How Ogabek Alisherov, an Uzbek Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s in International Studies (International Commerce), Tax and Fiscal Policy Program at Korea University Through the KOICA Scholarship

My name is Ogabek, and I am from Uzbekistan. I am a finance specialist. I worked in the banking sector for one year, then for three years as a chief specialist at the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan.

I wanted to deepen my knowledge with a master's degree. KOICA's program was a great fit: it is open only to government officials, it covers all expenses, and it is designed so that you return to your former workplace afterwards.

KOICA Scholarship Details

The KOICA Scholarship is a special 17-month master's program for government officials. Applicants must work for a government institution and hold at least a bachelor's degree. KOICA offers more than 10 programs, and I applied to Tax and Fiscal Policy at Korea University.

The scholarship covers:

• Tuition: 100% covered
• Monthly living allowance: about KRW 1,200,000 ($870)
• Settlement allowance: KRW 600,000, paid once on arrival
• Completion grant: KRW 300,000, paid once on graduation
• Also included: round-trip economy airfare, on-campus dormitory, national health insurance, and Korean language training

Educational Background

I studied Finance at the Tashkent Institute of Finance and graduated with honors and a GPA of 4.98/5.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Korea University?

How Did You Find Information About the KOICA Scholarship and Korea University?

KOICA announces the program every year and also sends invitations to government institutions. You can apply only through your own workplace.

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

The program requires at least IELTS 5.5 for visa procedures.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the KOICA Scholarship?

KOICA staff and the local KOICA office guided me through every step in detail. The selection has two stages:

• Country-level interview: you are asked about your background and your purpose for applying.
• Online interview with university professors: you are asked about your study plans and research interests.

My Experience at Korea University

My experience has been very good. The campus has excellent facilities, and Korea is a safe country with great weather and beautiful nature.

Academically, I rate Korea University very highly. It is one of Korea's elite "SKY" universities and ranked 52nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027.

Support for International Students and Language

Korea University supports international students through its Office of International Affairs and Global Services Center, which help with daily life and administrative procedures. The Korean Language Center offers language courses, and the university arranges on-campus housing and mentoring.

My classes are taught in English, and I had no language problems.

After the KOICA Scholarship

I will return to my former government workplace and continue working there. This is also the main goal of the program.

What Made My Application Stand Out

First, I met all the requirements: I worked in a government institution, held a bachelor's degree, and had a good GPA.

But many applicants meet these requirements, so the second factor mattered most: a strong motivation letter. I believe it should show your exact goals in the program, the research area you will focus on, how this can benefit your workplace and country, and why this program fits you in particular.

What I Would Do Differently

I would give more time to a few important things: meeting more people with similar research interests, discussing interesting topics with them, publishing articles together, and spending more time in the university library.

Advice for Applicants

Follow KOICA announcements. Applications usually open twice a year on the KOICA CIAT website. For example, applications for Fall 2027 open in November–December 2026, and for Spring 2028 in May–June 2027.

Check that the program truly fits your goals. Read the program information book before applying: it covers the duration, course list, thesis requirement, extra KOICA lectures during vacations and more.

Don't be afraid to try. If you are accepted, you gain a new adventure. If not, you gain new experience.