Study in Korea For Free with the help of Fully Funded KOICA Scholarship 2026 Program. The KOICA Scholarship 2026 (1st batch) is now open for applications. This is a fully funded program run by the Korea International Cooperation Agency. It is for skilled professionals and government workers from partner developing countries. The scholarship lets you study for a Masters or PhD degree in South Korea.

The scholarship pays for tuition, airfare, living allowance, accommodation and cultural orientation. You must submit your application by December 2 2025. You must apply using the official KOICA website.

Keypoints

• Deadline: 02 December 2025 before 4 PM GMT.
• Funding: Full tuition, airfare, monthly allowance and dormitory insurance.
• Eligibility: Citizens of KOICA partner countries.
• Focus: For professionals and public officials who want to help in national development.
• Warning: False or duplicate applications will lead to disqualification.
• Apply: Only one application is allowed through KOICA portal.

KOICA Scholarship 2026 Summary

• Must be a government worker from KOICA country, healthy, good in English, with right degree.
• Apply to one master’s program. Doctoral only for KOICA master’s graduates.
• Documents must match passport name and be stamped.
• KOICA pays tuition, allowance, airfare, dorm, insurance. You pay visa and personal costs.
• Steps: KOICA Round → University Round → Final → Visa → Arrival Aug 2026.

About KOICA and CIAT

KOICA

• KOICA started in 1991. It gives Korea’s grant aid and helps partner countries grow.
• It runs fellowship programs, volunteer dispatch, disaster help, PPP projects, and more.

CIAT

• CIAT means “Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow.”
• It invites government workers and experts to Korea for training.
• Works with universities, research centers, and public groups.
• CIAT scholarships help officials get master’s or doctoral degrees.
• After study, they help their country and also make Korea ties stronger.

Scholarship benefits and coverage

KOICA pays for the main study and living costs in Korea. Some small personal costs are not paid.

• Settlement money: KRW 600,000 for master’s students, KRW 1,200,000 for doctoral students. Paid one time after arrival.
• Air ticket: One economy flight for coming to Korea and going back home. If you change the ticket plan, you must pay extra.
• Tuition fee: Full tuition paid to the university.
• Monthly money: KRW 1,200,000 every month.
• Dormitory: Stay in university dorm. Rules are different in each school.
• Extra study support: Some money for visits, workshops, Korean language class, and other activities.
• National health insurance: Around KRW 81,000 per month.
• Completion money: KRW 300,000 (master’s) or KRW 600,000 (doctoral). Paid one time before leaving.
• Private health insurance: Covers accidents or sickness.

KOICA does not pay for visa fee, local travel, or personal costs. Rules can change anytime. You can see complete details about KOICA Scholarship Benefits here.

Eligibility rules

This program is for government workers who can speak English and want to study in Korea.

Nationality and job

• Citizenship: Must be from KOICA-listed countries. The list changes every year.
• Government job: Must be a public worker and nominated by your government.
• Age: Better if under 40.
• Health: Must be healthy in body and mind. People with disabilities can apply if they are healthy. People with serious illness cannot apply.

Education and work

• Master’s: Must have bachelor’s degree by Feb 28, 2026. Better if you have 2 years of work.
• Doctoral: Must have master’s degree. Better if you have 3 years of work after KOICA master’s.

English

• Must be good in English speaking and writing. Classes and thesis are in English. KOICA does not ask for test score, but some universities may ask later.

Restrictions

• Cannot apply if you already got a Korean government scholarship for the same degree.
• Doctoral program only for KOICA master’s graduates.
• If your KOICA scholarship was cancelled before, you cannot apply again.
• Best if you keep working in your government job after study.
• Must follow university rules and send all documents.

KOICA master’s graduates can apply for KOICA doctoral. KOICA master’s cancellation means you cannot apply again. Visit Detailed guide about KOICA Scholarship Eligibility.

Programs, universities, and duration

Program time

• Master’s: 17 months
• Doctoral: 36 months

Each university has its own calendar.

Universities and courses (choose one only)

• Ewha Womans University – Gender Equality (15 seats)
• Hanyang University – Smart-City Management and Technology (15 seats)
• Korea National University of Education – Global Education Leadership (15 seats)
• Korea University – Tax and Fiscal Policy (15 seats)
• Seoul National University – Public Management and Administrative Reform (15 seats)
• Visit KOICA Scholarship Fields of Study and KOICA Scholarship Available Universities for detailed guide.

Forms and details

• Go to CIAT website → “Stay connected → Notice” to get KOICA forms and program info.

Application documents

KOICA round (email to office/embassy)

• KOICA forms (Part 1–4):
  • Part 1: Applicant info
  • Part 2: Terms & Conditions
  • Part 3: Medical history
  • Part 4: Nomination
• Government letter with official seal.
• Passport copy (valid 6 months after return). Do not send original.

Name must match passport exactly.

University round (for KOICA passers)

• University application form.
• Other items as per program info.

Original documents (for admitted students)

• Send originals to KOICA office/Embassy in May. Local shipping cost is yours.
• KOICA/Embassy sends to university. If late, you must send yourself.
• Arrange papers in checklist order and number them.
• Apostille/consular confirmation needed:
  • English papers: apostille or consular stamp.
  • Other language papers: original + translation, both stamped.
• If cannot re-issue, keep original and stamp notarized copy.
• For visa and alien card: must give apostilled diploma and transcript.
• Forms must be typed in English and signed by hand (no cursive).
• False papers mean your institution cannot recommend new students for 3 years.
• Documents are not returned.

Here is the detailed post about KOICA Scholarship Documents 2026.

Selection steps and schedule

There are two rounds: KOICA Round and University Round. Then final acceptance.

KOICA round

1. Apply and nomination: Send KOICA forms and get government letter.
2. Interview: KOICA office or Korean Embassy will interview you. If no office or far away, phone interview is possible.
3. Results: KOICA HQ gets interview results. Passing this step does not mean final admission.

University round

1. Document check: Send university forms by email or online.
2. Result: University tells if you passed.
3. Medical check: Must do health check. You pay the cost. Some schools ask for extra tests.
4. Interview/test: University gives date and method. Some schools ask for essay test. If you do not follow rules, you may be removed.
5. Final list: KOICA HQ collects results and decides.

Final steps

• Original documents: Send hard copies to KOICA office/Embassy in May–July.
• Admission notice: University confirms and tells your government.
• Visa: Embassy guides you for D-2 visa. You must apply yourself.
• Vaccination: Follow university rules.
• Arrival: August 2026. Medical check in Korea. If you pass, you start the program.

Dates may change. Always follow university emails.

Costs and withdrawal

Costs you pay

• KOICA does not pay for document stamps, medical check, courier, university fee, visa fee, etc.

Withdrawal

• If you want to quit, tell KOICA office or Embassy.
• Once you quit, you cannot change the decision.

Good Luck For You New Journey!