Labor ministry opens applications for construction workers' student scholarships

The labor ministry said Monday that the Construction Workers Mutual Aid Association is accepting applications for its 2026 second-semester scholarship program for construction workers and their children, with 150 students to be selected and each to receive 2 million won ($1,479) toward study costs.

Applications will be taken from Sept. 28 through Oct. 23, and recipients will be announced in November through the association's website and individual notifications. The scholarship is open to construction workers enrolled at four-year universities or colleges in Korea, or to their children.

Applicants must meet minimum contribution requirements under the retirement mutual aid system. Workers applying for themselves need at least 85 days of total contributions and 85 days within the previous year, while those applying for their children need 252 total days and 100 days. All applicants must have completed at least 12 credits in the preceding regular semester with a score of 80 or above on a 100-point scale.

Selections will be scored on a 100-point base combining 50 points for the student-aid income bracket and 50 points for the previous semester's grades, plus up to 5 bonus points for total contribution days and electronic card holdings or usage.

The association changed how the money reaches students this semester. Instead of disbursing the funds through the Korea Student Aid Foundation, it will pay the scholarship directly into bank accounts held in the students' own names.

"Starting this semester, the association has improved how it operates by paying scholarships directly so that they can reach university students from construction workers' families directly and quickly," association chairman Chang Kun said. "I hope the scholarships are used well and help students continue their studies."