International education in South Korea

Many Korean universities seek partnerships to boost their global rankings, including:

• dual-degree programs
• exchange opportunities
• research collaboration

Canadian institutions can benefit by forming joint programs or articulation agreements. They allow Korean students to start their studies in Korea and finish in Canada.

A growing segment of Korean families are sending children to international schools or seeking early overseas education. Canadian school boards and private K-12 institutions can meet this demand by:

• exploring partnerships with Korean private schools
• opening international schools with a Canadian curriculum

Korean students are more and more interested in practical, career-oriented programs, in areas such as:

• engineering
• information technology (IT)
• healthcare
• business analytics

Canadian polytechnics, colleges, and universities with strong co-op or applied learning programs are in a good position. They can attract students looking for employable skills and work experience during or after their studies.

South Korea has a long history of sending students abroad, and the market is already filled with strong competitors. On the Korean market, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia have more:

• established branding
• alumni networks
• aggressive marketing campaigns

For example, U.S. institutions benefit from cultural familiarity and a long-standing presence. This situation means Canadian institutions will find it hard to stand out without a distinct value proposition.

Parents in Korea have a strong influence on education decisions and often prioritize university rankings and prestige. Canadian institutions outside of the U15 research universities may struggle to attract families who focus on names recognized around the world. Koreans may overlook institutions without top-tier global rankings, even if they offer quality and affordable education.

Though many Korean students are proficient in English to some degree, they may face language barriers for activities like:

• program marketing
• administrative communication
• academic integration

They may also have different expectations regarding teaching style, support services, and student engagement. For example, they may be less familiar with participatory classroom models, which are common in Canada.

Canadian institutions must navigate Korea’s strict regulations and approval processes to set up formal partnerships with Korean institutions or run joint programs. In addition, recruiting agents in Korea must be carefully vetted due to risks related to regulations and quality control. An institution may harm its reputation and long-term prospects in the market by making mistakes in these areas.

Therefore, success in Korea’s dynamic education sector requires:

• strategic planning
• localized marketing
• building long-term relationships

South Korea is pursuing the Study Korea 300K Project, which aims to attract 300,000 international students by 2027 through:

• expanded scholarships (Global Korea Scholarship)
• eased visa and language requirements
• broader English medium programmes
• faster postgraduate residency pathways

In parallel, the government runs annual quality assurance reviews through the International Education Quality Assurance System. These reviews can affect institutions’ access to visas, ability to recruit, and limits to student part-time work. For example, programmes that are not certified may lose their eligibility for student visas.

At home, South Korea is also launching major education reforms in 2025. These efforts are led by the Regional Innovation System and Education (RISE) initiative and the Glocal (Global + Local) University Project. The country will invest around KRW 100 billion (CAD 99 million) over five years to:

• support 30 regional universities
• boost global competitiveness
• reduce Seoul‑centric gaps

The country also aims to transform its education system through digital technologies. The Ministry of Education and the Korea Education & Research Information Service (KERIS) is leading this effort, with support from public-private partnerships and pilot programs. These organizations are promoting:

• textbooks powered by AI
• personalized learning tools
• enhanced EdTech infrastructure

Several stakeholders are shaping Korea’s education industry.

Ministry of Education and Ministry of Justice: Jointly oversee international student policy, scholarships, and visa regulation.

Korean Council for University Education (KCUE): Represents all 4-year Korean universities, influencing:

• admissions standards
• institutional autonomy
• policy dialogue

Regional universities: Selected for central support under RISE.

EdTech companies: Collaborate with government and universities to pilot AI-driven education solutions.

Teacher associations and parents: Active in policy discussions, especially around contentious reforms like the rollout of textbooks powered by AI or the expansion of medical schools.

South Korea presents strong opportunities for Canadian education institutions in areas such as:

• English-language training
• STEM and career-focused programs
• transnational partnerships

Korea has ambitious international goals like the Study Korea 300K Project and is investing in EdTech and regional university innovation. It offers a dynamic, well-funded, and globally oriented education environment. Canadian institutions can meet Korea's demand for global competitiveness and skills-based learning by leveraging their reputation for:

• high-quality, affordable education
• safe learning environments
• strong post-graduation pathways

For more information on International education in the South Korean market, contact seouledu@international.gc.ca.