KDI Scholarship South Korea 2026-2027 – MIPD Program

Scholarship Description

The KDI Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship offered by the KDI School of Public Policy and Management in South Korea for international students wishing to pursue the Master's in Public Policy and Development (MIPD) Program. KDI School is the educational arm of the Korea Development Institute (KDI), one of South Korea's most influential think tanks, renowned for its role in the country's economic transformation from one of the poorest nations to a developed economy.

The MIPD program is designed for mid-career professionals and recent graduates who aspire to become leaders in public policy and development. The program combines rigorous academic training with practical policy applications, drawing on South Korea's unique development experience. Students gain insights into economic development, public finance, governance, and policy analysis from world-class faculty and practitioners. The scholarship invests in future leaders who will contribute to the development of their home countries.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, Sejong City, South Korea. Sejong City is South Korea's administrative capital, located approximately 120 kilometers south of Seoul, offering a modern, planned urban environment with excellent research and living facilities.

Scholarship Deadline

For the Spring 2027 intake (program starting in early 2027), the application period is as follows:

Host Institution

KDI School of Public Policy and Management – the educational arm of the Korea Development Institute (KDI), South Korea's premier policy think tank. KDI School is internationally recognized for its excellence in public policy and development education, attracting students from over 70 countries. The school's faculty includes leading economists and policy experts with extensive experience in development policy.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Master's Degree (MIPD – Master's in Public Policy and Development).

Fields of study include:

• Public Policy and Governance
• Economic Development
• Development Economics
• Public Finance and Fiscal Policy
• International Development
• Policy Analysis and Evaluation
• Trade and Industrial Policy
• Social Policy and Welfare

Program duration: Typically 18–24 months (depending on the specific track and course load).

Target Group

The KDI Scholarship targets outstanding international students from around the world, with a particular focus on applicants from developing countries who demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to contributing to public policy and development in their home countries. Mid-career professionals and recent graduates are both eligible.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: Full duration of the MIPD program (typically 18–24 months).

The KDI Scholarship is fully funded and includes:

• Full tuition waiver – 100% of tuition fees covered for the entire program duration
• Monthly living stipend – Sufficient to cover housing, meals, and daily expenses in Sejong City
• Airfare allowance – Round-trip economy class airfare from the scholar's home country to South Korea (typically provided at the beginning and end of the program)
• Settlement allowance – One-time payment upon arrival to assist with initial expenses
• Health and medical insurance – Coverage for the duration of the program
• Korean language training – Free Korean language courses offered during the program
• Field trip and research support – Funding for policy field trips and research activities

Scholarship Eligibility

General eligibility criteria for the KDI Scholarship (MIPD Program):

• Citizenship: Non-Korean citizens (international students). Korean citizens are not eligible for this scholarship track.
• Educational background: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution. Excellent academic records are required.
• Professional experience: Relevant work experience in public policy, development, government, or related fields is strongly preferred (especially for mid-career applicants). Recent graduates with outstanding academic backgrounds may also be considered.
• English proficiency: Valid test score from an approved English proficiency test.
  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score required (typically 80–90+)
  • IELTS Academic: Minimum score required (typically 6.0–6.5+)
  • Important: Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates are NOT accepted as proof of English proficiency.
• Age limit: Typically under 40 years of age for most applicants (some flexibility for exceptional candidates).
• Commitment to development: Demonstrated interest in contributing to the development of the applicant's home country after graduation.

Application Procedure

Important: Applicants must submit applications to BOTH institutions (dual application process).

1. Review the Spring 2027 Admission Guidelines – Detailed information, including eligibility, required documents, and application procedures, is available in the official Spring 2027 Admission Guidelines. Download the "2027 MIPD Pre-Notice" PDF from the KDI School notice board for preliminary information.
2. Prepare required documents – Gather the following materials (specific requirements in the Admission Guidelines):
   • Completed application form (online)
   • Bachelor's degree certificate(s) and official transcripts
   • Valid English proficiency test score (TOEFL iBT or IELTS) – MOI not accepted
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
   • Statement of purpose or study plan
   • Two or three letters of recommendation
   • Research proposal or writing sample (if applicable)
   • Copy of passport (photo page)
   • Work experience certificates (if applicable)
3. Apply to KDI School – Submit your application through the KDI School admissions portal (check the official website for the application link). Complete the online application form and upload all required documents.
4. Apply to WIPO Application Portal – Must also submit an application to the WIPO Application Portal (as specified in the notice). This dual application requirement is mandatory.
5. Submit before the deadline – Applications are accepted from June 1 to July 31, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
6. Application review and selection – KDI School reviews applications and selects candidates based on academic merit, professional experience, English proficiency, and alignment with program goals. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview (online or in-person).
7. Scholarship award notification – Successful candidates receive the scholarship award letter along with the admission offer.
8. Visa application and arrival – Apply for a South Korean student visa (D-2) using the admission documents. Scholars must arrive in South Korea before the program start date (Spring 2027).

Important notes: The application process requires submission to both KDI School and the WIPO Application Portal. Failure to complete both applications may result in disqualification. All documents must be in English or Korean, or accompanied by certified translations. Stay updated with the official KDI School notice board for any changes or additional requirements.

Official Website & Application Links

KDI School Official Notice – MIPD Program Application

WIPO Application Portal: Available via the link in the official notice (check the KDI School notice page).

KDI School Admissions Team Contact: Available through the KDI School website contact page.

Important Update (June 9): Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates are not accepted as proof of English proficiency. Valid TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores are required.