The KDI School MIPD Scholarship is a fully funded master’s scholarship jointly offered by the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). The scholarship supports international students who wish to pursue the Master in Intellectual Property and Development Policy (MIPD) at KDI School in Sejong, South Korea. Moreover, the program equips future policymakers and professionals with advanced knowledge of intellectual property law, innovation policy, and sustainable economic development. It prepares graduates to strengthen intellectual property systems and promote innovation in their home countries.
Background and Purpose
The Master in Intellectual Property and Development Policy is the world’s first master’s program dedicated exclusively to intellectual property and development policy. The program combines legal, economic, and public policy perspectives to examine how intellectual property systems promote innovation, technology transfer, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Students study international intellectual property law, innovation policy, patent systems, copyright, trademarks, development economics, and public policy. They also develop practical skills in policy analysis, institutional leadership, and strategic decision-making. The program prepares graduates to design effective intellectual property policies and support national and international development.
KDI School MIPD Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship covers the full cost of the program. It allows students to focus entirely on their academic and professional development. The scholarship provides a full tuition waiver, a monthly living stipend, furnished dormitory accommodation, round-trip airfare, a settlement allowance, and national health insurance. These benefits remove most financial barriers and provide comprehensive support throughout the program.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution. They must also meet the program’s English language proficiency requirements. The scholarship primarily targets government officials, public-sector professionals, university staff, researchers, and professionals working in intellectual property, innovation, technology, or economic development. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic ability, relevant professional experience, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to promoting development through intellectual property policy.
KDI School MIPD Scholarship Application Process
Applicants must submit separate applications through both the KDI School Online Application System and the WIPO Application Portal. They must also provide all required academic records, professional documents, and supporting materials requested by both organizations. The selection committee evaluates applicants based on academic qualifications, professional experience, leadership potential, and commitment to development through intellectual property policy. Applicants should prepare complete and well-organized applications before the published deadlines.
Opportunities for Scholars
The scholarship gives students an excellent opportunity to study intellectual property and public policy in an international academic environment. Scholars work with professionals, policymakers, researchers, and government officials from many countries. They also build strong international professional networks. The program strengthens their expertise in intellectual property, innovation, and development policy through research, practical training, and interdisciplinary learning. These experiences prepare graduates for leadership roles in government agencies, international organizations, universities, research institutions, legal practice, and innovation-focused industries. Graduates can apply their knowledge to support sustainable economic and social development.