The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Scholarship Program 2025 offers fully funded both Master’s and Doctoral programs in South Korea to professionals from developing countries, aiming to cultivate future leaders in sustainable development. The KOICA Scholarship Program (SP) is a prestigious initiative aimed at training key leaders from KOICA’s partner countries to drive socio-economic development in their home nations. The program seeks individuals committed to sustainable development and leadership, offering them a platform for growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact.
Established in 1997, KOICA SP has supported over 5,000 graduates from more than 80 countries. KOICA Scholarship Program offers both Master’s and Doctoral programs, with a strong focus on government officials, combining academic excellence with practical training grounded in Korea’s development experience. The application deadline is typically July 31, 2025, but please check the specific application deadline for your country through your local KOICA office or the Korean Embassy.
Scholarship Details
KOICA partners with top South Korean universities:
- Funded By: Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)
- Host Country: Korea
- Universities: South Korean Universities
- Number of Scholarships: 109
- Degree Level: Master’s, PhD
Study Areas
Fields include:
- Public Policy
- Agricultural Economics
- ICT and Smart Cities
- Energy and Environment
- Health and Development
- Education and Leadership
Participating Universities, Programs & Quotas
Handong Global University
- Master’s in e-Government and Public Management (Quota: 20)
- Doctorate in e-Government and Public Management (Quota: 3)
Incheon National University
- Master’s in Capacity Building for Managing Climate Change and the Environment (Quota: 20)
KDI School of Public Policy and Management
- Master’s in Economic Development Policy for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth (Quota: 20)
- Doctorate in Economic Development Policy for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth (Quota: 3)
Sungkyunkwan University
- Master’s in e-Government and Public Management (Quota: 20)
Yonsei University
- Master’s in Health Policy and Financing Capacity Building (Quota: 20)
- Doctorate in Health Policy and Financing Capacity Building (Quota: 3)
KOICA Scholarship Program Benefits
KOICA provides:
- Full tuition fees
- One round-trip airfare
- Settlement allowance
- Dormitory accommodation
- Monthly allowance
- National Health Insurance fee
- Private Medical Insurance fee
- Scholarship Completion Grant
Benefits Not Included
- Visa processing fees
- Personal expenses beyond the allowance
- Family support (the scholarship is for individuals only)
Eligibility for KOICA Scholarship Program
Applicants must:
For KOICA Master’s Programs
- Citizen of a KOICA partner country
- Officially recommended by your government
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
- Ideally 2+ years relevant experience
- Public official or employee of a publicly-affiliated organization
- Meet university-specific admission criteria
For KOICA Doctoral Programs
- Meet all Master’s program criteria above
- Ideally 3+ years of experience post-KOICA Master’s (if applicable)
- Must have earned a Master’s through a KOICA Scholarship
Note: Applicants who passed the 2025-1 KOICA local interview are ineligible for 2025-26
Eligible Countries for KOICA Scholarship 2025
Africa (40 countries):
- Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Uganda, Cameroon
- Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, DR Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Niger, Lesotho, Libya
- Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Burkina Faso, Benin, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Angola, Zambia
- Central African Republic, Zimbabwe, Togo, South Sudan, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania,
- Sao Tome and Principe, Comoros, South Africa, Botswana
Central & South America (18 countries):
- Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname
- Honduras, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Guyana, Grenada, Dominica, Belize, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Asia (13 countries):
- Nepal, Timor-Leste, Laos, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, India
- Indonesia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand
Pacific (12 countries):
- Fiji, Nauru, Niue, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Solomon Islands
- Kiribati, Tonga, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea, Palau
Middle East, CIS & Eastern Europe (10 countries):
- Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Jordan, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
- Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- KOICA Application Form
- Government Recommendation Letter (from the relevant ministry/authority)
- Scanned Valid Passport
KOICA Scholarship Program Application Process
- KOICA Round – Conducted by KOICA Overseas Office or Korean Embassy
- University Round – Only for those who pass the KOICA Round
- Check eligibility and select a suitable program.
- Prepare required documents.
- Submit the application through the KOICA website or the Korean embassy in your country.
- Attend interviews if shortlisted.
- Await final selection and admission notification.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early to gather all necessary documents.
- Tailor your personal statement to align with KOICA’s mission.
- Highlight relevant work experience and achievements.
- Ensure all documents are clear and properly certified.
- Seek feedback on your application from mentors or peers.
Monthly Living Expenses in South Korea
While KOICA provides a monthly allowance, it’s essential to budget wisely:
- Accommodation: KRW 300,000–600,000 (shared housing or goshiwon)
- Food: KRW 300,000–500,000
- Transportation: KRW 50,000–100,000
- Miscellaneous: KRW 100,000–200,000
Living costs can vary based on lifestyle and location.
Why Choose the KOICA Scholarship?
- Fully Funded: Covers tuition, living expenses, and more.
- Quality Education: Study at top Korean universities.
- Professional Growth: Enhance skills relevant to your country’s development.
- Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in Korean culture.
- Networking: Connect with professionals from around the world
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply for multiple programs?
A: No, applicants should apply for only one program.
Q2: Is Korean language proficiency required?
A: Not initially; KOICA provides language training upon selection.
Q3: Can I bring my family?
A: The scholarship is intended for individual students; family support is not provided.
Q4: What happens if I don’t complete the program?
A: You may be required to reimburse the scholarship funds.
Q5: Is there an age limit?
A: Generally, applicants should be under 40 years old, but some programs may allow up to 45.
Official Link for More Details and Application
For comprehensive information and to apply, visit the official KOICA website:
