Korean universities drop essays for international students

Universities will eliminate essays, lower English score requirements or drop Korean language certificates for foreign students.

Starting from the spring semester of 2024, universities in South Korea will no longer require international students to submit essays, self-introductions or study plans when enrolling in the school.

This is under the Higher Education Act of 2022. The change aims to remove non-academic factors, such as a candidate's family's socioeconomic background, from the admissions process. Schools will shift their focus to evaluating students based on their academic records, awards and standardized test scores.

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

Many universities also loosen their language requirements or accept certificates other than Topik (a six-level Korean 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 points. In addition to a Topik certificate of level 3 or higher, the school also accepts certificates of completion of courses at the Korean Language and Culture Center or 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 accepts applications from October 16 to November 17.

Hanyang University accepts applicants with the results of the Topik IBT. International students with a Topik Speaking and Topik IBT certificate of level 5 or higher will be exempted from 50% of the first semester's tuition instead of having to reach level 6 as before. However, Hanyang has removed the regulation that allows applicants to take the Topik test after enrolling as in the Covid-19 period. The school opens applications until October 11.

Some other schools have changed their general admission regulations. Ewha Womans University has expanded its online admissions from next year. Students can register and submit necessary documents such as transcripts online, instead of having to submit them in person or by mail . After being invited to enroll, candidates must submit hard copies of the above documents. The school accepts applications until October 12.

South Korea is taking a number of measures to attract international students amid labor shortages caused by its low birth rate. In August, the Ministry of Education announced the "Study Korea 300K" plan, which increases overtime hours and lowers foreign language entry requirements to attract international students. The ministry previously launched the Glocal University 30 project, which plans to provide 3 trillion won in support to 30 local universities to attract international students.

Hanyang, Kyung Hee, Sungkyunkwan, and Yonsei Universities have the most international students, with about 6,000 - 7,000 people in each school.

Khanh Linh (According to Korea JoongAng Daily)

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