KS's Global Insights into Higher Education

In recent times, it has become increasingly difficult to find a term as frequently mentioned in South Korean universities as "international students." About a year ago, a plan was announced to attract 300,000 international students by 2027, but efforts to recruit students from abroad have intensified unprecedentedly for several years now. The objective of 'internationalization'—far from being a mere emulation of others or a lofty goal—has transformed into a fierce struggle for survival, a stark contrast to the situation before 2010. The Rapid Rise of Diversity in South Korea Around the turn of the millennium, the number of international students in South Korea began to significantly manifest, with the Ministry of Education reporting 180,000 and the Ministry of Justice over 230,000. It has been about three years since South Korea transitioned into a 'receiving country,' where the number of students coming from abroad surpasses those leaving for studies overseas...

My recent article discusses the impact of financial pressures and policy decisions on higher education in South Korea and Japan, focusing on the challenges posed by tuition fee regulations. In South Korea, universities have struggled financially due to a long-standing tuition fee freeze, which has been in place since 2009. This freeze has limited their ability to upgrade facilities, attract top faculty, and invest in research, leading some private universities to increase fees in 2023 out of necessity. In Japan, there is controversy over the University of Tokyo's proposal to raise tuition fees, which critics argue could exacerbate educational inequalities. Both countries face similar challenges with government control over university policies, demographic shifts, and competitive academic environments. These factors combine to create significant financial and operational difficulties for universities, affecting their global competitiveness and long-term sustainability. The article s...