Yonsei University Raises Undergraduate Tuition by 4.98% for the First Time in 15 Years

Yonsei University has confirmed a tuition fee increase for the first time in 15 years.

According to Yonsei University on the 24th, the school and student representatives held the 4th Tuition Deliberation Committee meeting and approved a proposal to raise undergraduate tuition fees by 4.98% compared to the previous year. Graduate tuition fees will increase by 5.2%, and tuition fees for international students will rise by 6.5%.

Main building view of Yonsei University.

The university initially announced plans to increase undergraduate and graduate tuition fees by 5.49% and international student tuition fees by 7%. However, after repeated discussions due to student opposition, this decision was made.

This is the first time Yonsei University has raised undergraduate tuition fees since 2010. The university explained that tuition fees were frozen or reduced three times since 2011.

Earlier, the Yonsei University Student Council revealed that 96% of respondents in a survey of about 3,800 students opposed the 5.49% tuition increase.

The university explained that the tuition increase is inevitable to ensure the school's mid- to long-term development and to resolve accumulated financial deficits. However, it was understood that instead of simply raising tuition, 48% of the additional revenue will be used for scholarship payments, and 16% will be allocated to securing faculty. Additionally, a task force (TF) for student support will be formed together with students.

For graduate students, the university plans to support the first semester tuition fees for doctoral programs in science and engineering.

In Seoul, this year, Kookmin University (4.97%), Sogang University (4.85%), Ewha Womans University (3.1%), Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (5%), and Dongguk University (4.98%) have also decided to raise undergraduate tuition fees.