University enrollment rate South Korea 2013-2022
At around 73.8 percent as of 2022, the enrollment rate of eligible students at South Korean universities has not changed significantly over the past few years. At the same time, the number of enrolled students has only slightly decreased, amounting to about 1.89 million students in 2022.
Higher education in South Korea
While South Korea is host to hundreds of universities and community colleges, entrance to top universities is highly competitive, as a degree from a good university is attributed to a high social standing. Technical subjects, such as engineering and medical sciences, are responsible for the greatest number of full-time teachers in tertiary education. Engineering degrees are highly sought after in the country, and this is reflected by the large number of students studying in this field at an undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Student mobility
South Korea has become an increasingly popular study destination among international students. This has led to the establishment of agreements between partner universities in terms of credit exchanges, degrees and research projects. On the other hand, many South Koreans have also chosen to study as foreign students overseas. The Incheon Global Campus was implemented in order to provide an opportunity for western colleges and universities to operate in South Korea, potentially reducing the ‘brain drain’ caused by students leaving the country to study abroad. Attracting world-class universities and talent will be crucial if South Korea wants to succeed in becoming a global education hub.
Higher education in South Korea
While South Korea is host to hundreds of universities and community colleges, entrance to top universities is highly competitive, as a degree from a good university is attributed to a high social standing. Technical subjects, such as engineering and medical sciences, are responsible for the greatest number of full-time teachers in tertiary education. Engineering degrees are highly sought after in the country, and this is reflected by the large number of students studying in this field at an undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Student mobility
South Korea has become an increasingly popular study destination among international students. This has led to the establishment of agreements between partner universities in terms of credit exchanges, degrees and research projects. On the other hand, many South Koreans have also chosen to study as foreign students overseas. The Incheon Global Campus was implemented in order to provide an opportunity for western colleges and universities to operate in South Korea, potentially reducing the ‘brain drain’ caused by students leaving the country to study abroad. Attracting world-class universities and talent will be crucial if South Korea wants to succeed in becoming a global education hub.
