Universities and Local Governments Voice Opinions to Enhance Competitiveness in Attracting International Students

On the 17th, the Ministry of Education will hold the first regional meeting at Hanyang University to establish the 'Measures to Enhance Competitiveness in Attracting International Students (tentatively titled Study Korea 3.0)'.

This meeting was organized as part of preparations for announcing a new international student recruitment policy in 2023, amid the growing necessity for domestic universities to attract foreign students. The Ministry of Education plans to listen to opinions from universities and local governments in five regional meetings in total.

Previously, since announcing the 'Comprehensive Plan to Expand the Attraction of Foreign Students' in 2004, the Ministry has set new international student recruitment goals through three plans in 2008, 2012, and 2015, and has promoted policies to enhance the attractiveness of studying in Korea. As a result, the number of international students increased nearly tenfold in 2022 compared to 2004.

At this meeting, opinions will be presented on measures to attract international students linked with the Regional Innovation-Centered University Support System (RISE) to respond to the regional population crisis caused by the decline in school-age population. Additionally, discussions will focus on enhancing the effectiveness of attracting international students by presenting growth paths for studying in Korea, including opportunities to explore employment within the country.

Furthermore, the meeting will encourage the preparation of support measures to strengthen universities' capabilities in educating and supporting international students, and discuss ways to reinforce the international cooperation foundation together with the National Institute for International Education and overseas Korean Education Centers.

The Ministry of Education plans to gather broad opinions through consultations with the National Institute for International Education, overseas Korean Education Centers, and related ministries, and aims to finalize and announce the 'Measures to Enhance Competitiveness in Attracting International Students' by May.