Quick Summary
KOICA Scholarship Program (SP) is a fully funded scholarship offered by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for students pursuing studies in South Korea. The award covers Covers all expenses including full tuition, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, accommodation, insurance, and additional settlement/completion grants. and is open to master's and phd students studying public policy, international development, agriculture, health, ict, energy, climate change, governance, and gender equality.. The scholarship runs for master's (17-24 months), phd (minimum 36 months).. Eligibility is generally based on targets government officials from developing countries with at least 2 years of experience in their field of study; must be nominated by their government. The application deadline is Usually February to March (Varies annually by specific program and university)., with an acceptance rate of approximately Check official website; historically highly competitive with thousands of applicants.. Students can compare this opportunity against similar scholarships below to find the best fit for their profile.
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Approximately 25,000,000 KRW to 35,000,000 KRW total value per year.
⏳
Duration
Master's (17-24 months), PhD (Minimum 36 months).
📅
Deadline
Usually February to March (Varies annually by specific program and university).
🏥
Fields
Public Policy, International Development, Agriculture, Health, ICT, Energy, Climate Change, Governance, and Gender Equality.
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 300 to 400 awardees per year globally.
🌏
Study Country
South Korea
🏛️
Provider
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)
📊
Acceptance
Check official website; historically highly competitive with thousands of applicants.
The KOICA Scholarship Program is a prestigious scholarship provided by the South Korean government to cultivate future leaders in developing countries. It enables government officials to pursue advanced degrees at top-tier Korean universities, focusing on development-related fields that bridge the gap between South Korea and partner nations.
👥 Who Should Apply
Targets government officials from developing countries with at least 2 years of experience in their field of study; must be nominated by their government.
🏛️ Host University
Multiple partner universities including Seoul National University, KDI School of Public Policy and Management, Yonsei University, Korea University, and Ewha Womans University.
🤝 Sponsor
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of South Korea.
🏥 Fields of Study
Public Policy, International Development, Agriculture, Health, ICT, Energy, Climate Change, Governance, and Gender Equality.
✨ Key Benefits
Covers all expenses including full tuition, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, accommodation, insurance, and additional settlement/completion grants.
🎯 Target Students
Public officials, government employees, and researchers in state-run institutes.
🏷 Tags
South Korea
Fully Funded
Master's
PhD
Government Officials
International Development
Public Policy.
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
100% of tuition and admission fees.
Living Stipend
999,000 KRW per month.
Total Award
Approximately 25,000,000 KRW to 35,000,000 KRW total value per year.
✈️ Travel: Round-trip economy class airfare between the home country and South Korea.
🏠 Accommodation: On-campus dormitory provided or equivalent housing allowance.
💊 Health Insurance: Full national health insurance coverage provided by KOICA.
🔄 Renewable: No
💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
100% of tuition and admission fees.
🏠 Living Stipend
999,000 KRW per month.
🏡 Accommodation
On-campus dormitory provided or equivalent housing allowance.
✈️ Travel Allowance
Round-trip economy class airfare between the home country and South Korea.
💊 Health Insurance
Full national health insurance coverage provided by KOICA.
🎁 Other Benefits
Settlement allowance (200,000 KRW), Completion grant (300,000 KRW), extracurricular activities, and Korean language training.
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable; support is fixed for the duration of the degree program.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a citizen of a KOICA partner country, hold a Bachelor's degree, and be an official government employee.
🎓 Academic Level
Master's and PhD
📊 Minimum GPA
Varies by host university, typically 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
🗣️ English Requirement
High level of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or official English medium of instruction certificate).
🍢 Age Limit
Preferably under 40 years of age.
💼 Work Experience
Minimum 2 years of work experience in the public sector or government office.
🏆 Leadership
Candidate must demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to public service.
💰 Financial Need
Not a primary requirement; selection is based on professional merit and government nomination.
🎯 Target Students
Public officials, government employees, and researchers in state-run institutes.
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes, requires a Statement of Purpose and a Study Plan.
Rec Letters
Yes, at least two letters including one from the applicant's current employer/government body.
Interview
Yes, conducted by the respective university and sometimes by the local KOICA office.
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes, at least two letters including one from the applicant's current employer/government body. Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- High level of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or official English medium of instruction certificate).
- Interview: Yes, conducted by the respective university and sometimes by the local KOICA office.
- Min GPA: Varies by host university, typically 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
📋 Application Process
Ensure your proposed study plan aligns directly with your home country's National Development Plan and KOICA's priority sectors.
💡 Insider Tip: Strongly emphasize how the knowledge gained in Korea will be implemented in your government department upon return.