KOICA Scholarship 2026/27: Fully Funded Master's and PhD Study in South Korea
- Country
- South Korea
- Level
- Masters, PhD
- Funding
- Fully funded
The KOICA scholarship is one of the most generous funding options for studying in South Korea, and unlike many awards labelled "fully funded," this one genuinely is. Run by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), South Korea's main development-aid body, under its capacity-building initiative, it sends professionals from developing countries to earn a master's or doctoral degree at leading Korean universities, fully paid.
Here is a clear guide to what it covers, who can realistically apply, and how the process works. There is one crucial eligibility detail that many listings gloss over, and getting it right will save you time, so we will be upfront about it.
At a glance
- Provider: Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), South Korea
- Level: Master's and Doctoral (development-focused fields)
- Funding: Fully funded (tuition, airfare, allowances, accommodation, insurance)
- Monthly allowance: Around KRW 1,200,000
- Who it's really for: Government and public-sector professionals from partner countries
- Nomination: Usually requires official government nomination
What the scholarship covers
This is where KOICA lives up to the label. Selected scholars receive full tuition, a round-trip economy-class flight, a monthly living allowance of around KRW 1,200,000, a settlement allowance, accommodation, medical insurance, support for extracurricular activities, and a scholarship completion grant. In practical terms, recipients do not have to worry about tuition or their major living costs during the programme.
The eligibility detail that matters most
Here is the honest and important part. KOICA is not a general student scholarship open to everyone. It is a development programme designed to build capacity in partner countries, so it targets a specific group:
- Applicants are usually government officials or public-sector employees from eligible developing countries.
- You typically need an official nomination or recommendation from your government.
- Relevant professional experience is expected (often around 2 years for master's and 3 for doctoral study).
- Applicants should preferably be under 40 and in good health for the full programme.
- Only citizens of eligible partner countries (drawn from the OECD DAC list of aid recipients) can apply, and the list can change each year. Many African and Asian countries, including Kenya, have featured on it.
If you are an early-career professional or civil servant from an eligible country, this could be an outstanding fit. If you are a general applicant with no public-sector role or nomination, this particular scholarship may not be the right target, and your energy is better spent on university or government scholarships open to all students.
Fields of study
KOICA focuses on fields tied to development priorities. These commonly include public administration and governance, public health, agriculture and rural development, economic and development policy, climate and environmental management, digital government, and related areas. Programmes are offered at reputable Korean universities in partnership with KOICA.
How to apply
- Confirm your eligibility, especially your country's inclusion and your public-sector or professional status.
- Obtain your government nomination or recommendation, which is usually required before you proceed.
- Choose an eligible programme and university and check that you meet its specific requirements.
- Prepare and submit your application using the official KOICA forms and required documents.
- Await selection, and if successful, follow KOICA's instructions on travel, enrolment, and orientation.
Deadlines
KOICA announces deadlines with each application cycle, and they often fall in the earlier part of the year, though dates vary. Because both the timeline and the list of eligible countries can change annually, always confirm the current deadline and eligibility on the official KOICA website or through the Korean embassy in your country before applying.
Apply and confirm the details
Read the current eligibility, country list, and application guidelines on the official KOICA website: KOICA official website.
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Disclaimer: FoundScholar is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by KOICA or the Government of South Korea. Details and eligible countries change each cycle, so always confirm on the official source before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the KOICA scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The KOICA scholarship is genuinely fully funded. It covers full tuition, round-trip economy airfare, a monthly living allowance (around KRW 1,200,000), a settlement allowance, accommodation, medical insurance, support for extracurricular activities, and a completion grant.
Who can actually apply for the KOICA scholarship?
This is the key point many listings skip. KOICA is aimed at government officials and public-sector professionals from eligible developing (partner) countries, not the general student public. You usually need an official nomination from your government, relevant work experience (about 2 years for master's, 3 for doctoral), and you should preferably be under 40.
Do I need IELTS or an application fee?
No. The KOICA scholarship program does not require an IELTS score and has no application fee, though you must still meet the academic and professional criteria and any requirements of your chosen Korean university.
When is the deadline?
Deadlines vary by cycle and are announced with each call, often falling in the first part of the year. Because dates and eligible countries change annually, confirm the current deadline on the official KOICA website or through the Korean embassy in your country.