KR · Master's
Korea University (Graduate School of International Studies)
MA International Development and Cooperation
Korea University (Graduate School of International Studies)
Course Overview
Korea University's Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) is one of Korea's longest-running fully-English-taught graduate schools and houses the country's leading MA in International Development and Cooperation. Korea University itself is part of the SKY trio (Seoul National, Korea, Yonsei) and consistently ranked top 80 globally (QS 2025). The two-year programme draws faculty active at KOICA, EDCF, the Korea Development Institute, and the UN ESCAP regional office.
The curriculum is structured around three concentrations: Development Economics & Policy; Development Cooperation & ODA Management; and Sustainable Development & SDGs. Sri Lankan applicants from Foreign Ministry, External Resources Department, Ministry of National Planning, World Bank Sri Lanka, ADB Colombo, or development NGO backgrounds gain academic depth on the Korean development experience — Korea's transition from aid recipient (1960s-80s) to aid donor is the world's clearest case study and a directly transferable model for Sri Lankan policy work.
The Korean Government Scholarship Programme (KGSP-G) is heavily used for this programme — full tuition + KRW 1,000,000/month stipend + 1 year of Korean language training + airfare + insurance — making this one of the most heavily-funded master's accessible to South Asian applicants. KOICA also runs targeted scholarships for serving officials from partner countries including Sri Lanka.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Recognised bachelor's degree (any discipline) with a strong GPA — Sri Lankan applicants need a Second Upper / GPA 3.0+ from a recognised university.
- check_circle Background in economics, political science, public policy, development studies, international relations, or relevant work experience.
- check_circle Two years of relevant work experience preferred (especially for KOICA / KGSP-funded applicants representing partner-country governments).
- check_circle Statement of purpose (1,500 words) on development interests and post-graduation plans.
- check_circle Two academic or professional references; CV.
English Proficiency
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 80 Overall.
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall.
- check_circle TEPS: 326+.
- check_circle Waived if your bachelor's degree was taught and assessed entirely in English at a recognised institution within the last 5 years — most Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degree programmes qualify with an MOI letter from the university registrar.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (KRW) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, 2026) | KRW 21,000,000 | Rs. 4,830,000 |
| On-campus Dormitory (per year) | KRW 4,800,000 | Rs. 1,104,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Seoul) | KRW 10,000,000 | Rs. 2,300,000 |
| D-2 Visa + Health Insurance + ARC | KRW 700,000 | Rs. 161,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | KRW 36,500,000 | Rs. 8,395,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the D-10 job-seeker visa (2 years) converting to E-7. KU GSIS Development grads place at KOICA, EDCF, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank Korea Office, UN ESCAP, plus the development consulting arms of McKinsey, Deloitte, and Dalberg. Sri Lankan returnees move into senior MoF / MoFA / ERD posts, plus UNDP Colombo, ADB Sri Lanka, World Bank Sri Lanka. Korean starting policy salary KRW 50-65M.
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