KOICA Scholarship Program
What is KOICA?
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is a governmental organization that implements South Koreas official development assistance (ODA). Established in 1991, KOICA works with partner countries to promote sustainable development, enhance human resources, and reduce poverty through a variety of projects and programs.
Purpose of the KOICA Scholarship Program
The KOICA Scholarship Program (KSP) is designed to support students from developing nations who wish to pursue higher education in South Korea. By offering fullyfunded graduate and undergraduate scholarships, the program builds a pool of skilled professionals who can contribute to the development of their home countries after graduation.
Key objectives include:
- Strengthening human resources in partner countries.
- Fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange between South Korea and participating nations.
- Creating a network of alumni who can cooperate on future development projects.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to citizens of KOICAs partner countries who meet the following general criteria:
- Hold a bachelors degree (for masters scholarships) or a highschool diploma (for undergraduate scholarships) from an accredited institution.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.5 (or equivalent) for graduate studies.
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to contributing to the development of their home country.
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of application (the limit varies slightly for certain programs).
- Possess sufficient English or Korean language proficiency, depending on the chosen field of study.
Specific programs, such as the KOICA Graduate School Scholarship or the KOICA Undergraduate Scholarship, may have additional eligibility requirements. Always refer to the official announcement for each round.
Fields of Study
KOICA emphasizes areas that directly support sustainable development. Typical fields include:
- Public Policy and Governance
- International Development
- Environmental Science and Climate Change
- Agriculture and Rural Development
- Health Sciences and Public Health
- Engineering (especially civil, electrical, and renewable energy)
- Education and Social Sciences
- Business Administration and Economics
The list is not exhaustive; many Korean universities offer relevant programs that are eligible for KOICA funding.
Benefits of the Scholarship
Successful applicants receive a comprehensive package that typically covers:
- Full tuition and registration fees.
- Monthly living allowance (approximately USD 8001,200, depending on the city and program level).
- Roundtrip airfare between the home country and South Korea.
- Health insurance for the duration of the study.
- Korean language training (for those who need it).
- Optional research or internship support for graduate scholars.
Application Process
1. Announcement & Preparation
KOICA publishes a call for applications on its website and through the Korean embassy in each partner country. Applicants should download the official guidelines, check the eligibility checklist, and plan their documents well in advance.
2. Online Application
All submissions are made through the KOICA eportal. Required items usually include:
- Personal information and passport copy.
- Official academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Proof of language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, TOPIK, etc.).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a statement of purpose (1,0001,500 words).
- Two recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
- Research proposal (for masters/Ph.D. applicants) or study plan (for undergraduate applicants).
3. Screening & Interviews
Applications undergo a twostage review:
- Document Screening: KOICA and the partner university evaluate academic merit and relevance to development goals.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to a video or inperson interview, where selection panels assess motivation, communication skills, and future commitment.
4. Notification & Visa Issuance
Successful candidates receive an official award letter, which they can use to apply for a D2 student visa at the Korean embassy. KOICA assists with the visa process and provides predeparture orientation.
Obligations of Scholars
While the scholarship is generous, scholars are expected to fulfill certain responsibilities:
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (usually a minimum GPA of 3.0).
- Complete the program within the stipulated time (typically two years for masters, four years for Ph.D., and four years for undergraduate).
- Submit annual progress reports to KOICA.
- Return to the home country and work in a developmentrelated field for at least two years after graduation (the service obligation).
- Participate in alumni activities and share experiences with future applicants.
Alumni Impact
Since its inception, the KOICA Scholarship Program has produced more than 10,000 alumni across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific. Many graduates have taken up senior positions in ministries, NGOs, and international agencies, applying the knowledge and networks gained in Korea to improve public policy, health systems, education, and infrastructure in their home countries.
KOICA maintains an active alumni network that facilitates:
- Professional mentorship and job placement.
- Joint research projects between Korean and partnercountry institutions.
- Annual conferences and webinars on development trends.
How to Get Started
1. Check Eligibility: Visit the KOICA website for the latest list of eligible countries and programs.
2. Choose a University: Collaborate with the Korean universitys international office to confirm that the desired course is approved for KOICA funding.
3. Gather Documents: Start early to obtain certified transcripts, language test scores, and recommendation letters.
4. Prepare Your Statement: Clearly articulate how the chosen study will help you contribute to your countrys development.
5. Submit Before Deadline: Deadlines are usually in March or August, depending on the scholarship round.
Useful Links
Contact Information
For specific inquiries, applicants can contact the KOICA office in their home country or the Korean Embassys Education Section. Email addresses and phone numbers are listed on the official KOICA announcement page for each scholarship cycle.
