Government data released at the end of August shows nearly 2,500 students formally withdrew or stopped attending classes at South Korea’s top universities. This figure represents a 17% increase compared to last year.
Korea University had the most dropouts with 1,054 students. Yonsei University and Seoul National University followed with 942 and 485 students, respectively. The natural sciences department saw the highest dropout rate with nearly 1,500 students, followed by the humanities department with 917 students.
These are three of the most prestigious universities in South Korea. Seoul National University is ranked 38th globally by QS World University Rankings, while Korea University ranks 61st.
This phenomenon is believed to be connected to the increased quota at medical schools. Last year, the government allowed 40 medical schools to enroll approximately 5,000 students, an increase of 2,000, to address the doctor shortage.
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Korea University campus. Photo: Korea University Fanpage |
Korea University campus. Photo: Korea University Fanpage
For years, students have been leaving prestigious universities to repeatedly attempt the medical school entrance exams. This is because being a doctor is one of the most respected and highly paid professions in South Korea.
In 2022, nearly 1,900 students from these three universities dropped out, according to data from Jongro Academy, a major test preparation center. In 2023, more than 25% of high-scoring students on the college entrance exam declined admission offers from these three universities.
In the same year, 225 first-year students dropped out of Seoul National University, triple the number in 2019. The majority were from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
These students want to dedicate their time to preparing for the medical school entrance exams again, according to Lim Sung Ho, CEO of Jongro Academy.
According to the Korea Employment Information Service, parents often encourage their children to pursue medical careers. One in five elementary and middle school students aspires to attend medical school.
Doan Hung (Korea Herald, UWN)
