Higher education in South Korea is provided by public and private universities and colleges with private institutions representing approximately 80 percent of all higher education institutions. Higher education is highly valued in South Korea resulting in over half of 25 to 34 year old having completed a higher education program. Recognizing that quality is as important as quantity, the South Korean government is implementing reforms to increase the quality of higher education by decreasing regulation, increasing autonomy, merging institutions and increasing funding.

South Korea University and College Directory

Admission to universities is extremely intense and is based on the College Scholastic Ability Test and high school grades. Reforms are moving forward to decrease the excessive competition that currently dominates higher education admissions and which negatively affects students as early as primary school.

The Ministry of Education has traditionally maintained a high degree of control over all public and private higher education institutions in areas such as student quotas, degree requirements, curricula, etc. Recently, reforms have been reducing the ministry's role and increasing the role of each institution in creating their own admissions standards and making other choices that better reflect the varying needs of students and the job market.

Tuition at public universities is substantially less than at private universities. In 2009, public universities cost an average of 4.19 million won (approx. $3500 US) a year and private tuition was at 7.42 million won (approx $6000 US).

Types of Schools and Degrees

South Korea's higher education is provided by over 150 universities, about 150 junior colleges and a number of teacher education schools and polytechnics. As of 2007, all teacher education schools were public while close to 90 percent of all other universities and colleges were private. Private universities are attended by about 75 percent of university students.

The types of degrees available depend on the type of institution. Universities offer academic bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Junior colleges offer two and three year degree programs that educate students to become mid-level technicians in a variety of fields. Polytechnics offer two-year industrial associate's degrees as well as shorter programs in vocational subjects.

International Students

According to a 2009 UNESCO report, only one percent of South Korean students are from abroad. Foreign students may attend Korean universities through exchange programs and visiting student programs but typically need to have completed some higher education prior to applying. There are also a number of graduate level international studies programs that encourage international students as well as short Korean language programs structured for foreigners.

About South Korea

South Korea is a country of about 50 million people who live in the southern half of the Korean peninsula located to the east of China and the west of Japan. Its terrain is primarily mountainous and the climate is characterized by long, cold winters and short, hot and humid summers. The population is expected to decline due to a birthrate that is the lowest in the world.

South Korea is a developed, densely populated country that has the 15th largest economy in the world. The economy is primarily driven by exports of electronics, automobiles, ships, machinery and other products. It was ranked 1st in the world on the Global Innovation Index in 2009 and is known for high quality brands such as Hyundai-Kia, Samsung and LG. Its capital of Seoul is considered among the top ten financial and commercial cities in the world.

Resources

Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

Korea Tourism website

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