Higher Education Enrollment Rate for Multicultural Families Reaches 61.9%, a 1.5-Fold Increase in Three Years

Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Releases National Survey on Multicultural Families
Higher Education Enrollment Rate Rises by 21 Percentage Points Since 2021

The percentage of children from multicultural families enrolling in higher education institutions such as universities has increased 1.5 times over the past three years. The gap in higher education enrollment rates between these children and the general population has narrowed to 13.0%.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on the 31st the results of the "2024 National Survey on Multicultural Families," which was conducted on 16,014 multicultural households nationwide. This survey is a government-approved national statistic conducted every three years.

The survey found that the enrollment rate of children from multicultural families in higher education institutions has improved significantly compared to three years ago. Last year, the enrollment rate for children from multicultural families in universities and similar institutions was 61.9%, an increase of 21.4 percentage points compared to 2021. The gap in higher education enrollment rates with the general population, which was 31.0 percentage points, has decreased to 13.0 percentage points.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family attributed this to the fact that children from multicultural families born in the early to mid-2000s are now beginning to fully experience the impact of expanded government policies and support systems. An official from the ministry explained, "In the 2021 survey, most of the participants were students born between 2000 and 2003, and at that time, marriage migrant women were just beginning to arrive in Korea, so related enrollment rates and learning support were not yet fully established." The official added, "Since the relevant law was enacted in 2007 and various educational support measures have been implemented, it appears that the gap in net enrollment rates has narrowed."

For the first time since statistics began to be compiled, the most common income bracket among multicultural households is the 3 million to 4 million won range, indicating an overall improvement in income levels. The proportion of households with an average monthly income of 3 million won or more was 65.8%, an increase of 15.0 percentage points compared to the previous survey. Choi Yoonjung, a research fellow at the Korean Women's Development Institute, commented, "Eighty-two percent of multicultural household members are women, and in most cases, the main income earner is the Korean spouse. Therefore, it can be interpreted that the income level of the male spouse is reflected in the 3 million to 4 million won range."

In addition, marriage migrants and naturalized citizens reported that the most challenging aspect of raising children under the age of five was providing emergency childcare during busy periods or urgent situations. The proportion who cited emergency childcare as the most difficult was 24.6%, while 27.3% said they had no difficulties with childcare.

In terms of economic activity, the employment rate of marriage migrants and naturalized citizens was 62.7%, an increase of 1.9 percentage points compared to 2021. However, the proportion working in elementary manual labor jobs was 39.0%, an increase of 6.6 percentage points from the previous survey.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family plans to continue expanding support for multicultural families and to actively promote related policies based on the results of this survey.

Choi Seongji, Director of Youth and Family Policy at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, stated, "There is a need to shift the perception of multicultural families from 'a group in need of support' to 'members who possess diverse strengths and potential and contribute to our society.' While maintaining basic support for adaptation to life in Korea and healthy growth for their children, we will strive to create an environment where multicultural children and youth can freely pursue their dreams without social disparities or discrimination."