Applications Open for the 2027 WIPO–KDI School Master’s Program in Intellectual Property and Development Policy @KDI School Master’s Program in Intellectual Property and Development Policy

Aspiring professionals interested in intellectual property, innovation, and development policy now have an exciting opportunity to advance their academic and professional careers through the 2027 Master’s Program in Intellectual Property and Development Policy (MIPD). Sponsored by the World Intellectual Property Organization and KDI School of Public Policy and Management, the programme equips future leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to address global intellectual property and innovation challenges.

The full-time master’s programme combines rigorous academic training with practical policy perspectives, preparing graduates to contribute to economic development, innovation ecosystems, and intellectual property governance worldwide.

About the MIPD Programme

The Master’s Program in Intellectual Property and Development Policy (MIPD) is designed for professionals and graduates seeking advanced expertise in intellectual property systems and their role in economic and social development.

Programme Highlights

• Programme Type: Full-time Master’s Degree
• Duration: Approximately one year
• Academic Structure: Three academic terms
• Graduation Requirement: Minimum of 36 credits
• Includes a mandatory research project

The programme offers specialized academic training while exposing students to contemporary policy issues surrounding innovation, technology transfer, intellectual property rights, and sustainable development.

Academic Concentrations

Students enrolled in the MIPD programme will pursue a primary concentration in:

Intellectual Property and Innovation Policy

This concentration focuses on:

• Intellectual property systems and governance
• Innovation policy frameworks
• Technology and economic development
• Knowledge management
• Intellectual property commercialization
• Global innovation ecosystems

Students may also pursue a second concentration, depending on programme regulations and academic interests.

Why Study Intellectual Property and Development Policy?

Intellectual property plays a critical role in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. As countries increasingly invest in knowledge-based economies, there is growing demand for professionals who understand how intellectual property policies can support development objectives.

Graduates of the programme may pursue careers in:

• Government ministries and regulatory agencies
• International organizations
• Intellectual property offices
• Research institutions
• Innovation and technology policy organizations
• Legal and consulting firms
• Academic institutions
• Development organizations

Application Period for Spring 2027 Intake

Prospective applicants should note the official application timeline for the Spring 2027 intake.

Application Opens: 1 June 2026, 09:00 KST

Application Closes: 31 July 2026, 18:00 KST

Applicants are encouraged to prepare all required documents well in advance to avoid delays during the submission process.

How to Apply

Candidates must complete applications through both sponsoring institutions.

Step 1: Submit Application to KDI School

Applicants must complete the online application through the KDI School application system.

Step 2: Submit Application Through WIPO

Candidates must also submit their application through the World Intellectual Property Organization application portal.

Applications are only considered complete when submissions have been made to both institutions.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must provide the following documentation:

• Completed online application form
• Online Statement of Purpose
• Bachelor’s degree diploma (English version)
• Bachelor’s academic transcript (English version)
• Two letters of recommendation
• English proficiency test results (if applicable)
• Passport-style photograph
• Proof of employment (optional)

Applicants who already possess a master’s degree should also submit:

• Master’s diploma
• Master’s academic transcripts

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose previous education was not completed in designated English-speaking countries must submit valid English proficiency scores.

Minimum accepted scores include:

Test	Minimum Score
TOEFL iBT	72
IELTS	6.0
OPIc	IM3
TEPS	286
Duolingo English Test	100

English proficiency test results must generally be issued within two years of the application deadline.

English Test Exemptions

Applicants who obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification from designated English-speaking countries are automatically exempt from submitting English proficiency test scores.

Eligible countries include:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Barbados
• Bahamas
• Belize
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Malta
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominica
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Admission Timeline

The admission process follows a structured schedule designed to assess candidates comprehensively.

Key Dates

Application Period

• June 1 – July 31, 2026

Document Review

• August 2026

Interview Stage

• September 2026

Document Review Results

• September 2026

Final Admission Results

• Mid-October 2026

Registration Period

• October to November 2026

Programme Commencement

• Early February 2027

Applicants should note that interview sessions may be conducted online through Zoom.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The programme seeks motivated individuals who demonstrate:

• Strong academic performance
• Interest in intellectual property policy
• Passion for innovation and development
• Research and analytical skills
• Leadership potential
• Commitment to public policy and sustainable development

Professionals working in government, academia, legal sectors, innovation agencies, and development institutions may particularly benefit from the programme’s multidisciplinary approach.

Global Career Opportunities After Graduation

Graduates of the MIPD programme gain specialized expertise highly valued in international and national policy environments. The programme provides a foundation for careers focused on innovation-driven growth, technology governance, intellectual property management, and sustainable economic development.

The partnership between World Intellectual Property Organization and KDI School of Public Policy and Management offers students exposure to global best practices and international policy discussions shaping the future of innovation and development.

Contact Information

For questions regarding admissions and programme requirements, applicants can contact the admissions team directly via:

Email: mipdadm@kdischool.ac.kr

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.