Korea Aerospace University (KAU) has been selected for the second consecutive year as the host institution for the Global Aviation Policy Fellowship program, sponsored by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) of the Republic of Korea.

Launched last year, the Global Aviation Policy Fellowship is an international cooperation program aimed at supporting the development of the aviation sector in developing countries that are members of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The program provides a specialized master’s degree in aviation policy for professionals from these countries.

With this second-year selection, KAU continues to play a central role in nurturing global aviation policy experts. The second cohort will run from August 2025 to December 2026, producing 25 aviation professionals from developing nations through KAU’s Graduate School, just as in the first year.

As Korea’s only specialized university dedicated to aerospace studies, KAU began operating the fellowship program in August 2024. The curriculum is designed to equip participants with the skills to analyze the aviation industry of their home countries—particularly those with underdeveloped aviation infrastructure and safety systems—and to develop tailored aviation policies and national master plans.

A key strength of the program lies in its case-based curriculum, which is built upon Korea’s own successful experiences in aviation development. Additionally, through a strong industry-academia partnership with Korea Airports Corporation, the program offers field training and internship opportunities during seasonal semesters, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in real-world settings upon returning to their home countries.

The program also includes two academic colloquiums, during which students receive guidance to develop research papers tailored to their country’s needs and professional interests. Participants are encouraged to take part in various international conferences and are offered opportunities to experience Korean culture, enhancing both academic and cross-cultural understanding.

Drawing on its experience operating the KOICA-KAU Master’s Program in Aviation from 2020 to 2023, which produced 74 aviation professionals from developing countries, KAU is well-positioned to ensure the continued success of the Global Aviation Policy Fellowship.

Beyond academic training, the fellowship aims to cultivate aviation leaders from developing countries who have a favorable view of Korea. In doing so, the program enhances awareness of Korea’s strengths in the aviation sector and expands the nation’s international influence in the global aviation industry.