Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin: “Full tuition support for new students at regional national universities starting in 2027”

[Financial News] Minister of Education Choi Kyo-jin said in a work report at the National Assembly Education Committee’s audit on the 7th that full tuition would be covered for new students entering regional national universities starting in 2027.
Minister Choi said, “Starting with new students at regional national universities in 2027, we will cover full tuition and significantly expand the number of recipients selected for regional talent scholarships, strengthening support for outstanding students who attend regional private universities.” The Ministry of Education plans to introduce scholarships for balanced regional development and transform the regional higher education system to support companies relocating to and investing in regional areas.
Measures were also announced to ease the educational expenses borne by parents. Minister Choi reported, “We will extend the after-school program vouchers provided to third-grade elementary school students this year to fourth-graders, easing the burden of educational expenses on parents.” Work will also continue to expand free early childhood education and childcare and narrow the gap in working conditions between kindergarten and daycare center teachers. A “Development Plan for Early Childhood Education and Childcare” is to be drawn up by the end of this year.
AI education will be strengthened across life stages, from elementary, middle and high school students to adults. Choi said, “We will develop a basic AI curriculum so that any university student can learn AI, and roll it out across all universities.” He added, “We will provide intensive support so job seekers and people in work can acquire the AI skills needed for their jobs in a short period.” The operation of AI-focused schools will also be expanded so that all elementary, middle and high school students gain basic AI literacy. The ministry will launch a national basic academic skills support portal to systematically assess students’ foundational academic skills, and expand placements of specialist teachers and collaborative instructors in this area.
Measures to protect the education environment were also announced. The Ministry of Education plans to strengthen the system for schools to handle complaints institutionally, with education offices providing support for complaints that schools find difficult to resolve. Choi said, “In connection with expanding teachers’ basic political rights, we will establish standards for educational settings, in conjunction with amendments to the law, so that students’ right to learn and teachers’ rights as citizens are protected in harmony.”
In research, the ministry will draw up a draft plan for the fifth phase of the Brain Korea 21 (BK21) project and establish a comprehensive research support system spanning bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral studies, and postdoctoral work. It will also expand the promotion of Korean-language education overseas and exports of the “Korean-style higher education model.”
Minister Choi said, “I will do my utmost to drive national growth through the power of education,” and asked committee members for their interest and cooperation. 

[email protected] Kim Man-gi Reporter