Universities in South Korea are waiving essay requirements for international students.

Universities will eliminate essays, lower English proficiency requirements, or remove Korean language proficiency certificates for international students.

Starting in the spring semester of 2024, universities in South Korea will no longer require international students to submit essays, personal statements, or study plans when applying to the university.

This is in accordance with the Higher Education Act enacted in 2022. The change aims to remove non-academic factors, such as the applicant's family socioeconomic background, from the admissions process. Universities will shift their focus to evaluating students based on academic records, awards, and standardized test scores.

Students participating in an activity at Yonsei University in May. Photo: Yonsei University Fanpage — Students participating in an activity at Yonsei University in May. Photo: *Yonsei University Fanpage*

Many universities have also relaxed their foreign language requirements or accepted certificates other than TOPIK (a six-level Korean language proficiency test).

Specifically, the TOEFL score requirement for international students wishing to enter Hankuk University of Korean Studies (HUFS) has been reduced from 80 to 71/120. In addition to a TOPIK level 3 or higher certificate, the university also accepts certificates of completion from the Korean Language and Culture Center or other accredited Korean language centers.

Candidates' foreign language scores will also account for 30% of the total admission score, an increase of 10% compared to last year. HUFS will accept applications from October 16th to November 17th.

Hanyang University accepts applicants with results from the computer-based TOPIK (Topic IBT) test. International students with a TOPIK Speaking certificate and a TOPIK IBT level 5 or higher will receive a 50% tuition fee reduction for the first semester, instead of having to reach level 6 as before. However, Hanyang has dropped the rule allowing applicants to take the TOPIK test after enrollment, as was the case during the Covid-19 period. Applications are open until October 11th.

Several other universities have changed their general admissions regulations. Ewha Women's University is expanding online admissions starting next year. Students can register and submit necessary documents such as transcripts online, instead of having to submit them in person or by mail . Only after being invited to enroll will applicants have to submit hard copies of these documents. The university is accepting applications until October 12th.

South Korea is implementing various measures to attract international students amidst a labor shortage caused by its low birth rate. In August, the Ministry of Education announced the "Study Korea 300K" plan, increasing the number of part-time work hours and lowering language proficiency requirements to attract international students. Prior to that, the Ministry launched the Glocal University 30 project, which is expected to provide 3 trillion won in support to 30 local universities to attract international students.

Hanyang University, Kyung Hee University, Sungkyunkwan University, and Yonsei University have the highest number of international students, with approximately 6,000 to 7,000 students at each campus.

Khanh Linh (According to Korea JoongAng Daily)

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