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.
Open for Fall 2027 intake — applications close 25 April 2027
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
info How this award actually works
This is a separate, highly competitive application
Government awards like this one run their own selection round against applicants from across the world, and success rates are usually in the low single digits. Lanka Scholar does not administer it and cannot submit it for you. Treat it as a bonus on top of a funded study plan — never as the plan itself.
Who awards it
KDI School of Public Policy and Management — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through a separate application round run by the funder, with its own forms, deadlines and shortlisting. You submit it yourself — it is not part of a university admission application.
What it covers
Full Tuition + KRW 800k/month Stipend. Read the terms carefully: even fully-funded awards rarely cover every cost, and any shortfall is yours to fund.
Where we come in
We help you judge whether this award is worth your time, and build a realistic admission plan that works whether or not you win it.
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 2028 — 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
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
Open the cost calculator arrow_forwardSort courses by lowest fee
The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
Browse lowest-fee courses arrow_forwardWhat KR actually costs
Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for KR, in LKR as well as local currency.
See the cost breakdown arrow_forwardCheck your proof of funds
Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
Check the requirement arrow_forwardSimilar Scholarships
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Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)
KAIST International Student Scholarship
KAIST
POSCO Asia Fellowship
POSCO TJ Park Foundation