KOICA Scholarship Program 2027 in South Korea (Fully Funded)

The KOICA Scholarship Program 2027 offers fully funded Master’s and PhD degrees at leading South Korean universities. It is designed to train potential leaders and support government officials from partner countries, fostering strong partnerships between Korea and these nations. Participants are expected to contribute to the socioeconomic development of their home countries upon completion.

This scholarship is fully funded. It covers full tuition fees, airfare, a monthly allowance of KRW 1,200,000, a settlement allowance (KRW 600,000 for Master's, KRW 1,200,000 for Doctoral), accommodation in university dormitories, national health insurance and private medical insurance, and a scholarship completion grant (KRW 300,000 for Master's, KRW 600,000 for Doctoral). Part of the expenses for extracurricular activities, including site visits, workshops, and Korean language classes, will also be covered.

Applicants must be citizens of countries selected by the Korean government (KOICA), which explicitly includes Ethiopia. Candidates must be government officials and receive official nominations from their respective governments. Applicants should be under 40 years of age and must not have a severe illness. Strong English language skills are required. For Master’s degree programs, applicants need a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 2 years of experience in their field of study. For Doctoral degree programs, applicants need a Master’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience after completing their Master’s. Applicants must also meet the specific eligibility criteria of the university they apply to.

Required documents include KOICA application forms, an official government recommendation/nomination letter, a valid passport copy, university application form (for shortlisted candidates), academic degrees and transcripts, and any additional documents required by the selected university. Original academic and supporting documents must be submitted for final verification.

The application process involves several steps: 1. Choose a Program and Check Eligibility: Review available Master’s and PhD programs and ensure you meet both KOICA and university eligibility. 2. Obtain Government Nomination: Secure an official nomination or recommendation from your respective government as the program is for government officials. 3. Prepare and Submit Application Documents: Complete KOICA application forms and gather all required documents, including the government recommendation letter and passport copy. Submit the package to the KOICA Country Office or Korean Embassy in your country. 4. Attend KOICA Interview: Eligible applicants will be invited for an interview by the KOICA Country Office or Korean Embassy. 5. Complete University Application Process: Selected candidates will receive university instructions for additional documents and submission. The university will screen documents for academic and professional qualifications. 6. Medical Examination and University Interview: Applicants passing document screening may undergo a medical examination and university interview. Some universities might require an essay test or additional assessment. 7. Submit Original Documents: Successful candidates must submit original academic and supporting documents for final verification.

The program offers 11 Master’s and 4 Doctoral programs in fields such as public management, climate change and environment, economic development policy, health policy, global fisheries development, high value added agriculture, AI digital innovation, control of infectious diseases, digital health, and social economy. The exact deadline may vary by country and program; applicants should confirm with their local KOICA Office or Korean Embassy.