Korea-Rwanda Government Scholarship 2026 Second Intake: Fully Funded Master's and PhD Opportunities in South Korea
The Higher Education Council (HEC) of Rwanda has officially announced the Korea-Rwanda Government Scholarship 2026 Second Intake. Through cooperation between the Government of Rwanda and the Republic of Korea, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is offering fully funded Master's and Doctoral degree scholarships for eligible applicants.
Although this call is being coordinated through the Higher Education Council (HEC) for Rwanda, the KOICA Scholarship Program is also open to applicants from 96 designated developing countries across Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Pacific, and Eastern Europe under the OECD DAC list.
This prestigious scholarship provides professionals and future leaders with an opportunity to study at top universities in South Korea while gaining world-class knowledge, international exposure, and leadership skills.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: South Korea
- Scholarship Provider: Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)
- Coordinating Institution in Rwanda: Higher Education Council (HEC)
Degree Levels:
- Master's Degree
- Doctoral Degree
- Intake: Second Intake 2026
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 24 June 2026
Eligible Countries
The KOICA Scholarship Program is open to applicants from 96 designated countries worldwide.
Africa (41 Countries)
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Rwanda, São Tomé and PrÃncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Asia (14 Countries)
Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Central and South America (18 Countries)
Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname.
Pacific Region (12 Countries)
Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Middle East, CIS and Eastern Europe (11 Countries)
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Palestine, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
Available Programs and Universities
Applicants are allowed to apply for only one program.
Master's Degree Programs
Handong Global University
- e-Government and Public Management
Incheon National University
- Capacity Building for Climate Change and Environment
KDI School of Public Policy and Management
- Economic Development Policy for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
Sungkyunkwan University
- e-Government and Public Management
Yonsei University
- Health Policy and Financing Capacity Building
Kyungpook National University
- High Value-added Agriculture
Pukyong National University
- Global Fisheries Development
University of Seoul
- AI Digital Innovation
Yonsei University
- Control of Infectious Disease
Yonsei University (MIRAE Campus)
- Digital Health
Yonsei University (MIRAE Campus)
- Social Economy
Doctoral Degree Programs
- High Value-added Agriculture (Kyungpook National University)
- Global Fisheries Development (Pukyong National University)
- AI Digital Innovation (University of Seoul)
- Control of Infectious Disease (Yonsei University)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of one of the designated countries eligible for the KOICA Scholarship Program.
Employment Status
- Applicants should be government employees or public-sector employees.
- Candidates must obtain official government nomination.
- Applicants should preferably have work experience related to their field of study.
Age Requirement
Applicants should preferably be below 40 years old as of February 1, 2026.
Academic Requirements
For Master's Degree
- Hold a Bachelor's degree by July 31, 2026.
- Preferably possess at least two years of professional experience.
For Doctoral Degree
- Hold a Master's degree by July 31, 2026.
- Preferably possess three years of work experience after obtaining the Master's degree.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must have sufficient proficiency in spoken and written English since all programs are conducted in English.
Health Requirements
Applicants must be physically and mentally fit. Persons with disabilities in good health are encouraged to apply.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full Tuition Fees: 100% tuition coverage.
- Round-Trip Airfare: Economy-class international tickets.
- Monthly Living Allowance: KRW 1,200,000 per month.
Settlement Allowance
- Master's Students: KRW 600,000
- Doctoral Students: KRW 1,200,000
Accommodation
University dormitory accommodation.
Health Insurance
National Health Insurance and private medical insurance.
Completion Grant
- Master's Degree: KRW 300,000
- Doctoral Degree: KRW 600,000
Additional Benefits
- Korean language training
- Workshops and field trips
- Extracurricular activities
- Academic support
Required Documents
Documents Required by HEC or Relevant Government Authority
- Application letter.
- Valid passport.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Passport-size photograph.
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- Employer recommendation letter.
KOICA Documents
- Completed KOICA Application Form.
- Official nomination from the government institution.
- Passport copy.
Selection Process
- Step 1: Submission of applications.
- Step 2: Interview conducted by the KOICA Office or Korean Embassy.
- Step 3:University document screening.
- Step 4: Medical examination and university interview.
- Step 5: Final selection and visa processing.
- Step 6: Arrival in South Korea in February 2027.
How to Apply
For Rwandan applicants, applications should be submitted online through the Higher Education Council Management Information System (HECMIS): https://hecmis.hec.gov.rw/
Applicants from other eligible countries should contact their respective KOICA Country Office or the Embassy of the Republic of Korea for application procedures.
Important Dates
- Announcement Date: 11 June 2026
- KOICA Information Session: 17 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 24 June 2026
- Arrival in South Korea: February 2027
The Korea-Rwanda Government Scholarship 2026 Second Intake is one of the most prestigious fully funded opportunities available for professionals from developing countries. Through KOICA, successful applicants will have access to leading South Korean universities, generous financial support, and the opportunity to contribute to the development of their home countries after graduation.
Eligible candidates from Rwanda and other designated countries are strongly encouraged to prepare their documents early and submit their applications before the deadline of 24 June 2026.