Applications are open for the 2027 Korean Government KOICA Scholarship Program for Developing Countries
Application Deadline:
- 31 July 2026 (submission to KOICA country office or Korean Embassy; deadlines vary by country).
Tell Me About The Award:
The KOICA Scholarship Program, part of the CIAT Fellowship Program (Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow), provides graduate study opportunities in Korea for talented government officials from KOICA partner countries. It supports Master’s (17 months) and Doctoral (36 months) programs in fields aligned with sustainable development, governance, health, agriculture, fisheries, AI, and more.
Which Fields are Eligible?
- e-Government & Public Management
- Climate Change & Environment
- Economic Development Policy
- Health Policy & Financing
- High Value-Added Agriculture
- Global Fisheries Development
- AI Digital Innovation
- Control of Infectious Disease
- Digital Health
- Social Economy
Type:
- Government Scholarship | Master’s & Doctoral | KOICA Partner Countries
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of KOICA partner countries (OECD DAC list).
- Be government officials, officially nominated by their government.
- Preferably under 40 years old.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or Master’s degree (for Doctoral).
- Have relevant field experience (2 years for Master’s, 3 years for Doctoral preferred).
- Be in good health (mentally and physically).
- Demonstrate strong English proficiency.
- Meet university‑specific eligibility criteria.
Restrictions:
- Previous KOICA Master’s graduates cannot reapply for Master’s.
- Previous KOICA scholars who withdrew or had scholarships cancelled are ineligible.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection process:
- KOICA Round – Application submission → Embassy/Country Office interview.
- University Round – Document screening → Medical check‑up → University interview/test.
- Final Acceptance – Submission of original documents → Admission notification → Visa preparation.
- Arrival in Korea (Feb 2027) – Orientation and medical check‑up before program start.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- 96 KOICA partner countries across Africa, Asia, Pacific, Middle East, CIS, and Latin America.
Where will the Award be Taken?
- Partner universities in South Korea (Handong Global, Incheon National, KDI School, Sungkyunkwan, Yonsei, Kyongpook National, Pukyong National, University of Seoul, etc.).
How Many Awards?
- Quotas vary by program (typically 15–20 Master’s slots, 3 Doctoral slots per field).
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Airfare (economy, entry & departure).
- Settlement allowance: KRW 600,000 (Master’s), KRW 1,200,000 (Doctoral).
- Monthly stipend: KRW 1,200,000.
- Full tuition fees.
- Accommodation (university dormitory).
- Extracurricular activities (study visits, workshops, Korean language classes).
- Completion grant: KRW 300,000 (Master’s), KRW 600,000 (Doctoral).
- National health insurance (~KRW 81,000/month).
- Private medical insurance for accidents/illnesses.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Master’s: 17 months
- Doctoral: 36 months
How to Apply:
- Prepare KOICA application package (forms, government nomination, passport copy).
- Submit to KOICA country office/Korean Embassy by July 2026.
- Attend KOICA interview.
- If shortlisted, submit university application documents (online/email).
- Pass university screening, medical check‑up, and interview.
- Submit original documents for final acceptance.
- Prepare visa and vaccinations.
- Arrive in Korea (Feb 2027).
Goodluck!
