University enrollment rate South Korea 1980-2023

In 2023, the enrollment rate of eligible students at South Korean universities reached around 76.2 percent, a slight increase compared to the previous year. At the same time, the number of enrolled students at universities fell slightly to around 1.88 million in 2023.

Higher education in South Korea

While South Korea hosts 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 most 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 agreements between partner universities regarding credit exchanges, degrees, and research projects. On the other hand, many South Koreans have also chosen to study as international students overseas. The Incheon Global Campus was implemented 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.