If you are an intellectual property professional, government official, researcher, academic, or aspiring innovation leader from a developing country, this is an excellent opportunity to advance your career through a fully funded international master’s program.
The Master’s Degree Program in Intellectual Property and Development Policy (MIPD) is jointly organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) of the Republic of Korea, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) of the Republic of Korea, and the KDI School of Public Policy and Management in Sejong, Republic of Korea.
Designed for professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge of intellectual property and development policy, the program combines academic study with practical insights from leading international experts.
Why Apply?
Selected scholarship recipients receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Round-trip economy airfare
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend
Please note that visa costs are the responsibility of participants.
What You Will Study
The curriculum includes:
- International Intellectual Property Law and Development
- Introduction to Development Policy
- Copyright and Related Rights
- Trademarks, Designs and Geographical Indications
- Patents and Innovation
- Intellectual Property, Emerging Issues and Sustainable Development
- Korean Economic Development
- Intellectual Property Management and Practice
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should:
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English.
- Complete both the WIPO scholarship application and the KDI School admission application before the deadline.
A maximum of 30 students will be admitted, including both self-funded and scholarship-supported candidates.
Scholarship Eligibility
WIPO scholarships are awarded competitively to:
- Government officials
- Public sector professionals
- University faculty and academics
- Researchers and research institution staff
Applicants should be nationals of developing countries, least developed countries (LDCs), or countries in transition.
Application Process
To be considered for a WIPO scholarship, applicants must complete two separate applications:
- Submit the WIPO scholarship application through the WIPO Academy eLearning Center.
- Apply for admission directly through the KDI School online application system.
Applications will only be considered after both applications have been successfully submitted.
Documents Required for the KDI School Application
Applicants should prepare:
- Online application form
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Official diploma or graduation certificate
- Official academic transcripts (including grading system)
- English proficiency test results (TOEFL iBT, IELTS, OPIc, TEPS, or Duolingo)
- Employment verification or certificate
- Two recommendation letters
- Copy of passport
Applicants who pass the document review stage will later be required to submit authenticated hard-copy documents in accordance with KDI School requirements.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2026
- Final Admission Results: October 2026
- Online Preparatory Course (WIPO Academy): January 2027
- Residential Program at KDI School (Sejong, Republic of Korea): February–December 2027
Degree Award
Graduates will receive a Master’s Degree in Intellectual Property and Development Policy awarded by the KDI School on behalf of WIPO and the Ministry of Intellectual Property of the Republic of Korea.
Learn from International Experts
Courses are taught by distinguished faculty from the KDI School, intellectual property experts from WIPO and MOIP, visiting professors, and experienced practitioners with extensive expertise in intellectual property, innovation, and development policy.
Don’t Miss This Opportunity
Whether you work in government, academia, research, or innovation, this program offers an outstanding opportunity to develop advanced expertise in intellectual property while building an international professional network.
Applications for the WIPO Scholarship close on July 31, 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their application materials as early as possible to meet all submission requirements.
