South Korea Sees 15% Surge In International Student Enrollment

The number of international students studying in South Korea has increased by 15% this year, as per the information shared during a meeting of the Minister of Education (MoE) on Wednesday. 

Study Korea 300K plan

According to Erudera reports, with 208,962 international students enrolled in the country, the Ministry of Education’s Study Korea 300K plan - aims to rank South Korea among the top 10 study destinations worldwide by 2027. 

Approximately, 210,000 international students are enrolled in Korean universities, a 25% rise from 2022 when the Study Korea 300 K plan was first put into place. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Ministry of Education Lee Ju-ho stated, “We also observed an increase in international students outside of the greater Seoul area as local governments actively sought to attract international talent.”

Local media sources state that the number has climbed by 25% from 2022 and by 15% in just a single year. The government’s initiatives and global appeal of South Korean culture were credited by the ministry for the overall improvement. 

Thirty percent of the 208,962 international students are enrolled in non-degree programs, while nearly seventy percent are pursuing degree programs. 

What are the various measures to draw international students?

South Korea has implemented various measures to draw in more foreign students, such as extending the work hours permitted to them, reducing the financial requirements, or allowing them to stay in the nation for a maximum of three years while searching for employment.

The previous year saw an increase in the number of part-time work hours for international students studying bachelor's degrees or language studies from 20 to 25 hours per week; master's students are permitted to work up to 35 hours per week. 

During weekends and holidays, international students are allowed to work an unlimited number of hours under the same policies that are essential to the Study Korea 300K Project.

Additionally, the financial threshold for students applying for D-2 student visas has been cut by the authorities from $20,000 to 20 million won, or roughly $15,400. Additionally, foreign students will be allowed to remain in the nation for up to three years in 2025 in order to hunt for work.