KDI School scholarships 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇰🇷 South Korea · Offered by KDI School of Public Policy and Management · For Master's, PhD applicants.

Updated 10 November 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇰🇷 South Korea
Provider: KDI School of Public Policy and Management
Degree levels: Master's, PhD
Funding: All admitted students are considered for KDI School scholarships; most international students get 100% funding (tuition, and for some programmes also living costs, airfare and housing via KOICA/GKS tracks).
Deadline: Spring 2027 round closed 31 Jul 2026. The Fall 2027 round is usually around Mar–Apr 2027.
Expected opening: Expected Jan 2027 (Fall intake)
Duration: Usually the regular programme length (Master's 4 semesters, PhD 6–8 semesters) if grades are kept.
Professor contact: Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

Official website

About the KDI School scholarships

Scholarships for international master's students in public policy and management, including KOICA-funded places.

Eligibility

Who can apply

International applicants (both parents non-Korean); Pakistan qualifies. Korean dual citizens are usually excluded.

Academic requirements

Master's: Bachelor's degree. PhD: Master's degree. Strong GPA and research fit with a lab.

Language requirements

English-taught programmes: TOEFL iBT ~80+ / IELTS 6.0–6.5+ (some waive for English-medium degrees). Korean-taught: TOPIK 3–4+.

What the scholarship covers

All admitted students are considered for KDI School scholarships; most international students get 100% funding (tuition, and for some programmes also living costs, airfare and housing via KOICA/GKS tracks).

Tuition: Up to 100% tuition.
Stipend and benefits: Depends on the scholarship track (full-ride tracks include a living allowance).
Duration: Usually the regular programme length (Master's 4 semesters, PhD 6–8 semesters) if grades are kept.

Deadline and opening date

Spring 2027 round closed 31 Jul 2026. The Fall 2027 round is usually around Mar–Apr 2027.

Expected opening: Expected Jan 2027 (Fall intake).

Required documents

Online application
Statement of purpose / study plan
CV
Two recommendation letters
Apostilled degree certificate and transcripts
English test score
Passport copy
Financial statement (if self-funded)

How to apply

Apply for international graduate admission online; scholarship is decided with admission. Contacting a professor whose lab matches your research greatly improves your chances.

Find a professor for the KDI School scholarships

A professor's acceptance can decide this application. ScholarReach finds professors in South Korea whose research matches yours, writes a personal email to each one, and tracks every reply.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the KDI School scholarships?

International applicants (both parents non-Korean); Pakistan qualifies. Korean dual citizens are usually excluded. Master's: Bachelor's degree. PhD: Master's degree. Strong GPA and research fit with a lab.

What does the KDI School scholarships cover?

What is the KDI School scholarships deadline?

Spring 2027 round closed 31 Jul 2026. The Fall 2027 round is usually around Mar–Apr 2027. Expected opening: Expected Jan 2027 (Fall intake).

Is IELTS required for the KDI School scholarships?

English-taught programmes: TOEFL iBT ~80+ / IELTS 6.0–6.5+ (some waive for English-medium degrees). Korean-taught: TOPIK 3–4+.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the KDI School scholarships?

Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

How do I apply for the KDI School scholarships?