Ins & Outs of KOICA and the KOICA Scholarship Program

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is a governmental agency dedicated to supporting the socio-economic development of partner countries. One of KOICA’s flagship initiatives is the Scholarship Program (SP), designed to train professionals from developing countries who are involved in policy-making and nation-building tasks in their home countries.

Launched in partnership with South Korean universities, the KOICA SP focuses on human resource development as a long-term strategy for fostering global cooperation and peace. Through this program, KOICA offers scholarships for both Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in various fields including public policy, economics, agriculture, environment, ICT, education, and more.

For the 2025-2 cycle, KOICA is offering:

• 5 Master’s programs
• 3 Doctoral programs

Target Countries

This program is exclusively available to individuals from KOICA’s partner countries, which fall under the DAC (Development Assistance Committee) list of ODA (Official Development Assistance) recipients. A total of 93 countries are eligible to participate, including nations from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.

Who Can Apply?

To be considered for the KOICA Scholarship, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria, based on the level of study:

For Master’s Degree:

• Must be a citizen of a KOICA partner country.
• Official recommendation from the government of the home country is required.
• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
• Be a public official or affiliated with a public or governmental organization.
• Must meet specific university requirements set by the program.

For Doctoral Degree:

• Must satisfy all the eligibility requirements for the Master’s degree listed above.
• Should be a Master’s graduate from KOICA’s scholarship programs or another recognized program.

⚠️ Important Note: Applicants who already passed the local interview for KOICA 2025-1 intake are not eligible to reapply for 2025-2.

Benefits and Stipend

One of the most attractive aspects of the KOICA Scholarship is its comprehensive coverage, making it 100% fully funded. The scholarship includes:

• ✈️ Round-trip airfare: Economy-class flight tickets from your country to Korea and back.
• 💵 Monthly allowance: Covers living expenses (usually between KRW 999,000 to 1,200,000 depending on the university).
• 🏠 Accommodation: Dormitory or university housing.
• 📚 Tuition fees: Full tuition coverage for the entire study period.
• 🧳 Settlement allowance: One-time allowance to help with initial expenses in Korea.
• 🛡️ Health insurance: Medical and accident insurance during the study period.
• 🎓 Scholarship completion grants: Incentives provided upon successful completion of the degree.
• 🏸 Extracurricular support: Includes cultural experiences, field trips, Korean language classes, and networking with other international scholars.

Application Timeline & Procedure

The application process for KOICA SP 2025-2 is divided into two main rounds:

1. KOICA Round (First Round)

This is conducted by KOICA’s Overseas Office or the Korean Embassy in your country. This round includes:

• Preliminary document screening
• Interviews
• Official government nomination

You must pass this round to proceed to the next step.

2. University Round (Second Round)

Only applicants who pass the KOICA Round will be invited to apply to their chosen universities. This round may include additional:

• Document evaluations
• Interviews (virtual or in-person)
• English language tests (if applicable)

Application Deadline

All applications for KOICA SP 2025-2 must be submitted by July 2025. However, each country and embassy may have a slightly different internal deadline, so it is essential to check with the KOICA Overseas Office or Korean Embassy in your country.

Fields of Study & Participating Universities

KOICA partners with leading South Korean universities that offer globally recognized academic programs aligned with sustainable development goals. The exact list of participating universities and programs changes every intake, so it’s best to check the latest list on the KOICA CIAT website.

Typical fields of study include:

• Public Administration
• Development Policy
• Agricultural Development
• ICT and Digital Innovation
• Environmental Management
• Education Leadership
• Urban Planning

🔗 Visit: https://www.koica.go.kr/ciat/7815/subview.do
📩 Inquiries: koica.sp@koworks.org

Required Documents

While the required documents may vary depending on your chosen university, generally, you will need:

• KOICA application form (downloadable from their site)
• University application form
• Certificate of employment (from a government or affiliated institution)
• Academic transcripts and certificates (Bachelor’s or Master’s)
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent, if required)
• Copy of passport
• Medical examination form (if selected)
• Recommendation letters (usually two)

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Start Early: Since multiple documents need to be legalized and endorsed by the government, begin gathering your papers well in advance.
2. Government Endorsement: Reach out to your ministry or government body early to secure their recommendation.
3. Tailor Your SOP: Your Statement of Purpose should clearly explain how the program aligns with your current job, career goals, and national development.
4. Follow Instructions Carefully: Each university may have different formats and deadlines—double-check all requirements.
5. Be Honest and Precise: KOICA thoroughly verifies documents and backgrounds. Any false claims can lead to disqualification.
6. Prepare for Interviews: Focus on your career achievements, leadership roles, and how the course will contribute to your home country’s progress.

Why Choose KOICA?

Studying in Korea under KOICA is more than just earning a degree. It is about becoming a global leader with the tools to influence policy and drive transformation back home. Alumni of KOICA SP often hold influential positions in ministries, development agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.

Final Words

The 2025-2 KOICA Scholarship Program offers an unmatched opportunity to pursue world-class education while contributing to your country’s development goals. With its comprehensive financial support, high academic standards, and focus on leadership and policy-making, this program is perfect for professionals ready to take their impact to the next level.

So, if you’re driven by a purpose to serve your nation and grow academically and professionally, don’t miss this opportunity. Begin preparing your documents today and take the first step toward becoming a KOICA scholar.

For updates and application forms, always check the KOICA CIAT website or contact your nearest KOICA or Korean Embassy office.