How to Apply for KOICA Scholarship 2025 in South Korea | Complete Guide

The KOICA Scholarship Program is one of South Korea’s most prestigious fully-funded opportunities for government officials from partner countries to pursue Master’s or Doctoral degrees in Korean universities. Here’s how you can apply:

KOICA Scholarship 2025 in South Korea | Fully Funded

📌 Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before Apply for KOICA Scholarship 2025, make sure you meet these key requirements:

• 🌍 Nationality: Be a citizen of one of KOICA’s designated partner countries
• 🏛️ Employment: Must be a government official and officially nominated by your government.
• 🎓 Education:
  • Master’s: Hold a Bachelor’s degree.
  • Doctoral: Hold a Master’s degree (preferably from a KOICA-funded program).
• 🗣️ English Proficiency: Ability to study and write academic papers in English.
• 👤 Age & Health: Preferably under 40 years of age and in good mental and physical condition.

🎓 Step 2: Choose a Program and University

Select only one program from the available universities:

University	Program	Quota
KDI School	Master’s & Doctoral in Economic Development Policy	20 / 3
Handong Global University	Master’s & Doctoral in e-Government and Public Management	20 / 3
Yonsei University	Master’s & Doctoral in Health Policy and Financing	20 / 3
Sungkyunkwan University	Master’s in e-Government and Public Management	20
Incheon National University	Master’s in Climate Change and Environmental Management	20

📁 Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

You’ll need to gather:

• KOICA Application Forms (Part 1–4)
• Valid Passport (Scan Copy)
• Government Nomination Letter
• Academic Transcripts and Diplomas (apostilled/consular confirmed)
• English Proficiency Documents
• Medical Certificate (after initial selection)
• Two Letters of Recommendation (if required by the university)

📌 All documents must be in English and submitted as instructed via the KOICA office or the embassy.

📨 Step 4: Submit KOICA Application

• Contact your local KOICA office or Korean Embassy to get the exact submission deadline and method.
• Email the complete KOICA application package to both the KOICA office and the embassy.
• Complete the document checklist and follow guidelines for naming and organising documents.

🗣️ Step 5: Participate in KOICA Interview

• An on-site interview will be conducted by the KOICA office or the Korean Embassy.
• If you are in a remote area, a phone interview may be arranged.

📌 Note: Passing the KOICA interview does not guarantee final selection.

🏛️ Step 6: University Document Screening

If you pass the KOICA round:

• Submit the university-specific application via their portal or email (as instructed).
• Undergo a document screening by the university admission team.
• Universities will notify shortlisted candidates.

🏥 Step 7: Medical Check-Up & University Interview

• Local medical check-up as per university guidance.
• Attend essay/interview rounds organised by the selected university.

Some universities may conduct additional testing.

📬 Step 8: Submit Original Documents

Once selected:

• Submit original university application and notarised/verified documents to the KOICA office or the Embassy.
• Documents must be in order and labelled, following the checklist.

✈️ Step 9: Get a Visa and Prepare for Departure

• Secure a Study Abroad Visa (D-2).
• Complete any vaccination or additional requirements as directed.
• Arrival to Korea is expected around January–February 2026, followed by an in-country medical check-up.

🎁 KOICA Scholarship Benefits

Benefit	Amount / Coverage
Flight Tickets	Round-trip economy airfare
Monthly Stipend	KRW 1,200,000
Settlement Allowance	KRW 600,000 (Master’s) / 1,200,000 (Doctoral)
Tuition	Full Coverage
Dormitory Accommodation	Provided by university
Completion Grant	KRW 300,000 – 600,000 (one-time)
Health Insurance	Approx. KRW 81,000 / month
Private Insurance	Included

📌 Note: Visa and local transport costs are not covered.

📮 Final Notes

• KOICA does not reimburse costs like notarization, postage, or local tests.
• Changing the timeline, deferring entry, or requesting leave is not permitted.
• All decisions are final, and voluntary withdrawals should be communicated early.

📧 Contact

For inquiries, reach out to:
📩 [email protected]