Master’s in International Development and Cooperation – English-Taught at Ajou University

Prepare to engage thoughtfully with the challenges of international development. Ajou University’s Master of Arts in International Development Cooperation explores development policy, international assistance and social change through its Graduate School of International Studies. Academic courses are taught 100% in English, bringing together perspectives from different national and institutional contexts.

Build a postgraduate pathway around the issues that matter to you. Whether your interests lie in development agencies, public policy or further research, Asia Pathway can help you review the program, assess your eligibility and explore scholarship support.

Why choose this program at Ajou?

• Complete a master’s degree at Ajou University’s Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS).
• Study academic courses taught 100% in English.
• Join an international learning community in Suwon.
• Explore thesis and non-thesis routes, subject to the applicable academic requirements.
• Access scholarship opportunities assessed separately from standard tuition.

Program at a glance

Qualification: Master of Arts in International Development Cooperation.

Study length: Normally two years, with at least four enrolled semesters.

Credits: 36 credits, including the applicable required, elective, Korean Studies and research components.

Teaching language: Academic courses taught 100% in English.

Location: Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea.

Development knowledge with an international perspective

Connect economic and political approaches to development with the practical questions surrounding assistance programs. Explore how institutions, policy choices and project decisions influence outcomes for communities, with attention to sustainability and poverty reduction.

• Official Development Assistance: theory and practice
• Development strategies and comparative development
• Korea’s ODA and development experience
• Green development and poverty reduction
• ODA management and evaluation
• Development economics and development project management

Subjects shown illustrate the curriculum; individual electives and class offerings vary by semester.

Study structure and graduation

Choose a thesis or non-thesis route, subject to academic eligibility and university approval. Both require the relevant coursework and comprehensive examination; the thesis route also includes six research credits and a successful thesis defence.

Who is this program for?

This program suits graduates interested in international cooperation, development policy, social impact and the design or evaluation of assistance programs. It is an academic master’s degree, rather than a guaranteed employment placement with an international organisation.

Entry requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or an accepted equivalent. Final-semester undergraduate applicants may apply subject to providing their completed degree documents.
• IELTS 5.5 or an accepted TOEFL iBT equivalent. Specified nationality and degree-country exemptions may apply.
• A statement of purpose, degree certificate, official transcripts and two recommendation letters; at least one recommendation must be from an undergraduate professor.
• Passport and financial evidence, authenticated academic documents and notarised English translations where required.
• Completion of the application review and admission interview.

Tuition and scholarships

Estimated tuition per semester: USD 4,570 before scholarships.

One-time admission fee: approximately USD 670, payable in the first semester.

Application fee: approximately USD 75, separate from tuition and the admission fee.

Scholarships can help make your graduate study more accessible. Eligible incoming students may receive a 50% first-semester tuition waiver, while continuing-student awards offer 30%, 50%, 75% or 100% tuition reductions subject to academic performance, selection and university policy. The displayed tuition is the standard fee before any scholarship.

Budget separately for accommodation, meals, insurance, textbooks, travel and personal expenses.

USD amounts are rounded planning estimates. Ajou invoices fees in Korean won; exchange rates and university fees can change. Contact Asia Pathway for your current tuition quotation and scholarship assessment.

Career and research directions

Possible directions include development-project coordination, policy research, program evaluation and roles in NGOs, non-profit organisations, public agencies or development institutions. Your experience, language skills and employer-specific criteria remain important.

Life and learning in Suwon

Enjoy university life in Suwon, with access to campus libraries, dining facilities and on-campus residence options. Explore historic Hwaseong sites and Gwanggyo Lake Park, or plan trips to Seoul. Accommodation is booked separately and depends on room availability.

GSIS student life can include international events, specialist lectures and Korean buddy activities, alongside your academic study. Participation depends on the available schedule.

Apply with Asia Pathway

Asia Pathway can help you review the program against your academic background, organise your supporting documents, understand scholarship conditions and plan your study budget. We can also help you understand the application and student-visa documentation process.

Contact Asia Pathway for a personalised Ajou master’s consultation and your current semester-fee quotation.