Short answer: Yes, legally staying foreign founders and pre-founders in Korea can apply. The program offers a total of 26 million KRW in prize money for 10 teams, business consulting, and points for the D-8-4 technology startup visa. The deadline to apply is 2026-10-27.
Status as of 2026-10-23: Open
Key facts
| Program | 2026 OASIS-6 Global Startup Challenge (2026 외국인 창업대전(OASIS-6)) |
| Organizer | Global Startup Immigration Center (한국능률협회컨설팅) |
| Who can apply | Legally staying foreign founders and pre-founders who want to start a technology business. |
| Foreigners eligible? | Yes |
| Deadline | 2026-10-27 16:00 KST |
| Support / benefits | Total 26 million KRW prize money for 10 teams, business model consulting, IR mentoring, 30 points for D-8-4 visa. |
| Official link | K-Startup Announcement, OASIS-KMAC Guide |
Who can apply
This challenge is open to legally staying foreign founders and pre-founders in Korea who are interested in technology-based startups. If you apply as a team, the team leader must be a foreigner, and the team size should be up to 5 members, including the leader.
The program is open to individuals of all ages (under 20, 20-39, and 40+) and companies less than 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10 years old, including pre-startup individuals.
You cannot apply if:
- You have already won a prize in a similar competition with the same or a very similar item.
- Your item infringes on someone else’s intellectual property rights (like patents or utility models).
- You have already won a 2026 OASIS-6 competition organized by another institution.
- Your item is already commercialized.
What you get
The 2026 OASIS-6 Global Startup Challenge offers a total of 26 million KRW in prize money across 10 teams. The awards are:
- Grand Prize (1 team): 10 million KRW
- Top Excellence Award (2 teams): 3 million KRW each
- Excellence Award (3 teams): 2 million KRW each
- Encouragement Award (4 teams): 1 million KRW each
All winning teams will receive an award from the CEO of Korea Management Association Consulting (KMAC).
Teams that pass the first document review round will receive:
- Business model consulting.
- Mentoring to improve investment attraction skills, including IR material preparation and pitching practice.
Winners will also receive:
- An OASIS-6 training completion certificate.
- 30 points towards the D-8-4 technology startup visa, which is a required item for the visa application. If a team wins, these points are divided among the team members.
- Optional follow-up consulting services upon request, covering areas like visa application, marketing, startup accounting, legal advice, and patent registration.
Please note that prize money will be paid after tax deductions. The number of awards and prize amounts may change.
How to apply (step by step)
The application period is from 2026-10-08 to 2026-10-27 at 16:00 KST.
- Download the required forms (Application Form, Participation Pledge, Business Plan, and Personal Information Consent Form) from the Global Startup Immigration Center website: www.oasis-kmac.kr.
- Complete all forms carefully. Ensure your Alien Registration Card information is included as specified in Form 3, as this is a required submission document.
- Submit your completed application documents for the first round (Application Form, Participation Pledge, Business Plan, Personal Information Consent Form, and your ID/Alien Registration Card information) via email to oasis@kmac.co.kr.
- If you pass the first document review, you will need to prepare IR presentation materials (PPT) for the second-round presentation evaluation.
Given the short deadline, it is important to start preparing your business plan and gathering documents immediately.
Check before you apply
- For any questions regarding the application process or specific eligibility criteria, you can contact the operating office at 02-2135-6148 or 02-2135-3380, or email them at oasis@kmac.co.kr.
FAQ
Can international students apply for this challenge?
Yes, university students (대학생) are explicitly listed as eligible targets in the official announcement, provided they are legally staying in Korea and meet the other criteria for foreign founders or pre-founders interested in technology startups.
Is there an application fee for the 2026 OASIS-6 Global Startup Challenge?
The official announcement does not mention any application fee. You can assume there is no fee to apply.
Can I apply if my business is already operating?
Yes, you can apply if your business is already running and its item is not yet commercialized, provided the company is less than 10 years old. However, your business item must not be already commercialized and must not have won prizes in similar past competitions.
What is the benefit of getting D-8-4 visa points?
The D-8-4 (Technology Startup) visa requires applicants to meet certain point criteria. Receiving 30 points from the OASIS-6 program is a significant advantage, as it fulfills a key requirement for obtaining this visa, which allows foreign entrepreneurs to stay in Korea to develop their technology-based businesses.
Can I apply as part of a team?
Yes, team applications are welcome. The team leader must be a foreigner, and the team can consist of up to 5 members, including the leader.
Start here: our core guides
- Korea Startup Visa (D-8-4) and the OASIS Program: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Founders
- K-Startup Grand Challenge: What It Offers and How to Apply
- Free or Low-Cost Office Space for Foreign Founders in Korea
- Korean Government Support Programs Open to Foreign Founders
- Starting a Business in Korea as an International Student: From D-2 Visa to Your Own Company