KDI School Scholarship for International Students
The KDI School of Public Policy and Management — an English-taught graduate school affiliated with the Korea Development Institute (KDI), the Korean government's flagship policy think tank — offers fully-funded scholarships to outstanding international applicants for its Master's in Public Policy (MPP), Development Policy (MDP), and Public Management (MPM). Awards cover full tuition plus a monthly living stipend of KRW 800,000. Sri Lankan public-sector applicants and NGO professionals are well-suited — KDI's curriculum draws on Korea's compressed development experience, directly relevant to Sri Lanka's policy challenges.
KDI School of Public Policy and Management
Government-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Tuition
100% covered
Stipend
KRW 800,000 / month
Duration
12-24 months (Master's)
Travel
Settlement allowance on arrival
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
International (Non-Korean) Citizen
Open to international applicants with strong public-policy / development orientation. Sri Lankan citizens are eligible — KDI prioritises Asia-Pacific applicants under the Korea-led development cooperation framework.
Bachelor's + English Proficiency
Recognised Bachelor's degree (any field) with a strong GPA. English-language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79 or higher — KDI School's instruction is fully English.
Work Experience (Preferred)
Most successful applicants have 2+ years of public-sector, development-NGO, or policy-research experience. The Master's in Public Management (MPM) explicitly targets mid-career officers with 5+ years experience.
Development-Oriented Motivation
KDI looks for applicants whose career trajectory and personal statement demonstrate a clear commitment to public-policy work in their home country — Sri Lankan returns-to-service intent is well-regarded.
account_tree Application Process
Apply via the KDI School online portal
Submit your Master's application by 25 April 2026 — application form, statement of purpose, transcripts, two recommendation letters, CV, English-test results, and a copy of passport biodata page.
Scholarship indication
Indicate KDI Scholarship for International Students on the application's funding section. The Master's application doubles as the scholarship application — no separate form needed.
Admissions + scholarship review
The KDI School admissions committee reviews academic merit, professional background, and motivation. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual interview. Decisions typically released by June.
Offer + Korean visa
Successful applicants receive a joint admission + scholarship offer. Use both for the D-2 student visa application via the Korean Embassy in Colombo. Intake is early September in Sejong City.
Why KDI School?
Founded in 1997 as the graduate school of the Korea Development Institute, KDI School is a unique institution — purpose-built to share Korea's development experience with policy practitioners from the Global South. Alumni network spans 130+ countries.
130+
Countries in Alumni Network
Since 1997
School Founded
100%
English-Taught Programmes
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