KOICA Scholarship 2025 in South Korea: Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Opportunities
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has officially opened applications for the KOICA Scholarship Program 2025. This highly competitive, fully funded program offers international students the opportunity to pursue master’s or PhD degrees at leading universities in South Korea.
Designed to support professionals from developing countries, the KOICA Scholarship Program aims to foster future leaders by providing access to world-class education, practical knowledge, and leadership development in one of Asia’s most advanced economies.
About KOICA
KOICA is a government agency established by the Republic of Korea to promote sustainable development and international cooperation through education, training, and capacity building. The KOICA Scholarship Program plays a central role in this mission by targeting talented individuals in the public sector and preparing them to contribute meaningfully to national development efforts.
Program Overview
In 2025, KOICA will offer 109 scholarships across various academic disciplines through partnerships with South Korea’s top universities. The program duration is approximately 17 months for master’s degrees and up to 36 months for PhD programs, depending on the field and institution.
Partner Universities Include:
- Korea University
- Yonsei University
- KAIST
- And other top-ranked institutions
Areas of Study:
- Public Policy
- International Development
- Agriculture
- Engineering
- ICT
- Health and Medical Sciences
- And more
Scholarship Coverage
The KOICA Scholarship is fully funded and includes:
- Round-trip airfare between your home country and South Korea
- Full tuition at the host university
- Settlement allowance upon arrival
- Monthly living stipend
- On-campus accommodation or housing support
- National health insurance and private medical coverage
- Completion grants upon graduation
- Cultural and academic enrichment programs
This comprehensive support package allows scholars to focus entirely on their studies and personal development while in South Korea.
Who Can Apply
The scholarship is open to applicants from KOICA-partnered developing countries. It is primarily intended for public-sector professionals, including government officials, civil servants, and public agency staff.
General Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of an eligible developing country
- Must be officially nominated by your government
- Preferably under 40 years of age
- For master’s programs: a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant professional experience
- For PhD programs: master’s degree, ideally with three years of experience after completing a KOICA master’s (if applicable)
- Strong proficiency in English (speaking and writing)
- Good physical and mental health; individuals with manageable disabilities are welcome to apply
Note: Specific programs or universities may have additional requirements. Applicants are encouraged to consult the official KOICA guidelines for full details.
How to Apply
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Visit the KOICA website or contact the KOICA office in your country to access program listings and application details.
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Obtain a government nomination letter from the relevant ministry or agency.
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Prepare and submit the required documents, which include:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Personal statement
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Medical examination results
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and final evaluations.
Application Deadline
31 July 2025
Early application is strongly encouraged because the nomination process and document preparation can take time.
A Pathway to Global Leadership
The KOICA Scholarship Program is more than an academic opportunity—it is a path to becoming a global leader. Graduates join an international network of professionals who contribute to innovation, governance, and sustainable development in their home countries.
If you’re a committed professional in the public sector who wants to make a meaningful impact, the KOICA Scholarship offers the resources, training, and international experience to help you achieve your goals.
Start your journey today. Apply now.
Visit the official KOICA website or contact your local KOICA office for more information.
