How an Ecuadorian Development Practitioner Secured a KOICA Scholarship to Pursue a Master of Development Policy at KDI School, Korea

My name is María Belén Guerrero, and I'm from Cuenca, Ecuador. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies and a Law degree. I’ve always been passionate about international cooperation, which led me to pursue a first Master’s Degree in International Cooperation for Development and Project Management. After working for over five years in a subnational government on projects related to economic development, gender, education, environment, and culture, I decided to further expand my knowledge by pursuing another master’s degree in the field of development in South Korea.

KOICA Scholarship Details

I received a full scholarship from the Government of Korea through KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) and its CIAT program (Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow), which provides graduate-level scholarships to public officials from developing countries to support capacity building and knowledge exchange. KOICA offers scholarships for both master's and doctoral programs, with application calls generally open twice a year.

I was selected for the August 2023 – December 2024 cohort of the Master of Development Policy at the Korean Development Institute (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management. The scholarship provided full coverage, including tuition, on-campus accommodation, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a monthly allowance of more than USD 720 (approximately 1 million KRW).

To be eligible for KOICA’s master's degree programs, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of a KOICA partner country (developing countries - ODA recipients).
• Be a government official at the time of application.
• Preferably be under 40 years old.
• Have at least two years of work experience in the field of study.
• English proficiency.
• Be in good physical and mental health.
• Not have previously participated in any Korean government-funded scholarship program.

KOICA offers academic opportunities at some of Korea’s top universities in development-related fields such as global health, economic development, industrial policy, sustainable regional development, agriculture, water resource management, climate change, ICT convergence, among others.

Those interested in applying must select a program that aligns with their professional background and submit their application through KOICA’s office in their home country. Additionally, they must be officially nominated by the public institution where they are currently employed.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

A year before receiving the KOICA scholarship, I had applied for a Master's Scholarship from Fundación Carolina in Spain, but I was not selected. I also considered other opportunities such as the Chevening Scholarship in the UK and the Erasmus Mundus program to study in EU countries. These three scholarships do not require applicants to be government officials and are also excellent opportunities for pursuing a master’s degree. However, in the end, I chose to apply for the KOICA Scholarship because I truly admire Korea’s development vision.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor's degree in International Studies with a GPA of 46.2/50 and my Law degree with a GPA of 92/100, both in Ecuador. My academic training provided me with a strong foundation in international relations, political science, and legal frameworks, which is essential for understanding complex global development challenges. However, I believe that what truly helped me define my professional path was gaining several years of work experience. This gave me a clearer sense of purpose and helped me identify the focus areas I wanted to pursue through further graduate studies.

How Did You Find Information About the KOICA Scholarship and Institutions?

Since I work in the field of international cooperation, I was already familiar with the KOICA scholarship, as it is a well-known program in the development community. Providing scholarships is one of the key modalities of technical cooperation, and KOICA is recognized globally for its contribution to capacity building. That’s why I regularly check their social media channels, as they frequently post updated information there.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

For the scholarship application, I submitted a TOEFL score. Later on, I also obtained an English proficiency certification through the IELTS exam, in which I scored 8 out of 9, equivalent to a C1 level. I prepared for both exams on my own, using free online resources. There is a wide range of helpful content available on YouTube that gives a good idea of the test structure and format.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the KOICA Scholarship?

First, I gathered all the required documents. One important step in the process is obtaining official approval from the highest authority of your public institution. This is something each applicant must manage directly, and it reflects a level of institutional and national representation. That’s why it’s important to approach the process seriously and behave professionally throughout.

All documents must be officially translated into English and apostilled. The application also includes completing several forms and going through two interview stages: one with KOICA in your home country and another with the university. I prepared by thoroughly researching the master’s program and the university, and by clearly showing how my future career plans aligned with the field of study of the degree.

How Is (was) Your Experience at the Korean Development Institute?

KDI School is one of the most prestigious institutions in the field of sustainable development and public policy in Korea. It brings together both Korean students and a diverse group of international peers from around the world. I had a truly unique international experience, not only did I study alongside Korean classmates, but I also connected with people from countries I never imagined I’d have the chance to meet, especially those outside of Latin America, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Fiji, the Maldives, Nigeria, Uganda, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and many others.

How Do You Rate the Korean Development Institute Academically and Why?

KDI School is academically excellent. Students have the flexibility to select courses that align with their professional interests, and the faculty includes highly qualified professors with both academic and practical experience in public policy and sustainable development. In addition to a strong curriculum with diverse concentrations and focus areas, the university offers opportunities to visit Korean institutions and observe their operations firsthand. These visits allow students to gain valuable insights into best practices.

How Does the Korean Development Institute Support International Students? 

KDI School also offers a variety of other scholarships for international students. In other words, it’s possible to study at this institution through funding sources beyond KOICA. You can visit their website to explore more scholarship opportunities: https://www.kdischool.ac.kr/menu.es?mid=a10206000000

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean? 

Master’s programs at KDI School are taught entirely in English. However, the curriculum includes basic Korean language classes. Many students only complete the first level, but I highly recommend continuing with additional levels, as learning the language makes daily life in Korea much easier and makes the overall experience more meaningful and memorable.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Korean?

The majority of international students do not speak Korean fluently. That’s why KOICA ensures that scholarships are awarded to candidates who are proficient in English, as it is the main language used both in the master’s program and for daily communication in Korea. However, not being fluent in Korean is not a major obstacle. There are translation apps like Papago that help facilitate communication in everyday situations. That said, having a basic understanding of Korean definitely makes things easier and helps you get the most out of the experience.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was the combination of academic background, solid work experience, and a clear sense of purpose. I focused on showing that I am committed to continuing my career in international cooperation and development, and that the knowledge gained at KDI School, as well as the overall experience through KOICA, would help broaden my perspective and open up new career opportunities in the same field.

I also believe my honesty played an important role. I was transparent about not having prior experience in some of the topics covered in the program, but I emphasized my willingness and strong desire to learn.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I would have begun studying Korean in advance, even just the basics, as it would have helped me adapt more quickly to daily life in Korea.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

The main piece of advice I would give to anyone considering applying for a master’s scholarship is to gain some work experience first. For KOICA, this is actually a key requirement, but even for other scholarship programs where it’s not mandatory, I highly recommend it. Having worked for a few years gives you a clearer understanding of what you’re truly passionate about and helps you choose a specialization that aligns with your goals and interests.