South Korea restricts scholarships and student loans at 20 universities

The South Korean Ministry of Education has announced that 20 universities will face restrictions on national scholarships and student loans for the 2027 academic year. This represents an increase of three institutions compared to the previous year.

Among the 308 universities surveyed, 16 have been designated as ‘total restriction universities,’ meaning students cannot access national scholarships or any form of student loans. These include institutions such as Geumgang University, Jeju International University, and various vocational colleges like Gwangyang Health College and Yeoju University. Four additional universities, including Sangji University and Chugye University of the Arts, face ‘partial restrictions,’ where certain types of loans remain available while national scholarships are limited.

The restrictions are based on institutional accreditation results and financial health assessments. The Ministry noted that the number of restricted universities has been steadily increasing, from 10 in 2025 to a projected 20 in 2027. While current students at these institutions will maintain their existing support, the new rules apply to incoming freshmen and transfer students for the 2027 academic year. Officials advise prospective students and parents to verify the eligibility of institutions before making enrollment decisions.