects.
기부금 (Donation): The money that often funds scholarships, donated by alumni or philanthropists.

"성적 우수자에게는 장학금이, 대회 입상자에게는 상금이 수여됩니다." (Scholarships are awarded to top students, and prize money is awarded to contest winners.)

In summary, while these words all describe "giving money," 장학금 is the specific, prestigious term for academic rewards. Using the correct alternative shows that you understand the formal structures of Korean society and administration.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Korea, while there wasn't a modern 'janghakgeum' system, the government provided 'hak-jeon' (school fields) to local academies, the harvest of which funded the students' studies.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ɕaŋ.ɦak.kɯm/

US /t͡ʃɑŋ.hɑk.kʌm/

The primary stress is on the first syllable '장', with a secondary emphasis on the final syllable due to the tensification.

Rhymes With

소금 (salt) 입금 (deposit) 송금 (remittance) 요금 (fee) 임금 (wage) 모금 (fundraising) 벌금 (fine) 세금 (tax)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '금' as a soft 'g' sound instead of the tense 'kk' sound.
Failing to aspirate the 'h' in 'hak' clearly.
Making the 'jang' sound too short; it should be slightly elongated.
Confusing 'jang' with 'jung'.
Dropping the final 'm' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is simple, but the Hanja context and related administrative terms can be tricky.

Writing 3/5

Spelling is straightforward, but using the correct particles and verbs requires practice.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation requires attention to the tensification rule [장학끔].

Listening 3/5

Easily recognizable in academic and news contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

학교 (School) 공부 (Study) 돈 (Money) 학생 (Student) 받다 (Receive)

Learn Next

등록금 (Tuition) 신청하다 (Apply) 성적 (Grades) 합격 (Passing/Acceptance) 졸업 (Graduation)

Advanced

수혜 (Benefit/Recipient) 기탁 (Endowment/Donation) 확충 (Expansion) 형평성 (Equity) 사각지대 (Blind spot)

Grammar to Know

Object Particle -을/를

장학금을 받았습니다. (I received a scholarship.)

Causal Ending -어서/아서

장학금을 받아서 기뻐요. (I am happy because I received a scholarship.)

Intentional Ending -(으)려고

장학금을 받으려고 열심히 공부해요. (I study hard to receive a scholarship.)

Passive Voice -되다

장학금이 지급되었습니다. (The scholarship has been paid out.)

Honorific -시-

선생님께서 장학금을 주셨어요. (The teacher gave me a scholarship.)

Examples by Level

저는 장학금을 원해요.

I want a scholarship.

Object particle '를' is used with '원해요'.

민수는 장학금을 받았습니다.

Minsu received a scholarship.

Past tense of '받다' (to receive).

장학금이 많아요?

Are there many scholarships?

Subject particle '이' used with the adjective '많다'.

이것은 장학금입니다.

This is a scholarship.

Standard polite ending '입니다'.

장학금을 공부하세요.

Study for the scholarship.

Imperative '하세요' used for encouragement.

장학금이 좋아요.

The scholarship is good.

Descriptive verb '좋다' used with subject particle '이'.

언니는 장학금을 받아요.

My older sister receives a scholarship.

Present tense of '받다'.

장학금은 돈입니다.

A scholarship is money.

Topic particle '은' used for definitions.

열심히 공부하면 장학금을 받을 수 있어요.

If you study hard, you can get a scholarship.

'-면' (if) and '-(으)ㄹ 수 있다' (can).

저는 이번 학기에 장학금을 신청했어요.

I applied for a scholarship this semester.

'-어/아/였어요' past tense of '신청하다'.

제 친구는 성적 장학금을 탔어요.

My friend got a merit scholarship.

'타다' is used here as a synonym for 'receive' in a competitive context.

장학금 덕분에 대학교에 다녀요.

Thanks to the scholarship, I attend university.

'-덕분에' (thanks to).

장학금을 받으려면 어떻게 해야 돼요?

What should I do to receive a scholarship?

'-(으)려면' (if you intend to) and '-어/아/야 되다' (must/should).

어제 장학금 소식을 들었어요.

I heard the news about the scholarship yesterday.

'소식' (news) modified by '장학금'.

장학금은 학생들에게 큰 힘이 돼요.

Scholarships are a great strength to students.

'-에게' (to/for) and '힘이 되다' (to be a help/strength).

누가 장학금을 받았는지 알아요?

Do you know who received the scholarship?

'-는지 알다' (know whether/who/what).

장학금을 받기 위해서 매일 도서관에 갔어요.

I went to the library every day in order to get a scholarship.

'-기 위해서' (in order to).

성적이 좋지 않아서 장학금을 놓치고 말았어요.

My grades weren't good, so I ended up missing the scholarship.

'-고 말다' (to end up doing) expressing regret.

이 장학금은 소득 수준에 따라 지급됩니다.

This scholarship is paid out according to income level.

'-에 따라' (according to) and passive '지급되다'.

장학금을 받으면 부모님 부담을 덜어드릴 수 있어요.

If I get a scholarship, I can lighten my parents' burden.

Honorific '덜어드리다' (to lighten/reduce for someone).

정부에서 주는 국가 장학금을 꼭 확인해 보세요.

Make sure to check the national scholarship given by the government.

'-아/어 보세요' (try/make sure to) and noun modifying clause '주는'.

그는 장학금을 받으면서 학교에 다니고 있습니다.

He is attending school while receiving a scholarship.

'-(으)면서' (while) and '-고 있다' (progressive).

장학금 신청 서류가 생각보다 복잡하네요.

The scholarship application documents are more complex than I thought.

'-보다' (than) and exclamatory ending '-네요'.

장학금을 탈 수 있을지 없을지 걱정돼요.

I'm worried about whether I'll be able to get the scholarship or not.

'-(으)ㄹ지' (whether) repeated for 'or not'.

장학금 수혜 대상자가 오늘 오후에 발표될 예정입니다.

The scholarship recipients are scheduled to be announced this afternoon.

'수혜 대상자' (recipient/beneficiary) and '-(으)ㄹ 예정입니다' (is scheduled to).

장학금을 유지하려면 일정 점수 이상의 학점을 유지해야 합니다.

To maintain the scholarship, you must maintain a GPA above a certain score.

'-려면' (to/if you want to) and '-아/어야 하다' (must).

기업들은 사회 공헌의 일환으로 장학 사업을 확대하고 있습니다.

Companies are expanding scholarship projects as part of their social contribution.

'-의 일환으로' (as part of) and '확대하고 있다' (expanding).

장학금 덕분에 아르바이트 대신 공부에만 집중할 수 있게 되었습니다.

Thanks to the scholarship, I became able to focus only on my studies instead of a part-time job.

'-게 되다' (to become/end up) and '대신' (instead of).

성적뿐만 아니라 봉사 활동 실적도 장학금 선발의 중요한 기준입니다.

Not only grades but also volunteer activity records are important criteria for scholarship selection.

'-뿐만 아니라' (not only... but also).

장학금 신청 시 자기소개서를 성실하게 작성하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to write your personal statement sincerely when applying for a scholarship.

'- 시' (at the time of) and nominalizer '-는 것'.

그 재단은 매년 우수한 인재들에게 장학금을 수여하고 있습니다.

The foundation awards scholarships to excellent talents every year.

Formal verb '수여하다' (to award).

장학금이 지급되지 않을 경우를 대비해서 비상금을 마련해 두었습니다.

I prepared emergency money in case the scholarship is not paid out.

'-을 경우를 대비해서' (in preparation for the case when).

장학금 제도의 개편이 학생들의 학업 동기에 미치는 영향을 분석했습니다.

We analyzed the impact of the scholarship system reform on students' academic motivation.

'-에 미치는 영향' (influence/impact on).

사각지대에 놓인 학생들을 지원하기 위한 새로운 장학금 전형이 신설되었습니다.

A new scholarship track was established to support students in the blind spots.

'사각지대' (blind spot) and passive '신설되다' (to be newly established).

장학금을 단순히 금전적 지원으로만 보지 말고, 미래에 대한 투자로 인식해야 합니다.

We should not view scholarships simply as monetary support, but perceive them as an investment in the future.

'-지 말고' (don't do... but) and '-어/아야 하다'.

그는 기탁한 장학금이 형편이 어려운 학생들에게 고루 전달되기를 바랐습니다.

He hoped that the scholarship he donated would be distributed evenly to students in difficult circumstances.

'기탁하다' (to donate/endow) and '-기를 바라다' (to hope that).

장학금 수혜 조건이 지나치게 까다로워 실질적인 도움이 되지 않는다는 비판이 있습니다.

There is criticism that scholarship eligibility conditions are too strict, so they are not providing practical help.

'-는다는 비판이 있다' (there is criticism that).

정부는 저소득층 자녀를 위한 장학금 예산을 대폭 확충하기로 결정했습니다.

The government decided to significantly expand the scholarship budget for children of low-income families.

'대폭' (significantly) and '-기로 결정하다' (decide to).

장학금 선발 과정의 투명성을 확보하는 것이 무엇보다 중요합니다.

Securing transparency in the scholarship selection process is more important than anything else.

'무엇보다' (more than anything) and '확보하다' (to secure).

장학금 혜택이 특정 학과에 편중되지 않도록 균형 있는 배분이 필요합니다.

A balanced distribution is needed so that scholarship benefits are not concentrated in specific departments.

'-지 않도록' (so that... not) and '편중되다' (to be biased/concentrated).

장학금의 보편적 지급과 선별적 지급 사이의 형평성 논란은 여전히 뜨거운 감자입니다.

The controversy over equity between universal and selective scholarship payments remains a hot potato.

'여전히' (still) and '뜨거운 감자' (hot potato/contentious issue).

학벌 위주의 사회 구조 속에서 장학금은 계층 이동의 사다리 역할을 수행해 왔습니다.

In a social structure centered on academic cliques, scholarships have served as a ladder for social mobility.

'-아/어 왔다' (has been doing) and '역할을 수행하다' (to perform a role).

성적 지상주의를 조장한다는 우려에도 불구하고, 성적 장학금은 여전히 강력한 유인책입니다.

Despite concerns that it encourages grade-oriented meritocracy, merit scholarships remain a powerful incentive.

'-에도 불구하고' (despite) and '조장하다' (to encourage/foster a negative thing).

장학금 수혜가 학생들의 정서적 안정과 자존감 향상에 긍정적인 상관관계가 있음이 밝혀졌습니다.

It has been revealed that receiving scholarships has a positive correlation with students' emotional stability and self-esteem improvement.

'-음이 밝혀지다' (it has been revealed that) and '상관관계' (correlation).

급변하는 교육 환경에 발맞추어 장학금 지원 패러다임의 근본적인 전환이 요구되는 시점입니다.

In step with the rapidly changing educational environment, it is a time when a fundamental shift in the scholarship support paradigm is required.

'-에 발맞추어' (in step with) and '전환이 요구되다' (shift is required).

장학재단의 투명한 운영은 기부 문화 확산과 공익적 가치 실현의 선결 과제입니다.

Transparent operation of scholarship foundations is a prerequisite for spreading the culture of donation and realizing public value.

'선결 과제' (prerequisite task/priority).

장학금 삭감 조치는 취약 계층 학생들의 교육권 박탈로 이어질 수 있다는 점에서 신중을 기해야 합니다.

Caution must be exercised as scholarship cuts can lead to the deprivation of educational rights for vulnerable students.

'-ㄴ다는 점에서' (in that...) and '신중을 기하다' (to exercise caution).

국가 경쟁력 제고를 위한 인적 자원 개발 차원에서 장학금 제도의 전략적 운용이 필수적입니다.

Strategic operation of the scholarship system is essential in terms of human resource development to enhance national competitiveness.

'제고' (enhancement) and '차원에서' (in terms of/from the perspective of).

Synonyms

지원금 학비보조 격려금

Antonyms

학비 등록금

Common Collocations

장학금을 받다

장학금을 신청하다

성적 장학금

전액 장학금

국가 장학금

장학금을 수여하다

장학금 혜택

장학재단

장학금을 타다

장학금 지급

Common Phrases

장학금을 놓치다

— To miss out on a scholarship due to grades or deadlines.

서류를 늦게 내서 장학금을 놓쳤어요.

장학금으로 학교를 다니다

— To attend school using scholarship money.

그는 집이 가난했지만 장학금으로 학교를 다녔습니다.

장학금 컷

— The cut-off GPA required to receive a scholarship.

이번 학기 장학금 컷이 정말 높네요.

장학금 킬러

— Slang for a student who always gets the top scholarship.

지수는 우리 과의 장학금 킬러예요.

장학금을 헌납하다

— To donate one's scholarship back to the school or others.

그는 받은 장학금을 더 어려운 친구를 위해 헌납했습니다.

장학금이 깎이다

— For the scholarship amount to be reduced.

성적이 떨어져서 장학금이 깎였어요.

장학금 사냥꾼

— A derogatory term for someone who only cares about getting scholarships.

그는 장학금 사냥꾼처럼 모든 공모전에 참가합니다.

장학금 수혜자

— A recipient of a scholarship.

장학금 수혜자 명단이 공고되었습니다.

외부 장학금

— A scholarship from an organization outside of the university.

외부 장학금을 받으려면 추천서가 필요합니다.

근로 장학금

— A work-study scholarship where you work on campus for the money.

저는 도서관에서 일하며 근로 장학금을 받아요.

Often Confused With

장학금 vs 학자금 대출

A loan you must repay, whereas a scholarship is a gift.

장학금 vs 상금

Prize money for a contest, while a scholarship is for academic support.

장학금 vs 장려금

An incentive for work or behavior, not necessarily for school.

Idioms & Expressions

"장학금을 밥 먹듯이 받다"

— To receive scholarships as naturally and frequently as one eats meals.

그는 공부를 너무 잘해서 장학금을 밥 먹듯이 받아요.

Informal

"하늘의 별 따기 (장학금 받기)"

— Getting a scholarship is like plucking a star from the sky (extremely difficult).

이 학교에서 전액 장학금을 받기는 하늘의 별 따기예요.

Neutral

"공부해서 남 주나"

— Do you study to give it to someone else? (Implying studying hard benefits yourself, like getting a scholarship).

공부해서 남 주니? 장학금이라도 타야지.

Informal/Parental

"개천에서 용 난다"

— A dragon rises from a small stream (success from humble beginnings, often involving scholarships).

그는 장학금 덕분에 개천에서 용 난 케이스예요.

Neutral

"돈 방석에 앉다"

— To sit on a cushion of money (to become rich/get a lot of money, sometimes used when someone gets a huge scholarship).

장학금을 그렇게 많이 받다니, 돈 방석에 앉았네!

Informal

"코 묻은 돈"

— Snotty money (small amount of money, used to contrast small grants with prestigious scholarships).

이건 장학금이라기보다 코 묻은 돈 수준이에요.

Informal

"밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기"

— Pouring water into a bottomless pot (wasting money, used if a scholarship doesn't help a failing student).

공부 안 하는 학생에게 장학금을 주는 건 밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기예요.

Neutral

"빛 좋은 개살구"

— A wild apricot with a good color (looks good on the outside but is disappointing, used for scholarships with hidden strings).

그 장학금은 조건이 너무 까다로워서 빛 좋은 개살구예요.

Neutral

"금싸라기 같은 장학금"

— A scholarship like gold dust (precious and rare).

저에게는 이 금싸라기 같은 장학금이 정말 소중합니다.

Neutral

"가뭄에 콩 나듯"

— Like beans sprouting in a drought (very rare, used for rare scholarship opportunities).

이 분야는 장학금이 가뭄에 콩 나듯 있어요.

Neutral

Easily Confused

장학금 vs 장학금 vs. 등록금

Both relate to school money.

Janghakgeum is money you get; Deungrokgeum is money you pay.

장학금으로 등록금을 냈어요. (I paid my tuition with a scholarship.)

장학금 vs 장학금 vs. 보조금

Both are grants.

Janghakgeum is specifically for students; Bojogeum is for any subsidy (farming, business).

정부가 농민들에게 보조금을 줍니다. (The government gives subsidies to farmers.)

장학금 vs 장학금 vs. 지원금

Both are support funds.

Janghakgeum is for 'learning' (학); Jiwongeum is general 'support' (지원).

재난 지원금을 받았습니다. (I received disaster relief funds.)

장학금 vs 장학생 vs. 장학금

Related words.

Janghak-saeng is the 'person' (student); Janghak-geum is the 'money'.

그는 장학생이라서 장학금을 받아요. (He is a scholarship student, so he gets a scholarship.)

장학금 vs 장학사 vs. 장학금

Similar prefix.

Janghak-sa is a job title (school inspector); Janghak-geum is money.

장학사가 학교를 방문했습니다. (The school inspector visited the school.)

Sentence Patterns

[Subject]은/는 장학금을 원해요.

저는 장학금을 원해요.

[Subject]은/는 장학금을 받았어요.

민수는 장학금을 받았어요.

장학금을 받기 위해서 [Action].

장학금을 받기 위해서 열심히 공부해요.

장학금 덕분에 [Result].

장학금 덕분에 대학에 다녀요.

[Condition] 시 장학금이 지급됩니다.

성적 우수 시 장학금이 지급됩니다.

장학금 혜택을 [Verb].

장학금 혜택을 누리고 싶어요.

장학금 제도의 [Noun]이/가 필요합니다.

장학금 제도의 개선이 필요합니다.

[Context] 차원에서 장학금은 [Role]을 합니다.

인재 양성 차원에서 장학금은 중요한 역할을 합니다.

Word Family

Nouns

장학생 (Scholarship student)

장학재단 (Scholarship foundation)

장학사 (School inspector/supervisor)

장학회 (Scholarship society)

Verbs

장학하다 (To encourage learning - rare as a standalone verb)

권학하다 (To encourage learning - literary)

등록금 (Tuition)

학자금 (Educational funds)

기부금 (Donation)

지원금 (Support fund)

상금 (Prize money)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in academic and family settings.

Common Mistakes

Using '장학금을 빌리다' (To borrow a scholarship). → 장학금을 받다 / 학자금 대출을 받다.
Scholarships are gifts, not loans. You 'receive' a scholarship, but you 'borrow' a loan. Confusing these two suggests you don't understand the financial terms.
Pronouncing it [Jang-hak-geum] with a soft 'g'. → [장학끔] (Jang-hak-kkum).
In Korean, when 'ㄱ' follows 'ㄱ', it becomes tense 'ㄲ'. This is a standard phonological rule. Pronouncing it softly sounds unnatural.
Using '장학금을 이기다' (To win a scholarship like a game). → 장학금을 타다.
While 'win' is used in English, '이기다' in Korean is for sports or battles. For prizes and money, '타다' is the correct verb for 'winning'.
Confusing '장학생' and '장학금'. → 장학생 (Person) / 장학금 (Money).
Learners often say 'I received a scholarship student' by mistake. Make sure to use '-금' for the money and '-생' for the person.
Thinking '국가 장학금' is only for poor students. → It depends on the '구간' (bracket).
Many students don't apply because they think they aren't 'poor enough.' However, the national scholarship has many tiers, and even middle-class students often qualify for some support.

Tips

Check the Deadline

Scholarship deadlines are strict. Mark the dates for '국가 장학금' and '교내 장학금' on your calendar as soon as the semester starts. Missing a deadline by one minute can cost you thousands of dollars.

Be Specific

When writing a scholarship essay, don't just say 'I study hard.' Give specific examples of projects you've done or challenges you've overcome. Show your '장학' (encouragement for learning) spirit.

Use Honorifics

When talking to the scholarship office, always use formal language (존댓말). Being polite can sometimes help you get better information or even a little extra help with your application.

Understand the 'Spec'

In Korea, a scholarship is a 'spec' (qualification). Even if the money is small, having 'Scholarship Recipient' on your resume is very valuable for future job hunting.

Use 'Everytime'

The app 'Everytime' (에브리타임) has a dedicated scholarship board for each university. It's the best place to find real-time info and tips from other students.

Learn the Prefix

Learn words like '전액' (full), '반액' (half), and '부분' (partial). They are almost always used with '장학금' to describe the amount.

Keep Documents Ready

Commonly required documents include '성적 증명서' (transcript) and '가족관계 증명서' (family relationship certificate). Keep digital copies ready to save time.

Combine Aid

Sometimes you can combine a '국가 장학금' with a '교내 장학금'. Always ask the office if '중복 수혜' (duplicate benefits) is possible for your specific case.

Thank the Donor

If you receive a private scholarship, writing a thank-you letter to the donor or foundation is a very important cultural gesture in Korea.

Set a Goal

Even if you think you can't get it, setting '장학금' as a goal will naturally improve your grades and academic discipline.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jang' as a 'Jangle' of coins, 'Hak' as 'Hawk' eyes focusing on books, and 'Geum' as 'Gum' that sticks the money to the student. You get a Jangle of coins because you have Hawk eyes for studying!

Visual Association

Visualize a golden (Geum) graduation cap (Hak) being handed over with a ribbon (Jang) made of cash.

Word Web

University Grades Tuition Foundation Merit Application Success Money

Challenge

Try to write a three-sentence diary entry about why you want to receive a 장학금, using the words '공부' (study) and '성적' (grades).

Word Origin

Derived from Hanja characters: 獎 (jang) meaning 'to encourage' or 'reward', 學 (hak) meaning 'to learn' or 'study', and 金 (geum) meaning 'money' or 'gold'.

Original meaning: The combination literally means 'money given to encourage and reward the act of studying.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Avoid boasting about a scholarship in front of friends who are struggling financially or academically, as it can be seen as insensitive.

In the US or UK, scholarships are often associated with sports (athletic scholarships), but in Korea, athletic scholarships are much rarer and less prestigious than academic ones.

The Korea Student Aid Foundation (KOSAF) is the most famous entity associated with this word. The 'GKS' (Global Korea Scholarship) is the dream of many international students. Dramas like 'Sky Castle' or 'Cheese in the Trap' frequently mention the pressure to get scholarships.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University Administration Office

장학금 신청하고 싶어요.
필요한 서류가 뭐예요?
결과는 언제 나와요?
신청 기간이 지났나요?

Talking with Parents

저 장학금 받았어요!
이번 학기 등록금은 걱정 마세요.
장학금 덕분에 책을 샀어요.
다음에도 꼭 받을게요.

Job Interview

4년 내내 장학금을 받았습니다.
성적 장학금 수혜 경력이 있습니다.
장학재단에서 봉사 활동을 했습니다.
학업 우수 장학금을 놓친 적이 없습니다.

News/Media

국가 장학금이 확대됩니다.
장학금 혜택이 줄어들고 있습니다.
새로운 장학 기금이 조성되었습니다.
장학금 선발 기준이 바뀌었습니다.

Peer Conversation

너 장학금 탔어?
장학금 컷이 얼마래?
나 이번에 장학금 놓쳤어.
장학금 받으면 한턱내!

Conversation Starters

"이번 학기에 장학금 신청해 보셨어요? (Did you try applying for a scholarship this semester?)"

"한국에는 어떤 종류의 장학금이 가장 많나요? (What kind of scholarships are most common in Korea?)"

"장학금을 받기 위해서 가장 중요한 게 뭐라고 생각하세요? (What do you think is the most important thing to get a scholarship?)"

"외국인 학생들을 위한 장학금 정보는 어디서 찾을 수 있을까요? (Where can I find scholarship information for international students?)"

"장학금을 받으면 가장 먼저 하고 싶은 일이 뭐예요? (What is the first thing you want to do if you get a scholarship?)"

Journal Prompts

장학금을 받았을 때의 기분이나, 받고 싶은 이유에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about how you felt when you received a scholarship, or why you want to receive one.)

장학금이 학생들에게 미치는 긍정적인 영향에 대해 자신의 생각을 적어 보세요. (Write your thoughts on the positive impact scholarships have on students.)

내가 만약 장학재단을 만든다면, 어떤 학생들에게 장학금을 주고 싶은지 설명해 보세요. (If you were to create a scholarship foundation, explain which students you would want to give scholarships to.)

성적 장학금과 복지 장학금 중 어느 것이 더 중요하다고 생각하는지 논해 보세요. (Discuss whether you think merit scholarships or welfare scholarships are more important.)

한국의 장학금 제도와 자신의 나라의 장학금 제도를 비교해 보세요. (Compare the scholarship system in Korea with the one in your own country.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

일반적으로 한국에서 학생이 받는 장학금은 비과세 대상입니다. 즉, 세금을 내지 않아도 됩니다. 하지만 연구 활동의 대가로 받는 연구 장학금의 경우 성격에 따라 세금이 부과될 수도 있으니 확인이 필요합니다. (Generally, scholarships received by students in Korea are tax-exempt. However, research scholarships given as compensation for work might be taxed depending on their nature.)

한국 정부가 운영하는 '국가 장학금'은 주로 대한민국 국적자를 대상으로 합니다. 하지만 외국인 학생들을 위한 별도의 프로그램인 'GKS(Global Korea Scholarship)'나 각 대학교에서 운영하는 외국인 전용 장학금이 많이 있습니다. (National scholarships run by the Korean government are mainly for Korean citizens. However, there are many separate programs like GKS or university-specific scholarships for international students.)

학교와 장학금 종류에 따라 다릅니다. 보통 '성적 장학금'은 과에서 상위 5~10% 안에 들어야 하지만, '복지 장학금'은 성적 기준이 낮거나(예: GPA 2.0 이상) 없을 수도 있습니다. 각 학교의 장학 공지를 확인하는 것이 가장 정확합니다. (It depends on the school and type of scholarship. Usually, merit scholarships require being in the top 5-10% of your department, but welfare scholarships might have lower or no grade requirements.)

'받다'는 가장 일반적이고 중립적인 표현입니다. 반면 '타다'는 경쟁을 통해서 얻었거나 상금 같은 느낌을 줄 때 주로 사용하며, 친구들 사이에서 더 캐주얼하게 쓰입니다. 공식적인 자리에서는 '받다'나 '수혜하다'를 쓰는 것이 좋습니다. ('Batda' is the most general and neutral expression. 'Tada' is used when you got it through competition or it feels like a prize, and it's used more casually among friends. In official settings, use 'batda' or 'suhye-hada'.)

네, 매우 중요합니다. 특히 성적 외에 다른 요소를 보는 외부 장학금이나 재단 장학금의 경우, 왜 이 장학금이 필요한지 그리고 앞으로 어떤 계획이 있는지를 설득력 있게 쓰는 것이 합격의 열쇠가 됩니다. (Yes, it is very important. Especially for external or foundation scholarships that look at factors beyond grades, writing persuasively about why you need the scholarship and your future plans is the key to passing.)

이를 '중복 수혜'라고 합니다. 대부분의 경우 등록금 범위를 초과하는 중복 수혜는 금지되어 있습니다. 하지만 생활비 지원 목적의 장학금은 중복 수혜가 가능한 경우도 있으니 규정을 잘 살펴봐야 합니다. (This is called 'duplicate benefits.' In most cases, getting multiple scholarships that exceed the tuition amount is prohibited. However, scholarships for living expenses may allow for duplicate benefits, so check the regulations.)

학교 내 부서(도서관, 사무실 등)에서 일정 시간 일을 하고 그 대가로 받는 장학금입니다. 돈도 벌고 학교 생활 경험도 쌓을 수 있어 인기가 많습니다. (It is a scholarship received in exchange for working a certain amount of time in school departments like the library or offices. It is popular because you can earn money and gain school experience.)

장학금을 받을 수 있는 최저 점수(커트라인)를 줄여서 부르는 말입니다. 학생들 사이에서 '이번 학기 장학금 컷이 4.3이래'와 같이 자주 쓰입니다. (It is a shortened term for the minimum score (cut-off) to receive a scholarship. It is frequently used among students, like 'I heard the scholarship cut this semester is 4.3'.)

너무 낙심하지 마세요. 한국에는 학기 중에도 신청할 수 있는 외부 장학금이 수시로 올라옵니다. 또한 다음 학기를 위해 미리 서류를 준비하고 성적을 관리하는 것이 좋습니다. (Don't be too discouraged. In Korea, external scholarships that you can apply for during the semester are posted frequently. Also, it's good to prepare documents and manage your grades in advance for the next semester.)

학교나 재단에 따라 다릅니다. 필수 참석인 경우도 있고, 선택인 경우도 있습니다. 하지만 장학금을 주는 분들에게 감사를 표하고 인맥을 쌓을 수 있는 좋은 기회이므로 참석하는 것을 권장합니다. (It depends on the school or foundation. Sometimes attendance is mandatory, sometimes optional. However, it is recommended to attend as it is a good opportunity to express gratitude to the donors and build a network.)