The Ministry of Justice and Sogang University will select two refugee-background students each year and support them from admission to employment.
The Ministry of Justice said on the 15th that it signed a business agreement with Sogang University to expand higher education opportunities for refugee-background students and support their stable settlement in society.
It was prepared to help refugee-background students with academic drive and growth potential continue their studies and grow into outstanding talent. Refugee-background students refers to foreign students who have been recognized as refugees by the government under the Refugee Act or have been granted humanitarian stay.
Under the agreement, the Ministry of Justice and Sogang University will select two refugee-background students each year. The two institutions plan to build a support system that includes Korean-language education before admission, scholarships and an academic environment after admission, and employment or start-up support after graduation.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the "1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees" at the United Nations (UN). A Ministry of Justice official said, "It will realize refugee protection and humanitarian values befitting the Republic of Korea's international standing, and serve as a foundation for refugee-background students to grow into future talent in our society."
Sogang University President Shim Jong-hyeok said, "For young people who had no choice but to leave their homes due to war and violence, poverty and persecution, education is more than a simple opportunity to learn; it is a door of hope to start life anew," adding, "With today's agreement as a starting point, I hope our society will move toward a more inclusive and responsible community."
Minister Jung Sung-ho of the Ministry of Justice said, "The government and universities working together so that refugee-background students can gain opportunities for self-reliance and social participation through higher education is an investment in future generations and a responsible role in the international community."