Ministry of Education Advances "Study Korea 300K" with Post-Graduation Career Pathways

The Ministry of Education (MOE), in coordination with relevant ministries, officially announced operational updates to its "Study Korea 300K" initiative, dedicated to attracting 300,000 international students by 2027 and building reliable domestic career bridges.

Strategic Objectives & High-Tech Sector Focus

The initiative transitions Korean international education from recruitment-focused enrollment to a comprehensive career-integrated model. In partnership with provincial institutions selected under the "Glocal University 30" framework, foreign students receive specialized coursework and direct industrial internships in high-demand strategic sectors, including semiconductors, secondary batteries, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.

Student Visa & Employment Rule Improvements

Key regulatory adjustments facilitate smooth post-graduation career entry:

• Expanded Part-Time Work Allowances: Degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students with verified Korean language scores (TOPIK) can work up to 30–35 hours per week during regular academic terms, reducing living cost pressures.
• Simplified D-10 Job Seeking Visas: Graduates from accredited Korean universities benefit from streamlined point evaluation rules when applying for or extending the D-10 job search visa.
• Accelerated E-7 Technical Visas: Practical internship experiences with Korean enterprises are officially credited towards skilled professional visa (E-7) and regional specialized residence (F-2-R) quotas, allowing international alumni to settle directly into high-tech careers.