Eased Visa Screening and Scholarships for Certified South Korean Universities

South Korean Government Certifies Universities for Enhanced Internationalization

On 24 February, the South Korean government announced that 158 universities had been certified for their ability to manage international student programs, according to the Ministry of Education. These certified universities will benefit from eased visa screening, scholarship incentives, and priority participation in overseas education fairs. The certification system aims to enhance universities' internationalization efforts while addressing concerns about illegal stays by international students.

Reviews of universities are conducted annually. This year, 158 universities were certified for their degree programs, while 103 were certified for language training programs. This represented an increase of 24 and 23 institutions, respectively, compared to the previous year. Among the certified institutions, 27 universities were designated as top-tier for their internationalization efforts, including Hanyang University, Korea University, and Sookmyung Women's University.

The announcement also provided data on the number of international students who entered South Korea last year, which reached approximately 209,000, marking an increase of about 27,000 from the previous year. However, 11 institutions were reported to have failed to meet the government’s international student management standards. These universities will face stricter evaluations when admitting international students, particularly regarding language proficiency and financial standing.

The government emphasized that it would continue to monitor universities that admit international students to ensure better admissions management and to prevent potential issues related to violations of student visas. South Korea is enhancing its international education landscape while maintaining stringent standards for student management.

Editor's Note:

The recent certification of 158 South Korean universities for their international student programs marks a significant milestone in the nation's commitment to global education. These certifications not only recognize the institutions' ability to manage international students effectively but also highlight their dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment. Despite facing financial challenges, these universities continue to attract and nurture global talent, contributing to the vibrancy of South Korea's educational landscape. Furthermore, the government's proactive measures, such as easing visa screenings and providing scholarship incentives, underscore its support for internationalization efforts. As South Korea continues to enhance its higher education standards and international student management, the nation's universities are well-positioned to maintain their reputation as leaders in global education, ensuring the best possible outcomes for students worldwide. 

Skoobuzz recognizes the importance of these efforts and applauds the government's commitment to creating an environment that supports both international students and universities.