🌍 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
✈️ 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.