KOICA Scholarships 2026, South Korea

The KOICA Scholarship Program is one of South Korea’s leading fully funded international scholarship initiatives designed for professionals and government officials from developing and partner countries. It offers master’s and doctoral degree opportunities at top Korean universities across fields related to development, technology, public policy, health, and environmental studies.

The program is structured to build advanced skills and leadership capacity so that graduates can contribute to national development in their home countries after completing their studies.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: South Korea
• Scholarship Name: KOICA Scholarship Program
• Degree Level: Master’s and PhD
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Eligible Applicants: Government officials and public sector professionals
• Study Fields: AI, public policy, health, climate change, agriculture, fisheries, digital health, economic development
• Financial Coverage: Tuition, airfare, living expenses, accommodation, insurance, settlement allowance
• Duration: Based on program (Master’s / Doctoral)
• Application Mode: Embassy or KOICA office nomination

The KOICA Scholarship is fully funded and provides extensive support, including:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly living allowance
• Round-trip international airfare
• Free accommodation or housing support
• Settlement allowance upon arrival
• Health insurance coverage
• Completion or graduation grant
• Access to academic and cultural programs

This funding structure allows students to focus entirely on academic and professional training without financial stress.

The KOICA Scholarship Program offers:

• Master’s degree programs (majority of tracks)
• Doctoral degree programs (selected universities and fields)
• Specialized professional development programs

Applicants can apply in a wide range of development-focused academic areas, including:

• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation
• Public Policy and Public Administration
• Economic Development and Sustainable Growth
• Climate Change and Environmental Management
• Agriculture and Rural Development
• Fisheries and Marine Studies
• Health Policy and Infectious Disease Control
• Digital Health and Social Economy

The program is open to:

• Citizens of KOICA partner countries
• Government officials and public-sector employees
• Professionals working in development-related fields

Applicants are usually required to be nominated through government agencies or relevant institutions.

To apply for the KOICA Scholarship, candidates must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree (for master’s programs)
• Hold a master’s degree (for PhD programs)
• Be a government official or public-sector professional (preferred requirement)
• Be nominated or recommended by the relevant authority or embassy
• Meet the academic requirements of the selected university
• Demonstrate professional experience in related fields

Participating Universities

The program includes prestigious Korean universities such as:

• Yonsei University
• Sungkyunkwan University
• KDI School of Public Policy and Management
• University of Seoul
• Handong Global University
• Incheon National University
• Kyungpook National University
• Pukyong National University

These institutions offer high-quality academic training in development and policy-related disciplines.

The application process is carried out in two main stages:

1. Apply through KOICA country office or Korean Embassy
2. Undergo initial screening and nomination process
3. Submit application documents to the selected university
4. University evaluates academic eligibility
5. Final selection and admission confirmation

Required Documents

Applicants are generally required to submit:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Recommendation letters
• Passport copy
• Professional work experience records
• Nomination documents (if required)
• Statement of purpose or study plan
• Additional university-specific documents

Why Apply for KOICA Scholarship?

The KOICA Scholarship Program is ideal for professionals who want to:

• Gain advanced international education in South Korea
• Develop leadership skills in public and development sectors
• Contribute to national and global development goals
• Study at top-ranked Korean universities
• Build strong international professional networks