Goseong County announces university tuition support ordinance

Goseong County has announced a legislative notice for an ordinance to support university tuition for local students, aiming to reduce educational costs and foster regional talent. The initiative, a key campaign promise by Mayor Ha Hak-yeol, seeks to cover the actual tuition amount paid by students after deducting national scholarships and other grants.

The support is targeted at students under the age of 34 who have completed at least five years of middle and high school education within Goseong County. Additionally, at least one guardian must have been registered as a resident in the county for at least five consecutive years. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum academic average of 70 out of 100 and have completed at least 12 credits in the previous semester, though these academic requirements do not apply to freshmen, transfer students, or re-enrollees.

The program is expected to be implemented in stages. Initial support may begin with third and fourth-year students in 2027, with plans to expand to all grade levels by 2028. The county estimates that supporting all four years of university for eligible students could cost approximately 2.2 billion KRW annually. The Goseong Education Foundation will likely be tasked with managing applications, eligibility verification, and fund distribution.