Full Implementation of Free High School Education This Year... Saving 1.6 Million Won Annually

Expansion of Free Education to All High School Students from New Semester
Government Covers Admission Fees, Tuition, School Operation Costs, and Textbook Expenses

On the 19th, students are attending school at Gyeongbok High School in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where the nationwide school attendance limit has been eased to within two-thirds. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Starting from the new semester, all high school students will receive free education.

On the 28th, the Ministry of Education announced that from the new semester, the government will support entrance fees, tuition fees, school operation support fees, and textbook costs for all grades in high school.

With the implementation of free education this year, the annual tuition burden per student will be reduced by 1.6 million KRW. This effectively increases household disposable income by about 130,000 KRW per month.

Following the second semester of 2019 for 3rd-year high school students and last year for 2nd-year students, this year’s 1st-year students will also be covered, expanding free education to all grades. It has been 17 years since free education was fully introduced in middle schools in 2004, and now it has been extended to high schools.

However, some private schools where tuition and other fees are determined by the school principal are excluded from the free education program.

The expansion of free education strengthens the state's responsibility for education and ensures that all students receive equal educational opportunities regardless of family background, region, or social class.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye said, "I am honored that the full implementation of free high school education this year can reduce the financial burden on parents, and we will continue to strive to provide fair educational opportunities from the starting line and to strengthen the public nature of elementary, middle, and high school education."