Voices Highlighting Financial Difficulties in Fee Committees…”Realistic Adjustments Needed for Global Growth”
Provincial Private Universities Grapple with Government Support vs. Tuition Increases,
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, ‘(Seoul=Yonhap News) Eun-Ji Ko reports that universities are lamenting stagnation due to the prolonged freeze on tuition fees, which has impeded proper investment in facilities and personnel.’,
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, ‘ Universities claim that due to high inflation and financial difficulties, they find it challenging to funnel basic financial resources, let alone invest in global-level research outcomes.’,
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, ‘ These concerns are clearly reflected in the minutes of the universities’ tuition fee committees.’,
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, ‘ However, the fact that raising fees would limit state scholarship support and cause strong student backlash is a factor making universities hesitant about raising tuition.’,
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Kookmin University Decides on a 4.97% Tuition Hike
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Sung-Min Kim reports that following Sogang University, Kookmin University decided to increase undergraduate tuition for the 2025 academic year, raising the possibility of tuition hikes spreading among universities in Seoul. Kookmin University held a tuition fee committee on the 2nd and resolved to raise undergraduate tuition by 4.97% for the first time in 17 years. The photo shows Kookmin University in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, in the afternoon of the 7th, 2025.1.7 [email protected],
“Financial Crisis Looming: Calls Grow for Increases to Achieve Global Standards”, ‘ According to the minutes of the tuition fee committee meetings on the 12th, there were numerous voices from private universities raising concerns about financial deterioration due to prolonged freezes.’,
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, ‘ At the Sungkyunkwan University tuition fee committee meeting on December 13th, it was mentioned, “We are facing financial limitations due to the long-standing tuition freeze” and an opinion was raised that “tuition adjustments are necessary for our university to grow to a global standard.”‘,
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, ‘ At Sangmyung University’s meeting on November 14th last year, it was stated, “Despite the challenging financial environment, the efforts of all members have increased revenues from transfers and donations, and we are doing our utmost to improve aging facilities and prevent safety accidents,” but also mentioned, “We need to carefully consider and actively deliberate future tuition adjustments to promptly respond to essential projects.”‘,
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, ‘ It was also prefaced that tuition adjustments include both increases and freezes.’,
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, ‘ At Sookmyung Women’s University on December 20th, a faculty member explained the factors considered for tuition setting, including the legal limit on tuition increases, stating that “due to both internal and external environmental factors, the necessity for raising tuition is increasing.”‘,
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, ‘ Similarly, at Yonsei University on December 26th, voices calling for tuition increases were also raised.’,
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, ‘ A faculty member at the university expressed concerns that “all universities are in a very difficult financial situation, making a high increase rate essential,” noting that “the Future Campus, in particular, is facing a greater financial crisis compared to the Sinchon Campus, experiencing difficulties in faculty recruitment.”‘,
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Tuition Hike Withdrawal Notice Posted at Yonsei University
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Dong-Hun Kim reports that on the morning of the 8th, a tuition hike withdrawal notice written by a student was posted at the main gate of Yonsei University in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.
As major universities in Seoul consider increasing tuition due to financial difficulties, Yonsei University proposed a tuition increase plan of 5.49% for undergraduate and graduate students, and 7% for international students during the second tuition fee committee. 2025.1.8 [email protected],
Universities Calculating at the End…Students Prioritize Improvement Assurance, ‘ Previously, the government utilized Type II national scholarships (university-linked support type) to encourage universities to freeze tuition.’,
,
, ‘ Since 2012, most universities have joined the government’s freeze initiative as they were required to freeze tuition to receive Type II national scholarships. The scholarship funding from the government exceeded what could be gained from tuition increases.’,
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, ‘ However, after 17 years of continued freezing, universities’ calculations have changed.’,
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, ‘ At Hongik University’s tuition fee committee on November 5th last year, students inquired about the contingency plan if Type II national scholarships were not available, to which the university replied, “We believe the positive effects on the university’s financial health from increased revenue through tuition hikes will outweigh the temporary loss of Type II national scholarships.”‘,
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, ‘ They added, “We will strive to maintain benefits for students.”‘,
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, ‘ As universities’ dissatisfaction grew, this year, the Ministry of Education decided to ease the criteria for internal scholarship requirements, another condition for universities receiving Type II national scholarships while keeping tuition frozen. However, it seems to be insufficient.’,
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, ‘ At Kyung Hee University’s tuition fee committee meeting on December 27th, it was pointed out, “The easing of scholarship payment regulations is a policy to induce tuition freezes as the Ministry of Education recognizes discussions on tuition hikes among universities in Seoul and metropolitan regions. Given a 16-year freeze, it is unacceptable.”‘,
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, ‘ Although students acknowledge the need for facility investments, there is still skepticism regarding whether it should be achieved through tuition hikes.’,
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, ‘ The student councils of Yonsei University and Ewha Womans University have officially expressed opposition to tuition hikes. There was also opposition from student committee members at Dongduk Women’s University.’,
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, ‘ A student member at Silla University’s tuition fee committee remarked, “While tuition hikes seem inevitable, it is necessary to reassure students of investments made to improve the educational environment after increases.”‘,
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, ‘ Accordingly, many universities plan to communicate with students and other members this month through their fee committees to achieve consensus.’,
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, ‘ Some provincial private universities, facing difficulty in student recruitment, worry whether it might be better to maintain government support.’,
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, ‘ A provincial private university, which increased tuition last year, expressed, “Tuition revenue has not increased as expected, and funding from financial support projects is also expected to decrease, presenting a challenging situation for both hike and freeze decisions.”‘,
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