# South Korean higher education financial instability > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-higher-education-financial-instability > Updated: 2026-09-02T23:16:58.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. South Korea is facing growing challenges regarding higher education financing and student debt. The Ministry of Education announced that 20 universities will face restrictions on national scholarships and student loans for the 2027 academic year, an increase from previous years. Among these, 16 institutions have been designated as ‘total restriction universities,’ preventing students from accessing national scholarships or any form of student loans due to accreditation and financial health assessments. Parallel to these institutional restrictions, there is a rising trend in individual debt issues. As of July, the number of young people failing to repay income-contingent student loans has exceeded 60,000, with total delinquent loans reaching approximately 87.35 billion won. This represents a steady increase from 2020. Economic instability, such as job loss and business closures, has been identified as a primary driver for these repayment delays. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-02: South Korea student loan delinquencies exceed 60,000 people Over 60,000 young South Koreans have defaulted on income-contingent student loans, with total delinquencies reaching 87.35 billion won due to job instability and economic hardship. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-student-loan-delinquencies-exceed-60000-people ### 2026-08-23: South Korea restricts scholarships and student loans at 20 universities South Korea's Ministry of Education announced 20 universities will face restrictions on national scholarships and student loans starting in 2027 due to accreditation and financial concerns. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-restricts-scholarships-and-student-loans-at-20-universities --- Cite as: South Korean higher education financial instability. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-higher-education-financial-instability