Majoring in AI or Software? Don't Miss the New AI Academic Incentive Student Loan

When we think of student loans, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the burden of ‘debt that must be repaid upon graduation.’ But in 2026, a new loan was created with fairly lenient terms. 'AI Academic Promotion Student Loan' was first introduced by the Korea Scholarship Foundation.

It is a system worth checking out at least once if you are a student studying the AI/SW field, so let's summarize the key points.

What kind of system is it?

In a word, This is a system that lends educational expenses to undergraduate students in the AI/SW field so that they can focus solely on their studies. It will be implemented from the second semester of 2026. The biggest feature is that it is a ‘repayment after employment’ method. Instead of pressuring you to repay while in school, you repay only after you graduate and earn a certain amount of income.

The limit is 2 million won per year. Although it is not a large loan that covers the entire tuition fee, it is designed to help cover academic expenses such as materials, books, and living expenses.
Who can apply?
Eligible students are AI/SW-centered universities and undergraduate students from departments participating in the AI-based university project. In other words, priority is given to students in the department who entered the project, not all college students. The quickest way to find out if your department is eligible is to check the academic and scholarship notices at your school.
What you should pay attention to is that the threshold is low. There are no restrictions on income or grades. However, there is a condition that you must complete 12 or more credits in the previous semester, but this credit standard does not apply to freshmen, disabled students, and senior students.
The fact that there are no income or grade restrictions is a bigger advantage than you might think. This means that students who were previously excluded from applying due to circumstances or grades can knock on the door.
When and how do I apply?
The schedule is divided into two stages. First, pre-application can be made during the second semester student loan integrated application period, which runs from May 22nd to June 22nd. The actual loan application is available during the second semester student loan application period starting from early July.
The application window is the Korea Scholarship Foundation website (www.kosaf.go.kr). If you miss the integrated application period, it may become difficult to use the semester, so if you are a student in the target department, it is recommended to mark the schedule on your calendar.
In summary, it is a system that allows you to borrow 2 million won per year without income or grade restrictions on the condition of repayment after employment. As it is a less burdensome option for students studying AI/SW, we recommend checking to see if your department is eligible.

What kind of system is it?

Who can apply?

When and how do I apply?

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