South Korea KDI Scholarships 2027 Without Application Fee Open for Admissions
International students seeking a specialized master’s degree that bridges innovation, intellectual property, technology, and public policy now have a new opportunity to consider for the 2027 academic year. The KDI School of Public Policy and Management, in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), has released the pre-notice for admissions to the Master’s Program in Intellectual Property and Development Policy (MIPD) for Spring 2027.
The program is designed for future policymakers, government officials, legal professionals, innovation managers, researchers, and development practitioners who want to understand how intellectual property can drive economic growth, technological advancement, and sustainable development.
With international sponsorship support, specialized training, and access to one of Asia’s leading public policy graduate schools, the MIPD program stands out as one of the most unique master’s opportunities available in South Korea for 2027.
Why This Program Is Gaining Global Attention?
Around the world, governments and organizations are increasingly relying on intellectual property systems to encourage innovation, attract investment, support startups, and strengthen national competitiveness.
The MIPD program was created specifically to train professionals capable of designing and implementing effective intellectual property and innovation policies. Students gain interdisciplinary knowledge that combines economics, public policy, law, innovation management, and development studies.
The program is sponsored by WIPO and supported by Korean development institutions, providing participants with exposure to international best practices in intellectual property governance and innovation ecosystems.
KDI Scholarship Benefits and Program Advantages
Selected participants may benefit from a highly specialized international master’s education supported through the WIPO–KDI partnership framework.
Key advantages include:
- Study at KDI School, one of South Korea’s leading graduate institutions for public policy and development studies.
- Opportunity to learn from global experts in intellectual property and innovation policy.
- Internationally recognized curriculum developed with support from WIPO.
- Strong networking opportunities with policymakers, government officials, researchers, and innovation professionals.
- Exposure to Korean development experiences and innovation-driven economic growth models.
- Access to a globally diverse student community.
- Career development opportunities in government agencies, international organizations, research institutions, innovation agencies, and intellectual property offices.
About the MIPD Master’s Program
The Master’s Program in Intellectual Property and Development Policy (MIPD) is offered as a full-time graduate degree program. The curriculum is completed within approximately one year through three academic terms. Students must complete at least 36 academic credits, including a research project requirement.
Program Structure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree Program | Master’s Program in Intellectual Property and Development Policy (MIPD) |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Duration | Approximately 1 Year |
| Academic Terms | 3 Terms |
| Graduation Requirement | Minimum 36 Credits Including Research Project |
| Main Concentration | Intellectual Property and Innovation Policy |
Students may also pursue an optional second concentration depending on academic interests and program regulations.
Who Should Apply?
The program is particularly suitable for:
- Government officials involved in innovation policy.
- Intellectual property administrators.
- Patent office professionals.
- Researchers and academics.
- Technology transfer specialists.
- Legal professionals interested in IP policy.
- Startup ecosystem managers.
- Economic development practitioners.
- International organization professionals.
- Graduates interested in technology, innovation, and development policy.
Required Application Documents
Applicants will need to prepare the following materials:
| Document | Requirement |
| Online Application Form | Mandatory |
| Statement of Purpose | Mandatory |
| Bachelor’s Degree Diploma | English Version |
| Bachelor’s Academic Transcript | English Version |
| Two Recommendation Letters | Submitted Through System |
| English Proficiency Test Score | Required Unless Exempt |
| Employment Proof | Optional |
| Passport-sized Photograph | Required |
Applicants who already hold a master’s degree may additionally submit their master’s diploma and academic transcripts.
Accepted English Language Tests for 2027 Admission at KDI
The MIPD program at KDI accepts several internationally recognized English language qualifications.
| Test | Minimum Score |
| TOEFL iBT | 72 |
| IELTS (including Online) | 6.0 |
| OPIc | IM3 |
| TEPS | 286 |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 |
All English language test results must generally have been obtained within two years prior to the application deadline.
English Test Exemption
Applicants who completed a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in designated English-speaking countries may be exempt from submitting English language test scores. Eligible countries include:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- Malta
- Jamaica
- Barbados
- Bahamas
- Belize
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Antigua and Barbuda
- St. Kitts and Nevis.
How to Apply?
One important aspect of the MIPD admission process is that candidates must submit applications through both participating institutions.
Step 1: KDI School Application
Applicants must complete and submit the online application through the KDI School admission portal.
Step 2: WIPO Application Portal
Candidates must also submit the required application through the WIPO application system as instructed in the official admission guidelines.
Admission Timeline for Spring 2027 Intake
The admission cycle follows a structured timeline designed to allow international applicants sufficient preparation time.
The application period for the WIPO–KDI School MIPD Scholarship and Master’s Program opens on 1 June 2026 and closes on 31 July 2026. Document review will take place in August 2026, followed by interviews during September 2026. Final admission results are expected to be announced in mid-October 2026. Registration is scheduled between October and November 2026, while classes for the Spring 2027 intake will begin in early February 2027.
Why South Korea Is an Ideal Destination for Innovation Policy Studies?
South Korea’s transformation from a developing nation into one of the world’s most technologically advanced economies is frequently studied by policymakers globally. Through the MIPD program, students gain direct exposure to the policies, institutions, and innovation systems that helped shape this transformation.
The combination of WIPO expertise, KDI School’s policy education, and South Korea’s innovation ecosystem creates a learning environment rarely available elsewhere.
For professionals interested in intellectual property, innovation governance, technology policy, economic development, and public administration, the WIPO–KDI School MIPD Scholarship 2027 represents a unique opportunity to gain internationally relevant expertise while studying in one of Asia’s most dynamic knowledge economies.