South Korean Cities and Universities Compete for International Students

The Regional Innovation System & Education (RISE) initiative has sparked a competitive spirit among cities vying to attract international students to their universities. This nationwide program has prompted various regional governments to partner with local universities, with a focus on supporting international students among their common objectives.

Under the RISE program, local governments can tap into the Ministry of Education’s higher education budget to drive innovation in their regions. By collaborating with universities, these governments are announcing their partnerships and funding allocations to enhance industries, promote lifelong education, and nurture startups.

While the specific plans vary across regions, the overarching goal remains to invite more international students and retain them post-graduation. These initiatives are still in their early phases, but some cities and universities have already outlined detailed strategies to attract and support prospective and current international students looking to study in Korea.

Seoul, for instance, has identified 35 universities to collaborate with under the RISE project, allocating a substantial budget to enhance their global competitiveness and attract international students, especially in high-tech sectors like AI, bio, fintech, robotics, and quantum science.

Similarly, Incheon and Busan have also unveiled their RISE initiatives to attract international students. Incheon’s project involves partnering with 12 universities and allocating funds to better support international students, including programs to facilitate their adjustment to life in Korea.

Busan, on the other hand, has selected 20 universities to receive RISE funding, with a focus on increasing international student enrollment and providing support for startups. Dongseo University, one of the selected institutions, is offering programs to encourage entrepreneurial ventures among international students.

North Gyeongsang province has prioritized the K-Learning goal through RISE, with a particular emphasis on international students. The province has chosen 29 universities to collaborate on attracting and supporting international students, with plans to establish specialized programs and initiatives to cater to their needs.

Daegu University, Daeshin University, and Sunlin University are among the institutions in North Gyeongsang province actively working on initiatives to engage international students. These programs range from launching dedicated colleges for international students to developing metaverse training programs and educational hubs to support their academic and career growth.

As cities and universities across South Korea intensify their efforts to compete for international students through the RISE program, the landscape of higher education is evolving to offer diverse opportunities and support systems for students seeking to study abroad in the country.

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