The Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the World Bank are pleased to invite outstanding current/former students and academic staff from World Bank Partner Universities in Africa to apply for the WB-ROK Scholarship Program, as part of the 2025 Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees (GKS-G) program.

2025 WB-ROK Scholarship

Program Overview

The Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the World Bank are pleased to invite outstanding current/former students and academic staff from World Bank Partner Universities in Africa to apply for the WB-ROK Scholarship Program, as part of the 2025 Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees (GKS-G) program. Fifty (50) selected recipient scholars will have the opportunity to pursue graduate studies in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) at leading universities with cutting-edge research facilities and dynamic academic environments. This fully funded program fosters future leaders who will contribute to sustainable development in Africa while promoting inclusive and innovative higher education systems in the countries through strengthened inter-university cooperation and expanded student opportunities.

Scholarship program

The WB-ROK Scholarship Program offers scholars the opportunity to pursue graduate studies at one of 74 renowned higher education institutions in the Republic of Korea (ROK) in diverse fields, including Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Applied Sciences, Engineering, Arts, Entertainment and Sports, Medicine, and more.

The program includes:

• Master’s Program: 1 year of Korean language training + 2 years of degree program
• Doctoral Program: 1 year of Korean language training + 3 years of degree program

For more details on participating universities and programs, please refer to the university information file in the call for scholarship page at GKS website.  

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition coverage for the duration of the degree program
• Stipend to support living expenses during both the language training and degree program
• Full coverage of Korean language training fees during the language program
• Round-trip airfare between the scholar’s home country and the Republic of Korea (ROK)

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should follow these steps to apply:

1. Check eligibility criteria for the scholarship.
2. Select one (1) applicable university degree program from the university list and review each university’s specific requirements (deadlines and requirements may vary by university).
3. Prepare and submit the required documents, including a recommendation letter from the World Bank partner university, directly to the university by its designated deadline. (Applicants are responsible for all related application fees, including postage as needed. Contact select universities directly with questions about fees.)
4. Selection process: The ROK universities and the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) will review applications and announce the selected scholars.

For detailed information about the program, please refer to the attached PPT and visit GKS website: https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/scholarship/Gks1Notice.do#

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding requirements, documents, and eligibility, please contact: gksniied@korea.kr

For inquiries regarding the WB-ROK Scholarship – recommendation letter and its procedure, please contact: gkim3@worldbank.org, rbassett@worldbank.org

Attachments:

1. WB-ROK scholarship PPT
2. Recommendation Letter Template (Substituting Form 5 of the Application Forms)
3. ROK Universities submission deadlines and notices