Program Overview
Program Overview
Program Title
KOICA-SNU Master’s Degree Program in Energy Policy
Duration
- Academic duration: September, 2025 – February, 2027 (19 months)
In accordance with university regulations, diplomas will be issued in February 2027.- Pre-Course (Online): August 15, 2025 – September 7, 2025
- Regular-Course (Offline): September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2027
- Stay duration: August 28, 2025 – December 31, 2026 (Approx. 17 months of study in Korea)
Students must complete their thesis within the 17 month study period. - The schedule is subject to change in accordance with internal circumstance or KOICA’s Instruction.
Degree
Master of International Studies (International Development)
Objectives
(Program Objectives) This program aims to train leaders in the field of energy policy to lead political, cultural, and institutional changes in national development by applying an energy perspective. With a focus on energy and environmental policy making, the program aims to train capable leaders in order to strengthen the organizational and institutional capabilities of relevant government departments or institutions that establish energy and environmental policies, and contribute to the socioeconomic development of partner countries. By sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences of Korea’s energy policy field with energy practitioners and managers in developing countries, the program intends to support individual capacity building as well as foster the ability to benchmark related excellent energy policies. This program aims to educate future-oriented energy policy experts who can formulate, implement, and evaluate policies pursuing sustainable growth based on critical and logical thinking.
(Expected Outcomes) The program will cultivate expertise and leadership in establishing, implementing, and evaluating national policies in the energy and environment fields. In turn, the capabilities of individuals and organizations responsible for practical affairs and policy making in the fields of energy, resources, and environment will be strengthened, thereby contributing to the establishment of institutions and policies pertaining to energy and environment in partner countries. By fostering leaders in the fields of energy policy, the program will enable the achievement of sustainable socioeconomic development of partner countries.
Training Institute
Number of Participants
15
University Admission Qualification
- Applicants who meet the qualifications of KOICA scholarship Program
- Must be in good physical and mental health to complete the program (*Note: Tuberculosis, or any kind of contagious disease are regarded as disqualifying conditions)
- Public officials or public sector workers
- Applicants who are associated with government ministries, public institutions or other ministries related to external relations and all sub-agencies of the related ministries and agencies. ‘Public sector workers’ refer to those who are currently employed in state-run institutions such as state-run enterprises/banks/laboratories/national public schools.
- Preference for applicants with 3 or more years of international experience or on-field experience
- Preference for applicants who have attended seminars related to energy/environment policy
Language
English proficiency that requires no translation
Accommodations
Seoul National University Dormitory (SNU Gwanak Residence Halls, Gwanaksa):
This dormitory is located within walking distance to GSIS on the Seoul National University campus.
- Double occupancy: 2 people per room
- Each room is furnished with two beds, two sets of desks and cabinets, a LAN port, an air conditioner and a shower booth.
- Communal Area (Shared): Kitchen, Reading Room, Laundry and Drying Room and Lounge
- Halal food is NOT offered in the dormitory cafeteria.
CURRICULUM
Credits required to complete Master’s Program: 30 credits (3 credits per course)
| Type | Course Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Preparatory Session (non-credit) |
| |
| 2025 Fall 4 courses (9 credits) | Required |
|
| 2025 Winter 2 course (6 credits) | Required |
|
| Electives |
| |
| 2026 Spring 4 courses (9 credits) | Required |
|
| Electives |
| |
| 2026 Summer | Electives |
|
| 2026 Fall 2 courses (6 credits) | Required |
|
| Electives |
|
* The above curriculum is subject to change.
** A detailed Program Schedule will be provided upon arrival.
Graduation Requirements
- A minimum of 30 credits is required for graduation. GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.3 is required.
- Students must take the following 3 required courses:
- Research Methodology and Skills
- Understanding International Development
- Dissertation Research (Students must take “Dissertation Research“ in their 3th Semester)
- Students must take at least 3 courses (9 credits) in their GSIS major program.
- Korean courses are mandatory (non-credit courses). Even though Korean classes are shown as 3-credit courses when you register for them during a semester, they will not be included in your overall GPA calculation.
- Students can take undergraduate courses within 6 credits. However, students should seek advice from the Program Advisory Professor first, and then obtain approval from academic associate dean before registering for undergraduate courses.
- Credits earned from other graduate schools are accepted up to 9 credits, including 6 credits from undergraduate programs.
