2026 Athlete Career Stability (Startup Support) Project – Startup Education Course (Seed) Additional Recruitment (until Sep. 30)

Can a foreigner apply?

Yes, with conditions

Foreigners are not excluded, but the announcement attaches requirements — residency, a Korean entity, a visa status or a partner. Read the conditions before you spend time on this.

Athletes (current or former players, coaches, or referees) who are retired or have a career break and have startup interest. Must meet the definition of "athlete" under Article 2 of the Athlete Welfare Act (players: registered with a sports organization for at least 5 years total or 3 consecutive years; coaches: registered sports instructor for at least 5 years; referees: registered for at least 5 years with at least 1 annual activity for 3 years). Former student-athletes are excluded unless confirmed as national team members for the Olympics or Asian Games. Public officials and private school faculty are excluded as coaches/referees. Persons under sanctions that restrict participation in government support programs are ineligible.