Oyinlola Techie

Understanding the GAS, MIPD (WIPO), and KOICA Scholarship Routes in South Korea South Korea offers multiple fully funded scholarship routes to study at top institutions like KDI School of Public Policy and Management. The most common routes are GAS, MIPD (WIPO-sponsored), and KOICA. Here’s a clear explainer of how each works and how to apply. 1. GAS – Global Admission Scholarship (KDI School) The GAS (Global Admission Scholarship) is a fully funded scholarship provided directly by KDI School. It supports international students from developing countries to study public policy, development policy, public management, data science, and related fields. It covers a full tuition waiver, a monthly living stipend and other academic support. Who should apply: Applicants with strong academic and/or professional backgrounds. Development professionals, civil servants, policy analysts. GAS Application Process Apply directly to KDI School online application via: apply.kdischool.ac.kr (Opens 2x in year- February and July) Select “KDIS Scholarship” during application. Submit all required documents online: Passport copy, Employment Verification Letter, Academic certificates and transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), 2 online recommendation letters, English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo, etc.) Your academic documents must be authenticated by the Federal Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Legalised at the Korean Embassy. Interview (if shortlisted) after the document review stage. Conducted online via Zoom Final admission & scholarship decision Scholarship is awarded automatically if admitted No separate GAS application is required Post-admission You will be required to forward the legalised documents to Korea via post. Visa processing and arrival in Korea. 📌 GAS is competitive and merit-based, but very straightforward. 2. MIPD – Intellectual Property & Development Policy (WIPO Route) The MIPD programmr is a specialised Master’s degree at KDI School, co-sponsored by WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation). It is designed for professionals working in IP offices, ministries, innovation agencies, trade, law, and technology policy. It covers full tuition, monthly stipend, travel and settlement support, health insurance, etc. Who should apply: Professionals in IP, innovation, trade, law, technology, or regulation. Staff of IP offices, ministries, regulatory agencies, or related institutions. MIPD (WIPO) Application Process ⚠️ This route is dual-track. Apply to KDI School Same portal: apply.kdischool.ac.kr Choose MIPD (Intellectual Property & Development Policy) Apply separately to WIPO WIPO application link is provided during the cycle Both applications are mandatory Submit required documents Authenticated and Legalised Academic certificates and transcripts, Passport, SOP focused on IP & development, English proficiency test, Recommendations, Employment verification (important for WIPO) Interview & joint review KDI School and WIPO jointly assess candidates Final selection Only candidates approved by both KDI School and WIPO receive the scholarship 📌 If you apply to KDI only and skip WIPO, you will NOT be considered for the MIPD scholarship. 3. How to Apply for the KOICA Scholarship (Nigeria) The KOICA Scholarship, officially known as the CIAT (Capacity Improvement & Advancement for Tomorrow) Fellowship, is a fully funded opportunity for Nigerian public officials and skilled professionals to pursue a Master’s or PhD in Korea. This programme is run by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and focuses on leadership, policy, and development capacity-building to support national development in partner countries like Nigeria. This particular scholarship is primarily for Nigerian public officials, government workersand skilled professionals in development-related fields. Applicants are nominated through the Federal Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning How to Apply Check the KOICA Nigeria website: koica.go.kr/nga_en/4549/su… or Facebook page: Documents required: Passport, Official nomination letter from a government MDA, university degree certificate and transcript, medicals, CV, etc 📌 Note: KOICA Nigeria Office and the Federal Ministry upload all official forms when applications open. Applications are not submitted directly to KOICA by individuals. Summary: GAS → Strong academics, open competition, direct university route MIPD (WIPO) → IP, innovation, law, technology, trade professionals KOICA → Government officials nominated through official channels 4. Self-funding (undergraduate): If you want to fund your education, it will be around ₦15,000,000 to ₦20,000,000. 1. Nigerian Expenses • International Passport • TB Test: ₦50,000  • D-2 Student Visa Fee: ₦54,000 + ₦39,759 VFS service charge. • Air Ticket (One-way): ₦1,700,000 to ₦2,000,000. • Proof of Funds: (usually $20,000 USD or roughly ₦30,000,000). 2. School Tuition & Admission For example, Seoul National University • Application Fee: ₦90,000. • One-time Admission Fee: Approximately ₩169,000 (paid only in the first semester). • Annual Tuition (2 Semesters): • Humanities/Social Sciences: ₦6,016,000 • Engineering/Sciences: ₦8,160,000 • Professional/Medical: Up to ₩10,000,000+.  3. First Year Living Expenses: • Accommodation: • On-campus Dormitory: ₦2,880,000 • Off-campus Studio: ₩6,000,000 to ₩10,000,000/year (including deposit). • Mandatory Health Insurance (NHIS): ~₩75,000/per month. • Residence Card (ARC): ₩30,000  • Food & Transport: ₦200,000 per month. Disclaimer: This is just for general knowledge purposes. I am not an expert in this subject matter. I had to do this because my DM is filled.