The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has opened applications for its 2027 scholarship program, offering fully funded Master's and PhD study opportunities in South Korea. Run as part of the Korean government's Official Development Assistance program, KOICA aims to build leadership capacity in partner countries by supporting advanced education.

What's on offer: 109 scholarships across 11 Master's programs and 3 doctoral programs at leading Korean institutions, including Yonsei University, Sungkyunkwan University, Handong Global University, Incheon National University, and the KDI School of Public Policy and Management. Master's programs run 17 months; doctoral programs run 36 months.

Benefits include:

1. Full tuition coverage
2. Round-trip airfare
3. Monthly living stipend
4. University dormitory accommodation
5. Settlement allowance (KRW 600,000 for Master's / KRW 1,200,000 for PhD)
6. Completion grant (KRW 300,000 for Master's / KRW 600,000 for PhD)
7. National health insurance and private medical cover

Who can apply: Citizens of eligible partner countries (including Kenya), generally under age 40, in good health, with strong English proficiency. Applicants need a government nomination (this is not an individual open application). Master's applicants need a Bachelor's degree plus at least 2 years' relevant experience; PhD applicants need a Master's degree plus at least 3 years' professional experience post-Master's, along with meeting the host university's own admission requirements. Previous Korean government scholarship recipients are not eligible to reapply.

Deadline: July 2026, though exact dates vary by country — applicants should confirm with their local KOICA office or the Korean Embassy.

How to apply: Secure a government nomination first, then submit the KOICA application and required documents through the KOICA Country Office or Korean Embassy. Shortlisted candidates proceed to interviews and university-level screening.

🔗 Full details and application: KOICA official site