Are you a government official from a KOICA partner country looking to advance your academic qualifications? The KOICA Scholarship 2025 in Korea offers a fantastic opportunity to pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree. This program, administered by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is designed to foster leadership and professional development among participants from designated developing countries. Read on to learn about this unique opportunity, eligibility, benefits, and the application process.
About KOICA
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is a government organization, founded in 1991, responsible for managing and implementing South Korea’s grant aid and development assistance programs. Its mission is to promote friendly international relations and support socioeconomic development in partner countries. KOICA’s initiatives include:
- Fellowship Programs
- Volunteer Dispatching Programs
- Humanitarian Assistance
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Bilateral and Multilateral Projects
KOICA Fellowship Program (CIAT)
The Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT) program, which was basically initiated by KOICA, is designed to provide advanced training and professional development for policymakers, government officials, and specialists from partner nations.. Through technical training and knowledge sharing, CIAT fosters cooperation and develops professional capacities, ultimately enhancing bilateral relations.
KOICA Scholarship 2025 Overview
Feature | Details |
Scholarship | 2025-2 KOICA Scholarship Program for Master’s and Doctoral Degrees |
Host | Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) |
Type | Fully Funded |
Degree Level | Master’s and Doctoral |
Scholarships | Master’s (100); Doctoral (9) |
Eligibility | Government officials from designated countries |
Deadline | July, 2025
(visit the KOICA CIAT website) |
Host Country | South Korea |
Scholarship Benefits
The KOICA Scholarship covers a wide range of expenses to support international students throughout their stay in Korea:
- Airfare: You’ll receive initial entry and final departure economy class flight ticket
- Settlement Allowance:
- Master’s: KRW 600,000 (one-time)
- Doctoral: KRW 1,200,000 (one-time)
- Monthly Allowance: KRW 1,200,000 per month
- Tuition Fees: Fully covered
- Extracurricular Activities: Partial coverage for workshops, study visits, and Korean language classes
- Accommodation: University dormitory
- Completion Grants:
- Master’s: KRW 300,000
- Doctoral: KRW 600,000
- Health Insurance: National Health Insurance (approx. KRW 81,000 per month)
- Private Medical Insurance: Covers unexpected illnesses or accidents
List of Institutions and Fields of Study
You can check the complete list here.
University/Institute | Program | Quota |
KDI School of Public Policy and Management | Master’s in Economic Development Policy for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth | There are 20 seats |
KDI School of Public Policy and Management | Doctoral Degree in Economic Development Policy for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth | 3 |
Handong Global University | Masters in e-Government and Public Management | 20 seats are reserved |
Handong Global University | PhD in e-Government and Public Management | 3 |
Yonsei University | Master’s Degree in Health Policy and Financing Capacity Building | 20 seats are available for this scholarship |
Yonsei University | Doctoral Degree in Health Policy and Financing Capacity Building | 3 |
Sungkyunkwan University | Masters in e-Government and Public Management (2) | 20 scholarships |
Incheon National University | Master’s Degree in Capacity Building for Climate Change and Environment | 20 |
KOICA Scholarship 2025 Eligibility Criteria
For KOICA Scholarship program 2025, carefully review the following criteria:
- Nationality:
- Only citizens of KOICA’s designated partner countries are allowed to apply
- The list includes countries from
- Which African Countries
- Eligible Countries from Central & South America
- Some eligible countries from Asia
- Few Pacific Countries
- Middle East, CIS, and Eastern Europe
- Employment Status: You have to be government official and must have received official nominations from your respective governments.
- Age: Preferably under the age of 40.
- Health:
- Must be in good physical and mental health.
- Applicants with disabilities but good health can apply.
- Applicants with severe illnesses are not eligible.
- Education and Experience:
- Master’s Program:
- Minimum: Bachelor’s degree
- Preferably 2 years of field experience
- Doctoral Program:
- Minimum: Master’s degree
- Show 3 years of field experience after KOICA Master’s program and you’ll be preffered
- English Proficiency: Must have a strong command of English for classes, academic reports, and theses.
- Restrictions:
- If previously received a Korean government scholarship
- If previously withdrew from a KOICA program or had their scholarship revoked
Application Process
For KOICA Scholarship 2025, apply as follows:
- Submission of Application Documents:
- Submit your mentioned documents through the KOICA Country Office or the Korean Embassy in your country.
- On-Site Interview:
- Conducted by KOICA or the Korean Embassy.
- Document Screening by University:
- University verifies qualifications and suitability.
- Medical Check-Up and University Interview:
- Only for shortlisted candidates.
- Arrival and Orientation in Korea:
- After final acceptance, participants will undergo orientation and a medical check-up.
- Commencement of Degree Program:
- Study in Korea begins.
Required Documents
Prepare the following for a successful application:
- KOICA Application Forms (Part1–Part4)
- Recommendation letter from the applicant’s government
- Valid passport copy
- University application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Study Plan and Research Proposal
- Two recommendation letters
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- English proficiency proof (if available)
Comparison with Similar Programs
Program | Host Country | Degree Level | Benefits | Deadline |
KOICA Scholarship | South Korea | Master’s/PhD | Full funding, monthly stipend | July , 2025 |
Chevening Scholarship | UK | Master’s | Tuition, stipend, travel costs | Nov 2025 |
DAAD Scholarship | Germany | Master’s/PhD | Tuition waiver, monthly allowance | Dec 2025 |
Fulbright Program | USA | Master’s/PhD | Tuition, living expenses, health insurance | Oct 2025 |
FAQs
- Can I apply for both Master’s and Doctoral programs at the same time?
No, applicants must choose only one program. - Are there age restrictions for the scholarship?
Preferably under the age of 40. - What expenses are covered under the scholarship?
- Airfare
- Tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation
- Insurance.
- Can I bring my family during my studies?
Yes, but family reunions might be delayed due to visa processing. - How can I check the list of designated countries?
Visit the CIAT website.
Secure this opportunity for a better future by starting preparations for the application process. APPLY NOW. Please check the official site for KOICA Scholarship Program Details.
Stay updated with the latest scholarship opportunities. Subscribe to our platform to receive timely updates on KOICA and other international scholarships!