The Ministry of Education announced on the 23rd that it will increase the number of master's and doctoral students in advanced fields at graduate schools in the metropolitan area by 390 next year.
The schools with increased capacity are Gachon University (40), Kyunghee University (110), Dongguk University (6), Sogang University (62), Seoul National University (27), University of Incheon (10), Inha University (62), Chung-Ang University (36), Cheongwoon University (5), Hankyong National University (5), Korea Polytechnic University (20), and Korea Aerospace University (7), totaling 12 institutions.
By field, biohealth (96), next-generation semiconductors (64), artificial intelligence (60), new energy industries (35), big data and augmented reality/virtual reality (20 each), next-generation communication (19), space and smart factories, advanced materials (10 each), future automobiles (8), intelligent robots and smart cities (7 each), cybersecurity and fintech (6 each), secondary batteries and smart farms (5 each), and aviation drones (2) are included.
In relation to the expansion of graduate school capacity for next year, the government received applications from 13 universities for the establishment and expansion of 53 departments, totaling 1,254 additional students. Subsequently, the graduate school quota adjustment review committee conducted a first detailed examination by division, and a second comprehensive application for final approval, eventually determining the increase in approved enrollment.
The Ministry of Education plans to continuously monitor university operations to achieve tangible results in fostering high-level talent through the increase in enrollment for advanced field departments.
Lee Ju-ho, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Education, said, “Fostering talent in advanced fields is a key factor determining the future national competitiveness,” and added, “We will spare no effort in continuous support and deregulation to cultivate high-level talent that will lead national development in a timely manner through the expansion of master’s and doctoral enrollment in advanced fields.”