제 29 호 Earn While You Learn: Work-Study at Sangmyung University
Kicker: SM NEWS
Earn While You Learn: Work-Study at Sangmyung University
by Sumin Lee , Editor
With great effort and passionate dedication, we sincerely welcome all freshmen and transfer students who have begun their journey at Sangmyung University in 2026. Freshmen are likely exploring the university while building meaningful experiences with the new people they have met in this new environment. Meanwhile, returning students are also preparing for the year ahead, filled with excitement for the new semester and looking into various activities and opportunities. In this article, we would like to provide an in-depth introduction to the work-study scholarship program, one of the scholarship systems designed to support and benefit our fellow students.
Sangmyung University provides a variety of work-study opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience while receiving financial support through scholarships. These initiatives, ranging from on-campus administrative roles to specialized internships and national programs, have become an essential resource for students looking to manage living costs while developing professional skills.
On-Campus Work-Study Opprotunities
Work-Study program for University Students
The university’s on-campus work-study program allows students to assist in various academic and administrative offices. Selected students receive a scholarship as compensation for their administrative support. Announcements for applications are typically posted in early December via the university’s integrated notice system. Eligibility requires a minimum of 12 credits completed in the previous semester, with a GPA of at least 1.6 for first and second-year students and 1.75 for third-year students. However, students scheduled for early graduation, those who have exceeded the standard semester limit, or individuals who previously resigned from a position without notice are ineligible. Priority is given to applicants with less work-study experience, strong academic records, or lower cumulative scholarship totals. While students may apply to multiple departments, they must choose only one position if selected for more than one. Participants can work up to 12 hours per week, with schedules often adjusted to fit between class hours. The scholarship, totaling approximately 1.5 million KRW, is deposited directly into the student’s bank account following the completion of the work period.
External Affairs Office Student Internship
The Office of External Affairs offers a specialized internship program for students interested in university promotion and external cooperation. Selected interns serve from their start date until February 28 of the following year, receiving a scholarship of approximately 1.7 million KRW per semester. Interns dedicate seven hours per week to tasks such as producing promotional content, assisting with video and photo shoots, designing media materials, and planning publicity campaigns. They also participate in regular departmental meetings and training. The program operates on a point-based evaluation system where the scholarship is distributed based on reaching a benchmark of 45 activity points. It is important to note that this internship cannot be held concurrently with other major campus roles, such as other work-study jobs, student government, or university ambassador positions. Each year, 12 students are selected—six from the Seoul campus and six from the Cheonan campus.
National Work-Study Program
Beyond university-led initiatives, students can apply for the National Work-Study Program, managed by the Korea Student Aid Foundation (KOSAF). This government-funded program places students in universities, public institutions, or external organizations to help them fund their education while gaining professional exposure. Applications are submitted through the KOSAF website, where candidates are evaluated based on household income levels, GPA, and availability. Participants must work at least eight hours per week and can work up to 20 hours, with a semester cap of 640 hours. The hourly wage is set at 10,320 KRW for on-campus roles and 12,790 KRW for off-campus placements. Work is generally conducted between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and is strictly prohibited during a student’s scheduled class hours. Before starting, students must complete a mandatory online orientation and safety training. Daily hours are logged via a mobile app and must be verified by a workplace supervisor.
Through these diverse programs, Sangmyung University continues to ease the financial burden on its students while providing a bridge to the professional world. As the cost of living rises, these work-study opportunities remain a vital asset for students striving to balance academic excellence with career preparation.
SOURCES:
https://www.smu.ac.kr/kor/life/notice.do?mode=view&articleNo=761529&article.offset=10&articleLimit=10&srSearchVal=
https://www.smu.ac.kr/kor/life/notice.do?mode=view&articleNo=763350&article.offset=10&articleLimit=10&srSearchVal=근로
https://www.smu.ac.kr/kor/life/notice.do?mode=view&articleNo=763194
