South Korea · Master's
Yonsei University
MA in International Cooperation
Yonsei University
Course Overview
The MA in International Cooperation is offered by Yonsei University's Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) — one of Asia's leading English-taught international-affairs schools, at a member of Korea's elite 'SKY' universities. The two-year, fully English-taught programme trains professionals for careers in development cooperation, international organisations, and global governance, covering development economics, project design and evaluation, international political economy, and area studies — with strong use of Korea's own development experience (a country that moved from aid recipient to donor within a generation) as a live case study.
For Sri Lankan graduates aiming at careers with the UN, development banks, NGOs, or foreign ministries, Yonsei GSIS combines a top-Asian-university brand with generous scholarships and comparatively affordable Korean tuition. South Korea grants graduates a post-study job-seeking visa (D-10), and its expanding presence in development and global business — plus KOICA and international-organisation links — creates real opportunities. The regional and development focus transfers directly into Sri Lanka's policy, diplomacy, and development sectors.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle A Bachelor's degree (any discipline) with a good record — a Sri Lankan Second Class degree is competitive; social sciences, economics, and international-relations backgrounds are ideal.
- check_circle Relevant experience (internships, NGO, government, or development work) strengthens the application.
- check_circle A statement of purpose, study/research plan, and two recommendation letters.
- check_circle Academic transcripts and degree certificates (apostilled/authenticated as required).
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall, or TOEFL iBT 88+ — English-proficiency evidence is required for the English-track programme.
- check_circle No Korean required — the programme is taught fully in English (Korean language classes are available for daily life).
- check_circle Waived if your prior degree was taught and assessed entirely in English — most Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degrees qualify with an MOI letter.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (₩) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, 2026) | ₩22,000,000 | Rs. 5,060,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Seoul) | ₩14,000,000 | Rs. 3,220,000 |
| Student Visa (D-2) + Insurance (per year) | ₩900,000 | Rs. 207,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | ₩36,900,000 | Rs. 8,487,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
South Korea grants graduates a post-study job-seeking visa (D-10) to find work, with skilled-work and residence pathways. Yonsei GSIS graduates work with international organisations (UN agencies, ADB, World Bank), development agencies (KOICA), NGOs, foreign ministries, and multinational firms across Asia — or return to Sri Lanka's diplomacy, policy, and development sectors. The GSIS alumni network and Korea's development-cooperation ecosystem are strong career assets.
Related Programs
MA International Development and Cooperation
Korea University (Graduate School of International Studies)
MA International Relations
Yonsei University
Master of Development Policy
KDI School of Public Policy and Management
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Our counsellors have helped hundreds of Sri Lankan students secure placements in South Korea. We handle everything from applications to visa processing.
ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.