KOICA Scholarship 2025 Study in Korea for Free – How to Apply

By Naqqash Khalid | Published May 17, 2025 | 11:42 am | 3 views

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has officially opened applications for its 2025 KOICA Scholarship Program in South Korea. This is a fully funded scholarship that gives international students the chance to study for a Master’s or Ph.D. degree at top universities in South Korea.

In 2025, KOICA will offer a total of 109 scholarships. These scholarships are available for specific Master’s and Ph.D. programs at designated Korean universities. The duration of the Master’s program is 17 months, while the Ph.D. program lasts for 36 months.

The main purpose of the KOICA Scholarship is to help train future leaders who can contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries after finishing their studies in South Korea.

There is no application fee, and in most cases, IELTS is not required. The KOICA Scholarship is known worldwide for being competitive, prestigious, and generous in terms of financial support.

Read on to learn more about the benefits, eligibility, required documents, and how to apply.

Scholarship Overview

Host Country: South Korea
Scholarship Provider: Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)
Degree Levels: Master’s and Ph.D.
Number of Scholarships: 109
Deadline: July 31, 2025 (Check with your local KOICA office or Korean Embassy, as deadlines may vary by country)
Application Fee: None
Language Requirement: No IELTS required (English proficiency still needed)
Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded

Financial Benefits – What’s Covered?

The KOICA Scholarship is fully funded, which means all major expenses are covered. This includes:

Airfare: Round-trip flight tickets to and from Korea
Settlement Allowance: Given upon arrival to help you settle in
Monthly Stipend: Covers living expenses throughout your stay
Tuition Fees: Full coverage of university fees
Housing/Accommodation: Dormitory or housing provided
Health Insurance: Includes both national and private insurance
Scholarship Completion Grants: A special grant after successfully finishing the program
Extracurricular Activities: Cultural and academic activities offered to enrich your experience

Participating Universities & Programs

Below is the list of universities and programs eligible under the KOICA Scholarship 2025, along with their respective quotas:

1. Handong Global University

Master’s Program: e-Government and Public Management (20 students)
Ph.D. Program: e-Government and Public Management (3 students)

2. Incheon National University

Master’s Program: Capacity Building for Managing Climate Change and Environment (20 students)

3. KDI School of Public Policy and Management

Master’s Program: Economic Development Policy for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth (20 students)
Ph.D. Program: Same field as above (3 students)

4. Sungkyunkwan University

Master’s Program: e-Government and Public Management (20 students)

5. Yonsei University

Master’s Program: Health Policy and Financing Capacity Building (20 students)
Ph.D. Program: Same field as above (3 students)

Who Can Apply? – Eligible Countries

Citizens from the following regions are eligible:

Africa (40 countries)

Examples: Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, South Africa, and more.

Central & South America (18 countries)

Examples: Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Jamaica, Guatemala, Paraguay, Ecuador, and more.

Asia (13 countries)

Examples: Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Vietnam, and more.

Pacific (12 countries)

Examples: Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and more.

Middle East, CIS & Eastern Europe (10 countries)

Examples: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Ukraine, Iraq, Georgia, and more.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the KOICA Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:

Citizenship: Must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries listed above.
Government Nomination: You must be a government official and get an official nomination letter from your government (usually from a relevant ministry or department).
Age Limit: You should be under 40 years old (preferred).
Health: You must be in good mental and physical health. Applicants with mild disabilities can still apply.
Education:
- For Master’s Program: You need a Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of work experience in a relevant field.
- For Ph.D. Program: You must have a Master’s degree and preferably 3 years of experience after completing the KOICA Master’s (if applicable).
Language Skills: Since the programs are in English, you must have strong English speaking and writing skills. IELTS is not always required but is an advantage.

Required Documents

When applying, make sure you prepare and submit the following documents:

KOICA Scholarship Application Form
Recommendation Letter from your government (usually from a relevant ministry or authority)
Copy of Valid Passport (scanned)

Additional documents may be required depending on the university and program, so read the guidelines carefully.

How to Apply?

Read the Guidelines: First, download and go through the KOICA Scholarship Program Guideline 2025. This document has detailed instructions.
Check with Your Local KOICA Office or Embassy: They will guide you on the exact process and deadline for your country.
Submit Your Documents: Send all required documents through the proper channel (often via the Korean Embassy or KOICA Office in your country).
Wait for Notification: Selected candidates will be informed by KOICA or the Korean university offering the program.

👉 Visit the Official KOICA Website

If you’re a government official with dreams of higher education in South Korea and want to make a difference in your country, the KOICA Scholarship 2025 is a great opportunity. It not only provides excellent education but also prepares you to become a leader in your field. Apply now and take the next step in your career!

Naqqash Khalid