INTERNATIONAL
International students in Korea can work upto more hours
Introduction:
International students in South Korea will have lower financial thresholds to meet when applying, as well as expanded work rights while studying, according to measures outlined by the Ministry of Justice.
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) in South Korea has announced new measures to attract more international students to the country and improve their experience. These measures include lowering the financial proof threshold for student visa applications and increasing the work hour allowances for international students.
Under the new rules, the financial proof threshold for student visa applications will be reduced. Previously, degree-seeking students had to prove they had at least $20,000, but now the requirement will be 20 million South Korean won (approximately $15,400). For students applying to universities outside of metropolitan areas, the threshold will be further lowered to 16 million won.
The lower financial threshold aims to make it easier for students from poorer countries to pursue education in South Korea. Johan Asplund, head of the Dream Studies Abroad agency, believes that this change will have a positive impact on attracting a more diverse range of students to different parts of the country.
In addition to the financial changes, international students will also have increased work-hour allowances. They will now be permitted to work 25 hours per week instead of the previous limit of 20 hours. Students with higher Korean proficiency will be allowed five hours of work per week.
The measures are part of an effort to attract and retain international students, and the MOJ acknowledges the importance of providing job and career opportunities for these students. The MOJ’s programs also aim to attract high-quality students who can contribute to the fields of science and technology.
The new measures will also allow international students to participate in internships related to their field of study during university holidays, in addition to their usual part-time jobs. This provides students with practical experience and further enhances their education.
The release of these measures comes amid delays in the Study Korea 3.0 initiative, which aims to attract more students from overseas. South Korea hosted 200,000 international students in 2022, but concerns have been raised about the rising number of international students with illegal status. The MOJ’s measures aim to address these concerns and provide a holistic approach to international admissions and post-study job opportunities.
Overall, these new measures in South Korea will make education more accessible and improve the experience of international students. By lowering financial thresholds and expanding work rights, the country aims to attract a diverse range of students and provide them with valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.
[Additional Resources: The original article can be found at The PIE News website.]
