KOICA Scholarship 2026 for Nepali Students (Eligibility, Interview, Benefits, Universities, Courses & Complete Guide)

Last updated: 8 June, 2026

The KOICA Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded Korean government scholarship for mid career government officials from developing countries including Nepal. It covers full tuition, monthly living stipend of approximately KRW 999,000 to KRW 1,200,000, round trip economy airfare, settlement allowance, campus dormitory accommodation, national health insurance, private medical insurance, Korean language training, and extracurricular activity funds. For Nepali government employees who want to pursue a master’s degree in Korea at zero personal cost, KOICA is one of the most comprehensive funding packages available.

KOICA stands for Korea International Cooperation Agency. Its scholarship program is officially called the CIAT Scholarship, which stands for Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow. The program’s purpose is to build human resources in developing partner countries by training government officials in development related fields and sending them back with advanced skills and Korean networks to implement policy improvements at home.

Nepal is an officially listed KOICA partner country and Nepali government officials have been receiving KOICA scholarships for many years. This guide covers everything a Nepali applicant needs to know about KOICA scholarship 2026 including eligibility, how to apply, required documents, benefits, universities and courses, the full selection timeline, interview preparation, and the official website and contacts.

For information on the GKS scholarship open to all Nepali students including non government employees, read our complete guide on GKS scholarship Nepal.

What Is the KOICA Scholarship?

KOICA is South Korea’s official development cooperation agency operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It manages Korea’s official development assistance to partner countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia. Nepal falls under the Asia category alongside Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam.

The KOICA Scholarship Program specifically targets public officials, government employees, and development sector professionals from these partner countries. It is not a general academic scholarship open to all students. It is a targeted capacity building program designed to train government personnel who will return home and implement development improvements in their own country using what they learned in Korea.

The program fields are specifically chosen to align with each partner country’s development priorities. For Nepal, programs relevant to public administration, fiscal policy, education leadership, gender equality, smart city management, and similar development themes are the core focus areas. This means KOICA is particularly strong for Nepali officials working in civil service, education, health policy, tax administration, infrastructure, and local governance.

KOICA scholarships are legitimate, government funded, and internationally recognized. The acceptance rate is competitive because of the government nomination requirement and development focus, but the program is fully genuine and has been operating for decades.

KOICA Scholarship 2026 Eligibility for Nepali Students

Eligibility for KOICA scholarship from Nepal requires meeting every condition listed below. Missing even one disqualifies the application.

Nationality

You must be a Nepali citizen. Only nationals of KOICA partner countries are eligible and Nepal qualifies.

Employment

You must currently be employed as a Nepal government official or public sector employee. KOICA scholarship is not open to private sector employees, self employed individuals, or students who are not currently in public service. All applicants must be officially nominated by their government ministry or department. A nomination letter from the relevant ministry or agency is a mandatory document.

Age

Preferably under 40 years of age at the time the program starts. Some flexibility exists depending on the program and the university, but 40 is the widely cited upper limit across all official guidelines.

Education

For master’s programs, a completed bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is required. For PhD programs where available, a completed master’s degree is required. Applicants who are finishing their final semester may apply with a certificate of expected graduation, but the degree must be fully completed before enrollment.

Academic record

A good academic background is expected. The official guideline references top 30 percent of graduating class as the general academic standard. No single fixed GPA cutoff is published at the KOICA level because each participating university sets its own academic threshold for the university round. Strong academic performance in your bachelor’s degree is expected across all programs.

Work experience

At least 2 years of relevant professional experience is preferred for master’s programs. At least 3 years of experience is preferred for PhD programs. Experience directly related to the chosen study field adds significant weight to the application.

Health

You must be in good mental and physical health and capable of studying abroad for the duration of the program. Individuals with severe health conditions that would prevent full participation are not eligible.

English proficiency

Courses are conducted in English. Strong English skills are expected by all participating universities. While KOICA does not mandate a specific TOEFL or IELTS score at the initial nomination stage, universities require language proof at the university round stage. Some universities may require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80 or above. Preparing English test scores in advance is strongly advisable.

Government nomination

This is the most critical eligibility condition. No application is accepted without official government nomination. The nomination process in Nepal is managed by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, known as MoFAGA, alongside relevant line ministries. The ministry reviews eligible candidates, sends a nomination letter to KOICA Nepal, and forwards the application package. Without the ministry nomination, the application cannot proceed regardless of how strong the academic and professional profile is.

Previous scholarship restriction

Individuals who have already received a Korean government degree scholarship including GKS or a previous KOICA scholarship for a completed degree are generally not eligible to apply for another Korean government degree scholarship. Individuals who were previously KOICA scholars and had their scholarship cancelled after enrollment are specifically listed as ineligible.

KOICA Scholarship 2026 Programs and Universities

KOICA operates scholarship programs at a carefully selected group of Korean universities. Each university hosts one or more specific programs aligned with development themes. Applicants choose one program and apply to the associated university.

For the 2026, 1 cycle, the confirmed programs based on the most recent published information are as follows.

Ewha Womans University

• Master’s program in Gender Equality
• Focuses on gender equality and women’s empowerment
• Covers gender mainstreaming in policy and development
• Emphasizes gender-responsive governance
• Relevant for women’s affairs and social protection professionals
• Suitable for Nepali officials working in gender equity policy

Ewha Womans University hosts a master’s program in Gender Equality. This program focuses on gender mainstreaming in policy, women’s empowerment in development contexts, and gender responsive governance. It is particularly relevant for Nepali officials working in gender equity policy, women’s affairs, and social protection programs.

Hanyang University

• Master’s in Smart City Management & Technology
• Focus on smart urban planning and digital cities
• Smart infrastructure and data-driven governance
• Urban planning and local government focus
• Relevant for digital transformation professionals

Hanyang University hosts a master’s program in Smart City Management and Technology. This covers urban planning with digital technology integration, smart infrastructure, data driven city management, and related fields. It is relevant for officials in urban planning, infrastructure, local government, and digital transformation.

Korea National University of Education

• Master’s in Global Education Leadership
• Focus on education policy and reform
• Covers school management and curriculum development
• Emphasizes leadership in education systems
• Relevant for education officials and administrators

Korea National University of Education hosts a master’s program in Global Education Leadership. This focuses on education policy, school management, curriculum development, and educational reform. It is directly relevant for officials in Nepal’s Ministry of Education, school administrators, and education policy professionals.

Korea University

• Master’s in Tax and Fiscal Policy
• Covers taxation systems and public finance
• Focus on fiscal management and revenue administration
• Relevant for finance and tax policy officials
• Suitable for Nepal’s government fiscal bodies

Korea University hosts a master’s program in Tax and Fiscal Policy. This covers taxation systems, fiscal management, public finance, and revenue administration. It is relevant for officials in Nepal’s Inland Revenue Department, Ministry of Finance, and fiscal policy bodies.

Seoul National University

• Master’s in Public Management & Administrative Reform
• Covers public administration and governance theory
• Focus on government reform and institutional analysis
• Emphasizes public sector efficiency and policy implementation
• Relevant for civil servants across ministries and government levels

Seoul National University hosts a master’s program in Public Management and Administrative Reform. This is the flagship program for civil servants covering public administration theory, government reform, institutional analysis, and public sector efficiency. It is relevant for civil servants across all ministries and government levels in Nepal.

KOICA Partner Universities & Programs

• KDI School of Public Policy and Management, economic development policy focus
• Handong Global University, e-government and public management
• Yonsei University, health policy and health systems
• Incheon National University, climate change and environmental management
• KAIST, technology and innovation policy tracks
• 2026 Batch 2 list to be published via KOICA Nepal and official portal
• Programs vary by cycle and institutions
• Check koica.go.kr for official updates

Additional programs have been offered in previous cycles through other institutions including KDI School of Public Policy and Management for economic development policy, Handong Global University for e-government and public management, Yonsei University for health policy, Incheon National University for climate change management, and KAIST for technology and innovation related tracks. The full confirmed list for 2026, 2 batch will be published through KOICA Nepal and the official KOICA CIAT portal. Checking the official site directly at koica.go.kr for the 2026 program announcement is essential since the list changes between cycles.

Most programs run approximately 17 to 24 months including orientation and language preparation. PhD programs where available run approximately 3 years.

KOICA Scholarship 2026 Benefits

KOICA scholarship is fully funded with no tuition or living costs to be paid by the scholar. The complete package covers the following.

• Full tuition fee covered by KOICA
• Monthly stipend (~KRW 999,000–1,200,000) for living expenses
• Round-trip economy airfare (Kathmandu to Korea)
• One-time settlement allowance (~KRW 600,000) on arrival
• Campus dormitory or housing support provided
• National health insurance + supplementary coverage
• Korean language training and cultural orientation
• Research, thesis, and academic activity support funds
• Extracurricular and study visit funding included
• Completion grant awarded after graduation
• One of the most comprehensive scholarships for Nepali government officials
• Total value estimated at USD 30,000–40,000 per program duration

Full tuition fees paid directly by KOICA to the host university for the entire program duration. Scholars pay nothing for their academic program.

Monthly stipend of approximately KRW 999,000 to KRW 1,200,000 depending on the cycle and program. This amount is sufficient to cover food, transport, and daily expenses in Korean cities, particularly when combined with campus dormitory accommodation.

Round trip economy class airfare between Kathmandu and Korea. One ticket is provided for arrival and one for departure after completing the program.

Settlement allowance of approximately KRW 600,000 paid once upon arrival to cover initial setup expenses including a local SIM card, transport cards, and initial supplies.

Campus dormitory accommodation or accommodation allowance provided for the duration of the program. Dormitory housing on campus is the most common arrangement and significantly reduces the cost of living compared to private rental.

National health insurance coverage for the full program period. Private medical insurance supplementary coverage is also provided.

Korean language training and cultural orientation program provided before or during the initial period of study to help scholars adapt to Korean academic and social environments.

Research and thesis support funds for attending conferences, field visits, workshops, and other academic activities connected to the study program.

Extracurricular activity fund covering cultural programs, study visits, and community activities organized by KOICA during the scholarship period.

Completion grant provided upon successful graduation from the program.

This package makes KOICA one of the most complete development scholarships available to Nepali government employees. The total financial value of the package over a typical 17 to 24 month program easily exceeds USD 30,000 to USD 40,000.

How to Apply for KOICA Scholarship 2026 from Nepal

The KOICA application process has two distinct rounds. Understanding the sequence is critical because each round has its own requirements and timing.

Round 1 is the KOICA Round managed in Nepal. This is where the government nomination and initial document screening happen.

Step 1: KOICA Application

• Check official announcement via KOICA Nepal Office & MoFAGA
• 2026 1st cycle announced in late November 2025
• Monitor 2026 2nd batch updates from same official channels
• KOICA Nepal Office (Korean Embassy, Ravibhawan, Kathmandu)
• Contact: 01-5370172 | konepemb@mofa.go.kr

The first step is checking the official announcement through KOICA Nepal Office and Nepal’s MoFAGA. The 2026, 1 cycle was announced in late November 2025. Watch for the 2026, 2 batch announcement through the same channels. The KOICA Nepal Office can be contacted through the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu at Ravibhawan, telephone number 01-5370172, email konepemb@mofa.go.kr.

Step 2: KOICA Application

• Get ministry/department nomination
• Coordinate with HR and supervisors early
• MoFAGA handles government nominations in Nepal
• Official endorsement and nomination letter required
• Start internal process well before deadline

The second step is securing your ministry or department nomination. Speak with your HR department, supervisors, and relevant ministry officials early. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration coordinates government nominations in Nepal. Your own ministry must formally endorse you and submit a nomination letter. This internal process takes time and should be started well before the public deadline.

Step 3: KOICA Application

• Prepare full KOICA application package
• Complete application form accurately
• Gather all required documents (as listed in guidelines)
• Download form from KOICA Nepal Office or KOICA CIAT website
• Some applications submitted via official online portal

The third step is preparing your KOICA application package. Full details of required documents are in the documents section below. Fill the KOICA application form accurately and completely. The KOICA scholarship application form is available from the KOICA Nepal Office and the official KOICA CIAT website. Some sources refer to an online application system accessible at the official portal.

Step 4: Application Submission

• Submit full application via ministry HR department
• Forward to KOICA Nepal or Korean Embassy
• Ensure all documents are complete and bundled
• Incomplete applications are returned

The fourth step is submitting the complete application package through your ministry’s human resources department to KOICA Nepal or the Korean Embassy. All documents must be submitted together as a complete set. Incomplete packages are returned.

Step 5: KOICA Interview

• On site interview at Korean Embassy or KOICA Nepal Office
• Assesses motivation and professional background
• Evaluates English communication skills
• Checks alignment with development goals
• Confirms commitment to return to Nepal after study

The fifth step is the KOICA interview. Shortlisted candidates are called for an on site interview at the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu or the KOICA Nepal Office. This interview assesses motivation, professional background, English language ability, alignment with development goals, and commitment to return to Nepal after completing the program. Preparation for this interview is covered in detail below.

University Round (Round 2)

• Application forwarded to partner university after KOICA interview
• University conducts document screening
• May include interview or written test
• Local medical check required
• Final selection confirmed by KOICA
• Successful candidates proceed to visa and departure process

Round 2 is the University Round. Candidates who pass the KOICA interview have their applications forwarded to the partner university they applied to. The university conducts its own document screening, may hold a separate interview or written test, and conducts a local medical check. Final admission decisions come through KOICA. Scholars receive their final scholarship offer and proceed to visa formalities and departure.

Required Documents for KOICA Scholarship Application

The following documents are required for the KOICA round application from Nepal. Some universities add specific requirements at the university round stage.

• KOICA application form (fully completed)
• Government nomination letter (official seal & signature)
• Statement of purpose (study + career plan)
• Study plan (academic goals & relevance to job)
• CV highlighting public service experience
• Official academic transcripts (certified)
• Bachelor’s degree certificate/diploma
• Two recommendation letters
• Passport copy (valid ≥ 6 months)
• Recent passport-size photos
• Employment certificate from government office
• Health certificate (incl. TB test if required)
• English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL if available)
• Certified English translations of Nepali documents
• All details must be consistent across documents

Completed KOICA scholarship application form in full with no blank fields. Download from the official KOICA CIAT website.

Official government nomination letter from your employing ministry or department on official letterhead with signature and seal.

Personal statement or statement of purpose explaining your professional background, the specific program you are applying to, how the study will contribute to Nepal’s development, and your concrete plans to apply what you learn after returning home.

Study plan detailing what you intend to research or study during the program, specific academic goals, and how the program connects to your current professional responsibilities.

Curriculum vitae documenting professional experience, academic qualifications, training received, and any relevant publications or projects. Emphasis should be on public service experience and development related work.

Academic transcripts from your bachelor’s degree and any other relevant academic qualifications. All transcripts must be official and certified.

Degree certificate or diploma confirming you have completed the required level of education. For master’s applicants, this is your bachelor’s degree certificate.

Two letters of recommendation from supervisors, professors, or senior government officials who can speak specifically to your professional performance and development potential.

Copy of passport showing personal information page with at least six months of validity.

Recent passport sized photographs as specified in the application guidelines.

Certificate of employment from your current government employer confirming your position, department, and years of service.

Health certificate confirming you are physically and mentally fit to study abroad. A tuberculosis test result may be required specifically for Nepali applicants.

English language test scores if available. TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores should be included even if not mandated at the KOICA round, since universities will require them at the university round.

All documents in Nepali must have certified English translations. All academic certificates must be certified by the relevant issuing institution. Official seal and signature are required on all institutional documents.

Consistent information across all submitted documents is critical. Any discrepancy in name spelling, dates, or institutional details across documents causes delays or rejections.

KOICA Scholarship 2026 Deadline and Timeline

KOICA scholarship operates on a batch system with multiple cycles per year. The deadlines are country specific and managed through KOICA Nepal and the Korean Embassy.

KOICA 2026 Batch 1 Timeline

• Announcement published: late Nov 2025
• Orientation webinar: Dec 12, 2025
• Nomination & submission: Dec 2025 – Jan 2026
• KOICA interview: Jan – Feb 2026
• University screening: Feb – Mar 2026
• Final results: Mar – Apr 2026
• Departure to Korea: before Aug – Sep 2026 semester

For the 2026, 1 batch, the KOICA Nepal announcement was published in late November 2025. An orientation webinar was held December 12, 2025. Based on neighboring country timelines, the nomination and submission deadline for Nepal was approximately December 2025 to January 2026. KOICA interviews at the embassy were expected January to February 2026. University round screening ran February to March 2026. Final scholarship results were announced approximately March to April 2026. Scholars departed for Korea before the fall semester starting August to September 2026.

KOICA 2026 Batch 2 Timeline

• Pre notice circulated in mid 2026
• Official announcement expected mid late 2026
• Submission deadline likely in late 2026 (2nd half)
• Watch KOICA Nepal & MoFAGA updates
• Check Ministry of Finance and official KOICA channels regularly

For the 2026, 2 batch, a pre notice has circulated as of mid 2026. The announcement for Batch 2 is expected to be published through KOICA Nepal and MoFAGA in mid to late 2026 with a submission deadline likely in the second half of 2026. Watch the KOICA Nepal Office announcements and the Ministry of Finance and MoFAGA websites for the official 2026, 2 call.

KOICA Selection Timeline

• Application to departure: ~4–6 months
• Scholarship announcement to departure: ~6–9 months

The total selection process from application submission to departure typically spans 4 to 6 months. From the point of scholarship announcement to departure is approximately 6 to 9 months.

KOICA Preparation Advice

• Start preparation before official announcement
• Secure ministry nomination early
• Prepare documents in advance
• Improve English skills beforehand
• Government nomination process takes longer than expected

Practical preparation advice, do not wait for the official announcement to begin preparation. Secure your ministry nomination endorsement, prepare your documents, and strengthen your English before the call is published. The nomination process through government channels takes longer than most applicants expect.

KOICA Scholarship Interview Questions and Tips

The KOICA interview at the Korean Embassy or KOICA Nepal Office is the most important stage of the selection process. It determines whether your application advances to the university round. Interviews are conducted in English and typically run 20 to 40 minutes with 2 to 4 interviewers.

Common KOICA scholarship interview questions cover the following areas.

• Why do you want this scholarship and program?
• What is your professional background and development experience?
• What study plan have you prepared for this program?
• How will you apply your learning after returning to Nepal?
• How does your program relate to Nepal’s development priorities?
• What do you know about KOICA and Korea’s development work?
• Can you describe a leadership experience from your work?
• How do you handle challenges or difficult decisions at work?
• How do you work in a team environment?
• Explain your English communication ability and background
• Why should KOICA select you over other candidates?

KOICA Interview Preparation Guide

Why do you want this scholarship? The interviewers want to understand your motivation specifically for KOICA and specifically for the program you chose. A genuine connection between your professional background and the study program is essential. Generic answers about wanting to study in Korea are not effective.

What is your professional background and what development challenges have you faced? This is where your public service experience, specific projects you worked on, and real challenges in Nepal’s development landscape become the substance of your answer. Concrete examples from your professional career are more persuasive than abstract descriptions.

What is your study plan and how will you use it after returning to Nepal? Interviewers evaluate whether your study plan is specific, realistic, and genuinely connected to Nepal’s needs. Name actual policy areas, programs, or institutional challenges you plan to address. The commitment to return and contribute is central to KOICA’s mission and must be clearly communicated.

How does your chosen program connect to Nepal’s development priorities? Demonstrate awareness of Nepal’s development agenda including the five year plan, sector policies, and relevant ministries. Show that your field of study is not just personally interesting but strategically relevant.

What do you know about KOICA and Korea’s development cooperation work? Basic knowledge of KOICA’s role, Korea’s development success story, and the bilateral Nepal Korea relationship shows genuine engagement with the program’s purpose.

Behavioral questions about leadership, teamwork, handling challenges, and decision making in professional contexts are common. Prepare specific examples from your work experience using a situation action result structure.

English language ability is assessed throughout. Speaking clearly and confidently is as important as what you say. Practice speaking about your professional background in English with a colleague or mentor before the interview.

Practical preparation tips, Research your chosen university and program specifically. Know the faculty, the curriculum, and recent research from the program. Visit the KOICA official website and read its annual reports and program descriptions. Prepare concrete plans for what you will do when you return to Nepal with your Korean master’s degree. Have someone review your documents and give you mock interview practice.

KOICA Master’s Scholarship 2026

The master’s degree is the primary focus of the KOICA Scholarship Program. Most KOICA programs are master’s level and run approximately 17 to 24 months. The master’s programs cover development related fields as described in the universities section above.

Master’s applicants must have a completed bachelor’s degree. The academic standard expected is top 30 percent of graduating class in the bachelor’s. At least 2 years of professional experience in a relevant field is preferred. English proficiency is required as all programs are conducted in English.

The master’s scholarship covers the full package of tuition, stipend, airfare, accommodation, health insurance, and all allowances described in the benefits section. The program period includes an initial orientation and Korean language training phase before the academic program begins, which helps scholars adjust before coursework starts.

Graduate credits are transferable in some cases depending on the university and home institution arrangements. Scholars who perform exceptionally may present conference papers or co author research with Korean faculty during the program.

KOICA PhD Scholarship 2026

PhD level KOICA scholarships are available in some cycles but in significantly smaller numbers than master’s programs. PhD programs run approximately 3 to 4 years including orientation.

For PhD programs, applicants must have a completed master’s degree. At least 3 years of relevant professional experience is preferred. A stronger research background, research proposal, and academic record are expected compared to master’s applicants.

The PhD scholarship package covers the same components as the master’s package. The monthly stipend continues for the longer doctoral duration.

PhD availability under KOICA is program specific and not guaranteed every cycle. Check the official KOICA CIAT portal for which doctoral programs are announced in each batch. Not all partner universities offer doctoral tracks and the programs offered change between 2026, 1 and 2026, 2 cycles.

KOICA (Bachelor’s) Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

The standard KOICA Scholarship Program does not cover undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs. KOICA’s core mission is capacity building for midcareer government professionals, which means the target academic level is master’s and doctoral programs.

Some related KOICA initiatives including shorter training programs, technical courses, and specialized workshops do accept participants at bachelor’s degree or non degree professional levels. These are distinct from the main KOICA Scholarship Program and are advertised separately.

Nepali students who want government funded bachelor’s degree scholarships in Korea should instead explore the GKS scholarship, which has a dedicated undergraduate track. For complete information on GKS undergraduate eligibility from Nepal, read our guide on GKS scholarship Nepal.

Official Website and Key Contacts

The official KOICA CIAT scholarship portal is the primary source for application guidelines, program lists, forms, and deadlines. The URL is koica.go.kr/ciat/index.do and the scholarship program section is accessible at koica.go.kr/ciat/7815/subview.do. All official guidelines, PDF application forms, and program information documents are published here.

For Nepal specific inquiries including current batch deadlines and government nomination procedures, contact KOICA Nepal Office through the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu. Address, Ravibhawan, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. Telephone 01-5370172. Email: konepemb@mofa.go.kr. KOICA scholarship program email for general inquiries: koica.sp@koworks.org.

Nepal’s Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration manages the government nomination process on the Nepali government side. Check MoFAGA’s official website and notice board for official calls for KOICA nominations. Line ministries including Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and others publish internal nomination calls for their own staff separately.

The KOICA Nepal Alumni Network known as KAAN brings together Nepali KOICA graduates. Connecting with KAAN members provides firsthand insights into the application experience and post scholarship career impact that no official guide can fully replicate.

Read our Study in South Korea guide for detailed information on admission requirements, student visa process, tuition fees, living costs, scholarships, and other essential details for studying in Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions About KOICA Scholarship 2026