The KOICA Scholarship 2026-1 is a special program for women officials from partner countries. It is fully funded by KOICA and hosted by Ewha Womans University in Seoul Korea. The KOICA Ewha Scholarship program helps women learn about gender equality, leadership and development cooperation. Students will study for a Master Degree in International Studies with a focus on gender equality.
This program is not only about classes. It is also about building leadership skills learning from Koreas development experience and making strong international networks. The goal is to train women leaders who can return to their countries and make real changes in policies and society.
KOICA Ewha Scholarship Program Details
- Program name: Master in Gender Equality.
- Degree: Master of International Studies.
- Length: 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2028 (18 months total).
- Pre course: 10 August to 30 August 2026 basic classes before main program.
- Stay in Korea: 10 August 2026 to 23 December 2027 (17 months).
- Training Institute: Graduate School of International Studies Ewha Womans University.
- Seats Available: 15 students will be chosen.
During the stay, students will complete their thesis and also join cultural activities. The diploma will be given in February 2028.
Who Can Apply
- Must be female and a government official from a KOICA partner country
- Must be healthy in body and mind to finish the program
- Must have a bachelor’s degree or higher recognized by their government
- Better if you have at least 2 years of work experience in the same field
- Must be good in English speaking and writing because all classes and thesis are in English
- Cannot apply if you already studied a master’s degree with Korean government scholarship
- Cannot apply if you left KOICA program before
This program is made for women who want to become leaders in their countries and help in national development.
What You Will Study
Pre-course (Aug 2026)
- Basic research methods
- Korean society and culture
- Basic statistics
- Korean language
- Gender profile
Regular course (4 semesters)
- 1st semester: Research methods, quantitative analysis, academic skills, gender and development, plus electives (15 credits)
- 2nd semester: Gender equality policy in Korea, global women leadership, practicum on gender and development (7 credits)
- 3rd semester: Gender mainstreaming in development, global lecture series, electives (13 credits)
- 4th semester: Thesis research, women and human rights, lecture series (7 credits)
Graduation needs:
- 42 credits total
- GPA 3.0 or higher (B grade)
- Master’s thesis
University Life and Dormitory
KOICA students will stay in I-House dormitory at Ewha University.
- Rooms: Two students per room with air conditioner, bathroom, fridge, internet, desk, wardrobe
- Facilities: Computer room, seminar rooms, reading rooms, prayer room, lounge, fitness room, laundry, kitchenettes
- Campus resources:
- Central Library with 1.5 million books and many journals
- ECC complex with classrooms, study rooms, cafeterias, fitness center, bookstore, bank, pharmacy, and more
- Wi-Fi everywhere on campus
- Computer labs open 24 hours, laptop rental available
- Sports facilities like gym and fitness rooms
Life at Ewha is not only about study. Students can join cultural trips, visit women’s organizations, attend workshops, and meet other international students.
Rules You Must Follow
- Attend at least two-thirds of classes or you cannot graduate
- Must live in dormitory, cannot stay outside
- Cannot go back home during semester; only during breaks with permission
- Must keep GPA above 3.0
- If you leave early, you will not get the degree
- Wrong or false documents will cancel your admission
- Breaking KOICA or university rules can remove you from the program
Scholarship Benefits
- Tuition fully paid
- Monthly allowance: KRW 1,200,000
- Dormitory room provided
- Airfare covered (round trip)
- Settlement and research allowance
- Health insurance
This means you can study without worrying about money. KOICA takes care of the main costs, but personal expenses like special meals or travel mistakes are your own responsibility.
Required Documents
- Ewha GSIS application form
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Essay on “Gender equality and women’s leadership”
- Two recommendation letters (one from government office)
- Employment certificate
- English test score (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
- Passport copy and two photos
- Bachelor’s degree and transcripts (translated in English if needed)
- GPA or total score must be shown
- All transcripts from every college attended
All documents must be typed in English. If they are in another language, they must be translated and notarized. False or incomplete documents will cancel your admission.
Why Apply
This program helps women leaders:
- Learn skills in gender equality and leadership
- Gain knowledge to improve policies in their countries
- Share Korea’s development experience
- Build global networks with other women leaders
- Get full financial support while studying
It is not only about education. It is about becoming a leader who can make real changes in society.
Application Steps for the KOICA Ewha Scholarship 2026-1
KOICA Round (Feb 2026)
- Submit KOICA forms (Parts 1–4) to KOICA office or Korean embassy
- Documents checked (not returned)
- Interview at KOICA office or embassy
- First round result announced
University Round (Mar–Jun 2026)
- Submit university package by email/system
- Include English test score if required
- University checks documents
- Local medical check-up
- Interview or exam (by April 30, 2026)
- Second round result announced
- Submit original documents to KOICA office/embassy (deadline June 10, 2026)
Ewha University Official link: http://www.ewha.ac.kr/ewhaen/index.do or for official notice go to the KOICA official site: https://www.koica.go.kr/sites/ciat/index.do
