South Korea is one of Asia’s greatest success stories — and its flagship policy school wants to share that story with the world. The KDI School of Public Policy and Management (KDIS) in Sejong City is currently offering multiple fully funded scholarship programs for international students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees in 2027, with one critical deadline already live: the MIPD Scholarship closes 31 July 2026. Whether you are a government official, a development professional, or a high-achieving student from a developing country, this complete guide on Gradualin breaks down every scholarship available at KDIS — what they cover, who qualifies, and exactly how to apply.
🎓 Quick Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
| Institution | KDI School of Public Policy and Management (KDIS) |
| Country | South Korea |
| Location | Sejong City, South Korea |
| Degree Levels | Master’s (MA/MPP/MDP) & PhD |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (tuition + stipend + airfare for most programs) |
| Open To | International students worldwide (varies by scholarship) |
| Most Urgent Deadline | 31 July 2026 (MIPD Spring 2027) |
| Official Website | kdischool.ac.kr |
🎓 About KDI School
The KDI School of Public Policy and Management is South Korea’s premier graduate school for public policy, economics, and development. Established in 1997 under the Korea Development Institute (KDI) — one of the world’s most influential economic think tanks — KDIS is uniquely positioned at the intersection of academic rigour and real-world policy impact.
Located in Sejong City, South Korea’s purpose-built administrative capital, the school hosts a deeply international community of government officials, development professionals, and future policy leaders from over 100 countries. Instruction is entirely in English, and the campus infrastructure is modern, well-funded, and designed specifically for graduate-level study.
What makes KDI School different from other Korean universities? Its mission is explicit: train the next generation of leaders who will transform their home countries. This is not a general-purpose university — it is a specialist institution whose alumni go on to hold cabinet positions, lead international organisations, and shape national economic policy across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond.
The school’s scholarship ecosystem reflects that mission directly. According to KDIS, virtually every admitted international student receives some form of financial support — making it one of the most accessible fully-funded graduate destinations in Asia.
🎓 All Active Scholarships at KDI School (2026–2027)
Here is a complete breakdown of every scholarship currently active or upcoming at KDIS:
1. 🌟 MIPD Scholarship — Spring 2027 (Most Urgent — Deadline 31 July 2026)
Full Name: Master’s Program in Intellectual Property and Development Policy (WIPO-KIPO-KDIS) Partners: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) + Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) 💰 Benefits: Full tuition waiver, monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare 📅 Application Period: 1 June 2026 – 31 July 2026 🎓 Program Duration: Approximately 1 year (3 semesters) 🌍 Open To: All overseas students who meet the required qualifications
This is the most time-sensitive opportunity on this list and the one with an active window right now. The MIPD program is a powerful collaboration between KDIS, the United Nations’ WIPO, and Korea’s KIPO — giving scholars a genuinely global perspective on intellectual property law, innovation policy, and patent systems.
It is designed for policymakers, legal professionals, patent administrators, innovation managers, and researchers who want to understand how IP frameworks can drive economic development in emerging economies.
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted through two portals simultaneously:
- KDI School Application Portal: apply.kdischool.ac.kr
- WIPO Application Portal: studyinkorea.go.kr
Check the KDIS Notice board for the full Spring 2027 application guideline: kdischool.ac.kr/menu.es?mid=a40401000000
2. 🌟 Global Ambassador Scholarship (GAS) — Spring & Fall 2027
💰 Benefits: Full tuition waiver + monthly living stipend (for most recipients) 📅 Application Opens: 14 July 2026 (Spring 2027 intake) 🎓 Programs: Full/Part-time Master’s, Full-time PhD (Spring); Full-time Master’s only (Fall) 🌍 Open To: All international applicants who meet KDIS academic qualifications
The Global Ambassador Scholarship is KDIS’s flagship scholarship — and the good news is that no separate scholarship application is required. Every eligible international applicant who submits an admissions application is automatically considered for GAS. This makes it uniquely low-friction compared to most competitive scholarships worldwide.
Full benefits are primarily directed at nationals from ODA recipient countries on the OECD DAC List — meaning students from developing nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific are the primary beneficiaries. Students from other countries may still receive partial scholarships based on the admissions committee’s assessment.
Here is the best part: KDIS claims that virtually all admitted international students receive some form of scholarship — making admission itself the key goal.
Contact: internationaladmissions@kdis.ac.kr
3. 🌟 Seoul G20 Global Leaders Scholarship — Spring & Fall 2027
💰 Benefits: Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend + round-trip airfare 🎓 Programs: Master’s only (Spring and Fall admissions) 🌍 Eligibility:
- Foreign nationals with a Bachelor’s degree or higher, plus one of the following:
- From G20 countries: at least 1 year of work experience in the public sector
- From non-G20 countries: at least 6 years of work experience in the public sector
- Graduates of a Korea Studies Program (Bachelor’s or Master’s, any nationality)
This is the premium scholarship for working professionals and future public sector leaders. The selection is competitive — the Admissions Committee awards it to a limited number of exceptional applicants. Airfare coverage is what sets it apart from the standard GAS.
Important: If you are not selected for the G20 Scholarship, the GAS may be offered instead — so applying for the G20 is a low-risk, high-reward move.
How to Apply: Include an employment verification letter with your standard KDIS online application. No separate scholarship form required.
Contact: internationaladmissions@kdis.ac.kr
4. NIIED Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-G) — Fall 2027
Sponsor: National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Korean Government 💰 Benefits: Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend + round-trip airfare + settlement allowance + departure support 🎓 Programs: Master’s only (every Fall admissions) 🌍 Eligibility: Candidates from countries designated by NIIED ⏱️ Duration: 2 years (24 months)
The GKS is one of South Korea’s most prestigious government-funded scholarships, covering virtually every cost a student might face — including a settlement allowance on arrival and departure support at the end. It is administered by NIIED and operates on a country-quota basis, meaning candidates apply through their home country’s Korean Embassy as well as directly through KDIS.
How to Apply:
- Check NIIED website: studyinkorea.go.kr
- Check KDIS Notice board for the NIIED-KDIS specific announcement
Contact: internationaladmissions2@kdis.ac.kr
5. KOICA-KDIS Scholarship — Two Master’s Programs
Sponsor: Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) 💰 Benefits: Fully funded (tuition, stipend, and support — verify exact details at koica.go.kr/sites/ciat) ⏱️ Duration: 17 months 👥 Participants per program: 15
Two KOICA-KDIS programs are available:
- MA in Trade and Industrial Policy for Innovative Growth and Resilience
- MA in Sustainable Regional Development
KOICA’s mission is to nurture key leaders in developing countries who can contribute to socio-economic development at home. These are specialist degrees with a clear development mandate.
Application Deadline: TBD — check koica.go.kr/sites/ciat for the current timeline (verify on official website)
Contact: internationaladmissions2@kdis.ac.kr
6. Additional Special Scholarships
KDIS also hosts several partner-funded scholarships for specific professional profiles. These run on the same Spring and Fall admissions cycles and are awarded during the regular admissions process:
| Scholarship | Sponsor | Target Beneficiary | Key Benefit |
| Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation | Hyundai | Government officials from 8 ASEAN states (Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Lao PDR) | Full funding (verify details) |
| IBK Scholarship | Industrial Bank of Korea | Professionals from developing countries working in national banks or public finance | Tuition + stipend + airfare |
| FSS-KFB-KDIS Scholarship | Financial Supervisory Service + Korea Federation of Banks | Government officials from Asia in banking/finance roles | Tuition + stipend + airfare |
| Colombo Plan Scholarship | Colombo Plan | Government officials from 20 Colombo Plan member countries | Tuition + stipend + airfare |
| POSCO Asia Fellowship | POSCO TJ Park Foundation | Asia-focused talent exchange | Full funding (verify details) |
For brochure details and exact eligibility for these special scholarships, refer to the “Special Scholarship” section on the KDIS admissions page. (Verify on official website)
🎓 Benefits Summary — What Does KDIS Fully Fund?
The table below shows the benefits across the main scholarship tracks:
| Scholarship | Tuition | Monthly Stipend | Airfare | Other |
| Global Ambassador (GAS) | ✅ Full waiver | ✅ Yes | ❌ | — |
| Seoul G20 Global Leaders | ✅ Full waiver | ✅ Yes | ✅ Round-trip | — |
| MIPD (WIPO-KIPO-KDIS) | ✅ Full waiver | ✅ Yes | ✅ Round-trip | Academic field visits |
| NIIED GKS-G | ✅ Full waiver | ✅ Yes | ✅ Round-trip | Settlement allowance + departure support |
| IBK Scholarship | ✅ Full waiver | ✅ Yes | ✅ Round-trip | — |
| FSS-KFB-KDIS | ✅ Full waiver | ✅ Yes | ✅ Round-trip | — |
| Colombo Plan | ✅ Full waiver | ✅ Yes | ✅ Round-trip | — |
(Verify exact stipend amounts on the official website, as these are set annually)
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
General eligibility requirements across KDIS scholarships:
- ✅ Must be a foreign national (Korean citizens are not eligible for international scholarships)
- ✅ Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognised university
- ✅ Must meet KDIS’s English language proficiency requirements (TOEFL/IELTS — unless exempted)
- ✅ For the G20 Scholarship: must have relevant public sector work experience (1 year for G20 nationals; 6 years for non-G20 nationals)
- ✅ For the NIIED GKS: must be from a NIIED-designated country
- ✅ For KOICA programs: must be from a developing country partner nation
- ✅ For Hyundai, Colombo Plan, IBK, FSS-KFB: specific nationality or professional sector requirements apply
Regarding English Language: KDIS programs are taught entirely in English. English proficiency is required for all applicants. Citizens of select English-speaking countries (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, Australia) may be exempt from test score requirements — check the full application guideline for your country’s status. (Verify on official website)
No separate scholarship application needed: For GAS, G20, and most special scholarships — scholarship consideration happens automatically through your standard admissions application.
🎓 Who Should Apply — And Who Should Not
✅ Apply if you…
- Are an international student from a developing country seeking a fully funded Master’s or PhD in public policy, economics, or development
- Are a public sector professional with government or banking experience (ideal for G20, IBK, FSS-KFB, Colombo Plan)
- Are from an ASEAN member state and work in government (Hyundai scholarship)
- Want to study intellectual property law and innovation policy (MIPD — apply before 31 July 2026)
- Want to study entirely in English in a modern, internationally diverse environment
❌ Don’t apply if you…
- Are a Korean citizen or permanent resident of Korea
- Are seeking a fully funded scholarship in a non-policy field (KDIS focuses specifically on public policy, management, economics, and development)
- Cannot commit to the residency requirements of a full Master’s or PhD program in Sejong City, South Korea
- Are unwilling to fulfil return-to-home obligations where they apply (varies by scholarship)
🎓 Available Programs at KDI School
KDIS offers a focused range of graduate programs, all taught in English:
Master’s Programs:
- Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Master of Development Policy (MDP)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Public Policy
- Master in Intellectual Property and Development Policy (MIPD — with WIPO/KIPO)
- MA in Trade and Industrial Policy (KOICA partnership)
- MA in Sustainable Regional Development (KOICA partnership)
PhD Program:
- PhD in Policy Studies
All programs are delivered at the Sejong City campus, with a curriculum drawing heavily on Korea’s own remarkable development experience — making it particularly relevant for students from emerging economies.
🎓 Required Documents
Standard documents for the KDIS online application (verify the current list in the official Application Guideline):
- Completed online application form via apply.kdischool.ac.kr
- Bachelor’s degree certificate (and higher degrees if applicable) — apostilled or consular-authenticated
- Official academic transcripts
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS — if required for your nationality)
- Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copy of passport
- Employment Verification Letter — required for the G20 and other sector-specific scholarships (download here)
- Research Proposal — required for PhD applicants only (download here)
- Video Essay (optional but recommended)
🎓 Step-by-Step Application Process
- Identify your scholarship track — are you applying for MIPD (deadline 31 July 2026), GAS/G20 (opens 14 July 2026), NIIED, or a special scholarship?
- Download the Application Guideline at kdischool.ac.kr/menu.es?mid=a40900000000 — read it thoroughly before starting
- Prepare and authenticate documents — degree certificates must be apostilled or consular-legalized
- Submit your online application via apply.kdischool.ac.kr
- For MIPD: also submit through the WIPO portal simultaneously
- For NIIED GKS: also apply through your home country’s Korean Embassy
- Include employment letter if applying for G20, IBK, FSS-KFB, or Colombo Plan scholarships
- Scholarship consideration is automatic — no separate form needed for GAS and most awards
- Wait for the admissions committee decision — notification timelines are published on the KDIS Admission Calendar
Pro tip: KDIS places significant weight on your Statement of Purpose. Frame your professional and academic goals explicitly around public policy, development, or innovation — and tie your experience directly to how you plan to contribute to your home country’s development after graduating.
🎓 Important Upcoming Dates
| Scholarship / Event | Deadline / Date |
| MIPD Spring 2027 — Application Opens | 1 June 2026 |
| MIPD Spring 2027 — Application Closes | 31 July 2026 |
| Spring 2027 General Application Opens | 14 July 2026 |
| Spring 2027 General Application Closes | 31 July 2026 (verify exact date) |
| NIIED GKS Fall 2027 | Check studyinkorea.go.kr |
| KOICA-KDIS Programs | TBD — check koica.go.kr/sites/ciat |
⚠️ The MIPD application window closes 31 July 2026 — that is just over six weeks away. If you are interested in intellectual property policy and want a fully funded year in South Korea, this is the one to move on immediately.
🎓 Why Study at KDI School — Why South Korea?
South Korea’s transformation from one of the world’s poorest nations in the 1950s to a top-15 global economy in just two generations is arguably the greatest development story of the 20th century. Studying at the institution that sits at the heart of that story — KDI — is not just a degree. It is access to a living laboratory of development economics.
Sejong City itself is a fascinating study environment: a brand-new, purpose-built administrative capital that is still actively under development. Living there means observing urban planning, public administration, and government in real time — an education that extends far beyond the classroom.
On the practical side: South Korea offers one of the safest, most efficient, and most digitally advanced environments in the world. Transport is excellent (high-speed rail between Seoul and Sejong takes under an hour). Healthcare is world-class and largely covered for enrolled students. The cost of living, while not cheap by developing-country standards, is considerably more affordable than comparable graduate destinations in the UK, USA, or Australia.
And the career outcomes from a KDIS degree are exceptional — alumni hold senior positions at the World Bank, IMF, UNDP, and in national governments across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
🎓 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply to KDI School? A: English proficiency proof is generally required unless you are a citizen of a recognised English-speaking country. Accepted tests include TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and equivalents. Check the current Application Guideline for your specific country’s exemption status. (Verify on official website)
Q: Is there a separate scholarship application form? A: No — for the Global Ambassador Scholarship, G20 Scholarship, and most other KDIS awards, scholarship consideration is automatic when you submit your admission application. The only exceptions are the NIIED GKS (which requires a parallel embassy application) and MIPD (which requires a dual-portal submission via WIPO).
Q: Can I apply for multiple KDIS scholarships at the same time? A: You can indicate scholarship preference in your application, but the Admissions Committee makes final decisions on which award you receive. If you apply for the G20 scholarship and are not selected, GAS may be offered as an alternative.
Q: What if I am from a non-ODA country? Can I still get a scholarship? A: Yes — nationals from countries not on the OECD DAC ODA list may still receive a partial scholarship under the GAS program. Full scholarships are prioritised for students from developing nations.
Q: What is the living stipend at KDI School? A: KDIS provides a monthly living stipend to most scholarship recipients to help cover housing, food, and daily living costs in Sejong City. The exact amount is set annually and varies by scholarship track. (Verify current amounts on the official website)
Q: Is the PhD program also funded? A: Yes — the Global Ambassador Scholarship covers the full-time PhD program for Spring admissions. The PhD takes at least 3–4 years. (Verify on official website)
🎓 Official Sources & Contact
- Scholarships Page: https://www.kdischool.ac.kr/menu.es?mid=a40203000000
- Application Guideline: https://www.kdischool.ac.kr/menu.es?mid=a40900000000
- Online Application Portal: https://apply.kdischool.ac.kr
- Admission Calendar: https://www.kdischool.ac.kr/menu.es?mid=a40201000000
- NIIED / GKS Portal: https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/en/main.do
- KOICA / CIAT Portal: http://www.koica.go.kr/sites/ciat
- General Admissions Email: internationaladmissions@kdis.ac.kr
- Special Scholarships Email: internationaladmissions2@kdis.ac.kr
- Address: 263 Namsejong-ro, Sejong-si, 30149, Republic of Korea
🎓 Complete Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
| Institution | KDI School of Public Policy and Management (KDIS) |
| Location | Sejong City, South Korea |
| Scholarships Available | GAS, G20, MIPD, NIIED GKS, KOICA, Hyundai, IBK, FSS-KFB, Colombo Plan, POSCO |
| Degree Levels | Master’s (1–1.5 years) and PhD (3–4 years) |
| Core Benefits | Full tuition + monthly stipend + airfare (varies by scholarship) |
| Language of Instruction | English (100%) |
| Most Urgent Deadline | 31 July 2026 (MIPD Spring 2027) |
| General Spring 2027 Apps Open | 14 July 2026 |
| Official Website | kdischool.ac.kr |
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