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South Korean and Japanese Universities Under Pressure to Lift Tuition Fees

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 suggests that balancing financial sustainability with access and equity is crucial, recommending diversified funding sources and transparent governance to mitigate the negative impacts of financial constraints on higher education quality and accessibility. 


*This is a summary of the article published on East Asia Forum in June 2024. For the original work, please visit https://eastasiaforum.org/2024/06/25/south-korean-and-japanese-universities-under-pressure-to-lift-tuition-fees/

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