The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is offering the KOICA Scholarship 2026 program for the 2026 period. This program gives a great chance for upcoming leaders from countries like Pakistan, India, Nigeria Bangladesh, Indonesia and other partner nations to study for a fully funded Master’s or PhD degree in South Korea. It is made mainly for government workers and outstanding individuals from these areas (check the list of OECD countries). The goal is to support future leaders by covering all costs and providing hands-on learning and cultural activities.
KOICA Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Scholarship In | South Korea |
| Scholarship For | Internationals |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Degree Level | Master’s |
| Last Date to Apply | July 2025 |
More About KOICA Scholarship
The KOICA Scholarship helps top government workers and skilled individuals. So they can get a high-quality education in South Korea. This program that covers all costs supports eight Master’s and PhD courses at top Korean schools. It is not only about studying but also lets people gain expert skills connect with others worldwide and get ready to lead in their home countries later. The goal is to boost their abilities through learning and cultural experiences while building strong global ties for positive change.
Affiliated Universities With KOICA Scholarship
Here is a list of universities working with the KOICA Scholarship program. You can see the study programs they offer and their contact information. Before reaching out to any university please read the guidelines carefully to understand the steps you need to follow.
- Handong Global University
- Program: e-Government and Public Management (1)
- Contact: admission.gde@handong.edu
- KDI School
- Program: Economic Development Policy for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
- Contact: internationaladmissions2@kdis.ac.kr
- Yonsei University
- Program: Health Policy and Financing Capacity Building
- Contact: gsphyonsei2021@gmail.com
- Incheon National University
- Program: Capacity Building for Managing Climate Change and Environment
- Contact: climate@inu.ac.kr
- Sungkyunkwan University
- Program: e-Government and Public Management (2)
- Contact: gmpaal@skku.edu
Eligibility Criteria for KOICA Scholarship 2026
To apply for the KOICA Scholarship you must meet these requirements:
- Prove your English skills as they are needed for success in global studies.
- If you have already been part of the KOICA Master’s Degree Program before you cannot apply again. Also if you passed the first interview for the 2025 KOICA Scholarship you are not eligible to reapply.
- Work as a government employee or for a public organization to show your dedication to public service.
- Have a Bachelor’s degree from an approved institution.
- Be under 40 years old (focus on early to mid-career professionals).
- Meet any extra rules set by the university you pick for your program.
- Get official approval from your government (for example Pakistan needs support from the Economic Affairs Division EAD).
- Following these steps helps pick the best candidates to become future leaders in their home countries.
How to Apply For The KOICA Scholarship 2026
Step 1: Find the Right Program
- Check the list of universities and courses they offer.
- Pick your interested program according to your career goals and skills.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
- Fill out the KOICA application form correctly.
- Make a copy of your valid passport.
- Get an official recommendation letter (example: EAD for Pakistan), You can get it from your government office.
Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline
- Gather all required documents and upload them through your government’s portal.
- The final deadline is June 20 2025.
Step 4: Attend the Interview
- If selected you’ll get an invite to interview at your local KOICA office (example: KOICA Pakistan office).
- Interviews run from July 1–3 2025.
Step 5: Apply to the University
- If you pass the interview the university will send you their application form.
- Double-check your email address to avoid missing updates (all info is sent online).
Step 6: Wait for Results
- The university reviews your documents after submission.
- Final results come by email—check your inbox regularly.
Learn more about KOICA scholarship benefits.
KOICA Scholarship for African and South Asian Countries
KOICA welcomes applications from public officials in specific regions. If you are from South Asia or from African countries or others you might be a good fit. Many past applicants from these areas have become leaders in development governance and global partnerships. This shows KOICA’s focus on supporting professionals who can make a real difference in their home regions.
If selected you’ll get access to top-quality education in South Korea. Beyond the classroom you’ll join a network of experts who often lead important projects and policy changes in their countries. This connection can help you grow your career and create lasting impact after you return home.
The application steps are mostly the same for everyone but double-check with your government’s scholarship office. Some countries might have extra rules or steps you need to follow. Skipping this could risk your application so take the time to confirm details locally.
Start working on your application early. Read all guidelines thoroughly to avoid mistakes. Collect your documents ahead of time like certificates recommendations and essays. Missing deadlines is a common reason applications fail so submit everything early to stay safe.
Stay updated by visiting the KOICA Official website regularly.
Whether you’re aiming for the 2025 or 2026 intake, this scholarship could be your gateway to growth. Use this chance to learn build connections and bring new skills back to your community. Good luck to everyone applying—your hard work could lead to big opportunities!
Key Guidelines for KOICA Scholarship 2026
- Fill out the KOICA application form completely with no blank fields.
- Submit one application only as duplicates are not allowed.
- Names on EAD recommendation letters must exactly match your application.
- Only 4 candidates per degree program with separate EAD letters for each.
- Applications must meet all KOICA eligibility standards or face rejection.
- Apply individually as family accompaniment is not permitted.
