On June 25, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the initiative aimed at reducing the financial burden of education for farmers and providing equal opportunities for higher education in rural areas.
Since 2004, the ministry has supported student loans for rural college students, targeting children, spouses, or individuals from households residing in rural areas or engaged in agriculture. This year marks a significant expansion of the program to include graduate students as well.
The ministry previously removed income assessment criteria in 2021 and has now broadened the eligibility. Officials believe this initiative will contribute to the systematic development of professionals in the agriculture and food sectors and strengthen the foundation for sustainable agricultural development.
Applicants must have completed at least 12 credits or the minimum required credits at their university in the previous semester and maintain a grade point average of 70 or above on a 100-point scale. Selected students can borrow the full amount of their tuition without interest, with a grace period and repayment period of up to 10 years each.
Applications for the student loans will be accepted from July 1 to July 28. The ministry will finalize the list of beneficiaries after a review process in August.
Chun Han-young, Director of the Rural Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "The student loan program for rural college and graduate students is designed to support young people in continuing their education and growing into leaders of future agriculture and rural areas. We will continue to provide support for the stable settlement of young farmers and the cultivation of future talent in the agriculture and food sector."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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