KDI School Scholarships 2026

KDI School Scholarships 2026/27 – Fully Funded Graduate Programs in South Korea

The KDI School of Public Policy and Management, established in 1997 as the educational arm of the Korea Development Institute (KDI), offers fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing master's and PhD programs .

KDI School is dedicated to educating and developing the next generation of leaders in today's rapidly changing and globalizing economy, equipping mid-career professionals with new knowledge, vision, and a global perspective . For more opportunities in South Korea, explore fully funded scholarships in South Korea for international students.

Programs Offered

KDI School offers a range of master's programs and PhD options, including :

Master's Programs (1 year for coursework)

• Master of Public Policy – Policy planning, analysis and implementation, economic and social policies

• Master of Development Policy – Economic and social policies for developing countries, international development, ODA

• Master of Public Management – Public administration, private sector management, global governance and leadership

• Master of Data Science for Public Policy and Management – Policymaking and policy analysis through advanced data science techniques, network analysis, machine learning, AI, and data visualization

• Master in Intellectual Property and Development Policy – International intellectual property law and policy, copyrights and patents

• Executive Master of Public Policy and Management – A tailored program for the specific policy priorities of partner countries

PhD Programs

• PhD in Public Policy

• PhD in Development Policy

Scholarship Benefits

One of the most attractive features of KDI School is that 100% of international students receive full scholarship benefits . The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees

• Accommodation

• Monthly stipend for living expenses

• Other benefits as per the program

For similar fully funded opportunities, check the latest scholarships in South Korea for all nationalities.

Admission Schedules for 2026/27

The application periods and program start dates for the 2026/27 academic year are as follows:

2026 Fall Intake

• Application Period: February – March 2026

• Program Start: September 2026

2027 Spring Intake

• Application Period: July – August 2026

• Program Start: February 2027

Note: PhD admission is available only for the Spring intake.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

For Master's Programs

• A Bachelor's or an equivalent degree holder (minimum 3 years of education)

For PhD Programs

• A Master's or an equivalent degree holder

English Proficiency Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum required score on one of the following English tests:

• TOEFL iBT: 71

• IELTS: 5.5

• Duolingo English Test: 100

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Online application and Statement of Purpose

• Two online recommendation letters

• English Proficiency Test Score Report

• Official Graduation Certificate (Bachelor/Master)

• Official Transcript (Bachelor/Master)

• Dissertation Research Proposal (for PhD only)

• Employment Verification (if applicable)

• Passport copy and photo

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the KDI School website at www.kdicschool.ac.kr/admissions. For general inquiries on Master and PhD programs, contact intladm@kdicschool.ac.kr. For the Master in Intellectual Property and Development Policy (MIPD) program, contact mipdadm@kdicschool.ac.kr.

For a broader view of funding options in Asia, refer to financial aids for students in Asia.

Why Choose KDI School?

KDI School offers several unique advantages for international students:

• Fully Funded Education: 100% of international students receive full scholarships

• World-Class Faculty: As the educational arm of Korea's leading think tank, KDI School draws from a wealth of research and resources

• Diverse Student Body: Students come from all over the world, creating a truly international learning environment

• Korea's Development Experience: Learn from Korea's unique development experience and apply it to your home country

• Career Opportunities: KDI School has a strong alumni network and partnerships with international organizations

Final Thoughts

The KDI School scholarships provide a remarkable opportunity for international students to pursue fully funded graduate education in South Korea. With 100% scholarship coverage, a wide range of programs, and the prestige of being associated with Korea's leading think tank, this is an ideal choice for mid-career professionals and recent graduates alike.

Be sure to check the application periods for your desired intake and prepare all required documents in advance. For a comprehensive list of opportunities in South Korea, see the list of all open scholarships in South Korea.

Apply Now for KDI School Scholarships