Universities are taking innovative steps to not only attract international students but also to cultivate them into skilled professionals needed by local industries. Kyung Hee University and Jeonju Vision University have received high praise for establishing a comprehensive support network that systematically develops the core competencies of international students, ranging from local Korean language schools to matching them with regional companies. Their successful models may offer new solutions for communities facing population decline and businesses struggling with labor shortages.
On July 27, the Education Ministry announced the results of the "2026 Foreign Student Employment and Entrepreneurship Excellent University Contest," selecting six outstanding universities. This contest aimed to connect policies that previously focused solely on attracting international students with employment, entrepreneurship, and local retention, while identifying and disseminating exemplary models.
The evaluation focused on employment support, entrepreneurship support, local retention support, and global network establishment for international students, assessing the strategies' effectiveness, specificity, and potential for expansion. After intense competition, Kyung Hee University and Jeonju Vision University were awarded the top prize, while Kangwon National University, Kyungbok University, Kyungsung University, and Chungnam National University received excellence awards.
On July 27, the Education Ministry announced the results of the "2026 Foreign Student Employment and Entrepreneurship Excellent University Contest," selecting six outstanding universities. This contest aimed to connect policies that previously focused solely on attracting international students with employment, entrepreneurship, and local retention, while identifying and disseminating exemplary models.
The evaluation focused on employment support, entrepreneurship support, local retention support, and global network establishment for international students, assessing the strategies' effectiveness, specificity, and potential for expansion. After intense competition, Kyung Hee University and Jeonju Vision University were awarded the top prize, while Kangwon National University, Kyungbok University, Kyungsung University, and Chungnam National University received excellence awards.
Kyung Hee University, which won the top prize in the general university category, was recognized for its tailored system for international students, the "KHU-PASS Core Competency Certification System." This system integrates 25 diverse extracurricular programs with core competency frameworks, facilitating students' academic adaptation, career planning, and job preparation.
Notably, the use of "digital badges" stands out. Kyung Hee University quantifies program completion results based on difficulty and participation time, awarding digital badges (185 issued per semester) that can be directly utilized in resumes, significantly enhancing the visibility of international students' job-seeking activities.
A university representative stated, "Kyung Hee University operates various employment and entrepreneurship programs to support students' entry into society. We have also implemented policies considering the stable academic environment and future local retention of international students. This award is a recognition of our programs and an opportunity to refine our future policies."
Jeonju Vision University, which received the top prize in the junior college category, presented a model for building a "virtuous cycle ecosystem for local retention" in response to the population decline and youth outflow in the Jeonbuk region. The university has established the "Saemangeum Korean Language School" in Myanmar and Vietnam in collaboration with the Jeonbuk International Cooperation Agency to attract talented individuals with verified Korean language skills.
To promote local retention among current students, Jeonju Vision University has implemented social integration programs, one-on-one matching with excellent local companies, and close support for obtaining region-specific visas, achieving remarkable results with 54 employed graduates (42.8%) and 85 local residents (67.5%). The comprehensive support network from recruitment to development and job matching was a decisive factor in their selection for the award.
Additionally, the four universities that received excellence awards also presented tailored models linked to local industry demands. Kangwon National University established a support system encompassing employment and housing in collaboration with local governments and corporations, while Kyungsung University created a job support center for international students directly under the university president, fostering a global talent circulation ecosystem. Chungnam National University showcased a step-by-step verification model centered on practical entrepreneurship and corporate projects, and Kyungbok University, a junior college, received praise for incorporating the demand of the K-Medical Beauty industry into its curriculum, establishing pathways for internships and employment with partner hospitals.
Notably, the use of "digital badges" stands out. Kyung Hee University quantifies program completion results based on difficulty and participation time, awarding digital badges (185 issued per semester) that can be directly utilized in resumes, significantly enhancing the visibility of international students' job-seeking activities.
A university representative stated, "Kyung Hee University operates various employment and entrepreneurship programs to support students' entry into society. We have also implemented policies considering the stable academic environment and future local retention of international students. This award is a recognition of our programs and an opportunity to refine our future policies."
Jeonju Vision University, which received the top prize in the junior college category, presented a model for building a "virtuous cycle ecosystem for local retention" in response to the population decline and youth outflow in the Jeonbuk region. The university has established the "Saemangeum Korean Language School" in Myanmar and Vietnam in collaboration with the Jeonbuk International Cooperation Agency to attract talented individuals with verified Korean language skills.
To promote local retention among current students, Jeonju Vision University has implemented social integration programs, one-on-one matching with excellent local companies, and close support for obtaining region-specific visas, achieving remarkable results with 54 employed graduates (42.8%) and 85 local residents (67.5%). The comprehensive support network from recruitment to development and job matching was a decisive factor in their selection for the award.
Additionally, the four universities that received excellence awards also presented tailored models linked to local industry demands. Kangwon National University established a support system encompassing employment and housing in collaboration with local governments and corporations, while Kyungsung University created a job support center for international students directly under the university president, fostering a global talent circulation ecosystem. Chungnam National University showcased a step-by-step verification model centered on practical entrepreneurship and corporate projects, and Kyungbok University, a junior college, received praise for incorporating the demand of the K-Medical Beauty industry into its curriculum, establishing pathways for internships and employment with partner hospitals.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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