KOICA Scholarship 2024

The KOICA Scholarship provides extensive support for those pursuing advanced studies in South Korea, covering tuition fees, and living costs.

Explore the details in this guide.

Qualifications: 

To qualify for the KOICA Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria to ensure they are prepared for advanced study and participation in the program. 

1. Nationality
   • Applicants must be from one of the eligible countries listed by KOICA.
2. Employee Status and Government Nomination
   • All applicants must be government officials.
   • Applicants must receive official nomination from their respective governments.
3. Age
   • Preferably under the age of 40.
4. Health
   • Applicants must be in good health, both mentally and physically.
   • Applicants with disabilities, but in good mental and physical health, are eligible to apply.
   • Applicants with severe illness are not eligible.
5. Minimum Level of Education and Field Experience
   • For Master’s Degree Programs:
     • Bachelor’s Degree or higher.
     • Preferably 2 years of relevant work experience.
   • For Doctoral Degree Programs:
     • Master’s Degree or higher.
     • Preferably 3 years of relevant work experience after graduating from a KOICA Master’s degree program.
6. English Proficiency
   • Applicants must have a strong command of English, both in speaking and writing.

For more details on eligibility, please visit the official KOICA website.

Benefits:

The KOICA Scholarship offers a range of benefits to support your academic journey and living experience in Korea. 

Airfare
Coverage for international travel.

Settlement Allowance

• Master’s: KRW 600,000 (one-time)
• Doctoral: KRW 1,200,000 (one-time)

Monthly Allowance
KRW 999,000 per month.

Full Tuition Coverage
Complete coverage of tuition fees.

Extracurricular Activities
Includes study visits, workshops, and Korean language classes.

Accommodation
Provision of housing during the study period.

Scholarship Completion Grants

• Master’s: KRW 300,000 (one-time)
• Doctoral: KRW 600,000 (one-time)

National Health Insurance
Coverage under Korea’s national health insurance system.

Private Medical Insurance
Additional private medical insurance.

Requirements:

To apply for the KOICA Scholarship, candidates must complete several key steps. Below is a summary of the essential requirements for the application process.

KOICA Application Forms (Part 1–Part 4)

• Ensure the applicant’s English name matches their passport to avoid visa delays.
• Submit all required documents via email to the KOICA overseas office or Korean embassy. Check for specific procedures with the respective office.

Letter of Recommendation

• Obtain a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s government (ODA or abroad scholarship program).

Passport

• Submit a scanned copy of a valid passport.
• The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the expected return date.
• Renew the passport if it expires before the end of the program.

University Interview

• A phone or video interview will be conducted by the university.
• Follow the university’s instructions for scheduling and any mandatory essay tests.

Interview Result

• KOICA HQ will collect and finalize successful applicants based on the interview results.

Final Acceptance (July – August)

• KOICA office or Korean embassy will announce the interview results.
• Information on visa procedures and required documents will be provided.
• Participants must obtain a ‘Study Abroad Visa [D-2]’.

Preparation and Arrival (August)

• Prepare visas and receive any additional vaccinations as directed by the university.
• Upon arrival in Korea, attend orientation and undergo a medical check-up.
• Only those passing the medical check-up can start the degree course.

Additional Steps for Successful Applicants:

• Send Original Documents: Only for those selected by the KOICA overseas office or Korean embassy. Send original admission documents to the university via the designated DHL service (instructions provided in the Program Information).
• Consult University Guidance: Refer to the university’s guidance for details and consult the Program Information on the KOICA CIAT website for additional information.

Downloads:

• KOICA Scholarship 2024 Guidelines
• KOICA Scholarship 2024 Application Form

Eligible Countries

Applicants from the following countries are eligible for the KOICA Scholarship 2024. The list is based on the OECD DAC List of ODA Recipients and is subject to annual updates by KOICA.

Africa (38)

• Ghana
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Senegal
• Algeria
• Egypt
• Uganda
• Cameroon
• Côte 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
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Comoros

Central & South America (18)

• 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)

• Nepal
• Timor-Leste
• Laos
• Mongolia
• Bangladesh
• Vietnam
• Sri Lanka
• India
• Indonesia
• Cambodia
• Thailand
• Pakistan
• Philippines

Pacific (11)

• Fiji
• Nauru
• Niue
• Marshall Islands
• Vanuatu
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Kiribati
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Papua New Guinea

Middle East & CIS & Eastern Europe (10)

• Jordan
• Iraq
• Azerbaijan
• Uzbekistan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Tajikistan
• Ukraine
• Georgia
• Kazakhstan
• Turkmenistan

KOICA Scholarship Universities, Degree Programs, and Quota

Below is a list of universities, degree programs, and the corresponding quotas available under the KOICA Scholarship:

1. KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)
   • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Social Economy
   • Quota: 25
2. Yonsei University
   • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Control of Infectious Disease
   • Quota: 25
3. Hanyang University
   • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Digital Innovation
   • Quota: 25
4. Soongsil University
   • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Digital Transformation Technology
   • Quota: 25
5. Incheon National University
   • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Capacity Building for Response to Climate Change
   • Quota: 25
6. KDI School of Public Policy and Management
   • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Trade and Industrial Policy for Innovative Growth and Resilience
   • Quota: 15
7. University of Seoul
   • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Urban Development
   • Quota: 15
8. Kangwon National University
   • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics
   • Quota: 15
9. Kyungpook National University
   • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering
   • Quota: 15
10. KDI School of Public Policy and Management
    • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Sustainable Regional Development
    • Quota: 15
11. Handong Global University
    • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Policy Competency Based on ICT Convergence
    • Quota: 15
12. Yeungnam University
    • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Water Resources Management
    • Quota: 15
13. Seoul National University
    • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Energy Policy
    • Quota: 15
14. Yonsei University
    • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Global Health Security
    • Quota: 15
15. Kyungpook National University
    • Degree Program: Master’s Degree in Agricultural Production
    • Quota: 15

Application Deadline:

• End of February 2024

Be sure to check each university’s and respective country’s Korean Embassy’s website for specific deadlines and additional details.

Program Duration

• Master’s Degree Program: 17 months
• Ph.D. Degree Program: 36 months

Application Process:

To apply for the KOICA Scholarship, follow the two-stage application process outlined below. Ensure you meet the deadlines and check specific requirements for each university and Korean Embassy.

Application Process:

1. KOICA Round
   • Conducted by the KOICA overseas office or Korean Embassy.
   • Submit application documents and receive government nomination.
   • Attend an on-site interview conducted by the KOICA Country Office (Korean Embassy) in your home country.
2. Institution (University) Round
   • For applicants who pass the KOICA Round only.
   • Undergo document screening by the university.
   • Complete a local medical check-up and university interview (and/or test).

Admission Process:

1. Arrival in Korea
   • Attend orientation and complete a final medical check-up.
   • Begin the degree program.
2. Completion
   • Successfully complete the degree program and return to your home country.

Note: Each step proceeds only for those who successfully pass the previous one.

Read more here for the full details

Contact Information:

For inquiries or further information about the KOICA Scholarship, please use the contact details below.

KOICA Philippines Office
7th Floor, Del Rosario Law Centre
21st Drive Corner 20th Drive
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Philippines

• Email: philippines@koica.go.kr
• Telephone: +63-2-8403-9780
• Fax: +63-2-659-6955 (or +63-2-659-6956)

Final Thoughts:

Pursuing the KOICA Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to advance your education and contribute to meaningful global development. Ensure you carefully follow the application process, meet all deadlines, and consult the provided resources for guidance. 

Additionally, explore other scholarship programs local, national, and international to support your educational journey. Best of luck with your application!

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