Public Education Spending per Student $15,858... University Spending Below OECD Average

Public Expenditure on Higher Education per Student: $13,573

It has been revealed that South Korea's public education expenditure ranks among the top in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. However, public education spending in higher education, such as universities, was below the average.

The Ministry of Education and the Korea Educational Development Institute analyzed and announced the main results of the 'OECD Education Indicators 2024' released by the OECD on the 10th. The survey covered 38 member countries and 11 non-member countries, investigating education finance, tuition fees, students, and teachers from 2021 to 2023.

On the 4th, examinees were preparing for the 'September Mock Test for the 2025 College Scholastic Ability Test' held at Yeouido Girls' High School in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

According to the survey, South Korea's public education expenditure per student in 2021 was $15,858, an increase of 12% or $1,745 compared to 2020. This figure is higher than the OECD average of $14,209.

Looking at each education level, public education expenditure per student was higher than the OECD average in elementary and secondary education stages, but lower in higher education. South Korea's public education expenditure per student in higher education was $13,573, approximately $7,000 less than the OECD average of $20,499. In the education indicators released last year, only higher education spending was below the OECD average.

The number of students in South Korea showed a declining trend. In 2022, the student-to-teacher ratio was 15.8 in elementary schools, 13.1 in middle schools, and 10.5 in high schools, all decreasing compared to the previous year. The high school ratio was even lower than the OECD average of 12.7. The number of students per class was 22.0 in elementary schools and 26.0 in middle schools, decreasing by 1.0 and 0.1 respectively compared to 2019.

Regarding teacher salaries in South Korea, starting teachers earned less than the OECD average, but those with higher seniority earned more than the OECD average. In 2023, the statutory salary for entry-level teachers at Korean public schools was $36,639, lower than the OECD average range of $42,060 to $44,831. On the other hand, the statutory salaries for teachers with 15 years of experience and those at the highest seniority level were $64,699 and $103,014 respectively, higher than the OECD averages of $50,000 to $60,000 for 15-year teachers and $60,000 to $70,000 for highest seniority teachers.

The results of this survey can be viewed on the OECD website later this month.

Public Education Expenditure per Student According to OECD Education Indicators