Want to pursue master's or PhD in Korea as a scholar? Here's your chance

Are you a teacher or government employee who is hoping to study in Korea as a scholar? You have a chance to make your K-dream come true.

The Korea International Cooperation Agency Scholarship Program is inviting Filipino government employees as well as faculty and staff of state universities and colleges to apply for the 2027 KOICA Scholarship Program, which offers scholarships to pursue a master's degree and a Ph.D.

According to the Korea International Cooperation Agency Philippines, the scholarship program is funded by the Korean government, and is "designed to nurture key leaders who can contribute to the socio-economic development of their home countries."

Under the program, the scholarship will cover successful applicants' fees, including tuition, a monthly allowance, airfare, accommodation, a settlement allowance, scholarship completion grants, insurance, and extracurricular activities.  

Eligibility requirements

Filipinos who wish to apply for a scholarship for a master's degree must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a Filipino citizen
• Preferably under 40 years old
• Must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution as of July 31, 2026
• Must be a government employee or a member of the faculty and staff of a state university or college
• Must be proficient in English
• Must be in good mental and physical health. If you have disabilities, but physically and mentally well, you are eligible to apply. 
• Preferably have a minimum experience of two years in the field of study

Those keen to pursue a doctoral scholarship must meet the master's degree requirements, and also hold a master's degree from a recognized institution as of July 31, 2026 and preferably have a minimum experience of three years in the field of study after completing a master's degree. 

Master's and doctoral degrees

A total of 11 master's degrees and four doctoral degrees will be offered by multiple Korean educational institutions under the KOICA Scholarship Program: 

• Master's in e-Government and Public Management at Handong Global University from February 2027 to August 2028.  There are 15 slots available. For more details, inquire at gde@handong.edu.
• Master's in e-Government and Public Management at Sungkyunkwan University from March 2027 to August 2028. There are 15 slots available. For more details, inquire at gmpaal@skku.edu.
• Master's in Capacity-Building for Managing Climate Change and Environment at Incheon National University from February 2027 to August 2028. There are 15 slots available. For more details, inquire at climate@inu.ac.kr. 
• Master's in Economic Development Policy for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth at KDI School from March 2027 to June 2028. For more details, inquire at koicaadm@kdischool.ac.kr
• Master's in Health Policy and Financing Capacity Building at Yonsei University from March 2027 to June 2028. There are 15 slots available. For more details, inquire at gsphyonsei2021@gmail.com.
• Master's and doctorate in Capacity Building on High-Value-Added Agriculture at Kyungpook National University. The master's program will be from March 2027 to August 2028, with 20 slots available; the doctorate, from March 2027 to February 2030, with three slots available. For more details, inquire at iird@knu.ac.kr or durikwon@gmail.com.
• Master's and doctorate in Global Fisheries Development at Pukyong National University. The master's program will be from March 2027 to June 2028, with 20 slots available; the doctorate, from March 2027 to February 2030, with three slots available. For more details, inquire at koicapknu@gmail.com.
• Master's and doctorate in AI Digital Innovation at the University of Seoul. The master's program will be from March 2027 to June 2028, with 20 slots available; the doctorate, from February 2027 to December 2029, with three slots available. For more details, inquire at aidi@uos.ac.kr.
• Master's and doctorate in Control of Infectious Disease at Yonsei University. The master's program will be from March 2027 to June 2028, with 20 slots available; the doctorate, from March 2027 to February 2030, with three slots available. For more details about the master's degree, inquire at gsph.yonsei@gmail.com; for the doctorate, ghsa2023phd@gmail.com.
• Master's in Digital Health at Yonsei University (Mirae campus) from March 2027 to June 2028, with 20 slots available. For more details, inquire at ua1226@yonsei.ac.kr.
• Master's in Social Economy at Yonsei University (Mirae campus) from March 2027 to June 2028, with 20 slots available. For more details, inquire at sjpark2@yonsei.ac.kr. 

Applicants may apply to only one program among those listed above. 

Take note that the duration of the programs is subject to change depending on circumstances. 

How to apply

Aside from the filled-out application form, applicants must submit the following:

• A letter of recommendation from the Philippine government or an affiliated institution. Although there is no required format, the letter must bear the institution's official seal. 
• A scanned copy of the applicant's original passport. Make sure the passport will be valid until the end of the program you are applying for. 

Applications from Filipinos will be screened by the Commission on Higher Education–International Affairs Staff. For detailed application guidelines and submission procedures, send an email to fstp@ched.gove.ph and ias@ched.gov.ph. 

The deadline for submission of application requirements to CHED–IAS is June 30. Once CHED–IAS approves an application, the commission will then send it to KOICA for assessment. Note that only applications that have been endorsed by CHED-IAS will be considered by KOICA for further evaluation.

Learn more about the scholarship program by contacting ciat.philippines@koica.go.kr.