South Korean university presidents urge higher education funding reform

The National Council of State-Centered National and Public University Presidents, comprising 19 institutions, is calling for a reform of the local education financial grant system to increase investment in higher education. The council supports the government's plan to move away from a system tied strictly to national tax revenue toward a model that reflects changes in the school-age population.

Advocates argue that while South Korea's investment in primary and secondary education exceeds OECD averages, investment in higher education is only approximately 68.5% of the OECD average. The council emphasizes that expanding higher education funding is essential for regional balanced development and national growth, helping to transition from a Seoul-centric model to a multi-polar system.

Kunsan National University highlighted the importance of stable funding for regional universities to serve as public infrastructure. The university noted that such financial support is critical for training talent for future industries, such as the Saemangeum secondary battery specialized complex, and for addressing the challenges of regional extinction and declining student populations.