The Ministry of Justice and Sogang University are establishing a comprehensive support system to expand higher education opportunities for refugee background students and help them settle into South Korean society.
On June 15, the Ministry of Justice and Sogang University signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Sogang University for a program aimed at supporting refugee background students. This initiative is designed to assist students who, despite having strong academic motivation and potential, face environmental constraints that hinder their ability to pursue their dreams.
Refugee background students are defined as foreign students who have been officially recognized as refugees under the Refugee Act or have received humanitarian stay permits. While there have been occasional scholarships or individual support for these students in the past, this is the first time that a systematic support framework has been established through collaboration between government agencies and universities to manage the entire process from enrollment to social integration.
Under the agreement, the two institutions will select two refugee background students each year. These selected students will receive essential Korean language education before entering university, along with scholarships to alleviate tuition burdens and support for a stable academic environment during their studies. Furthermore, after graduation, they will have access to employment and entrepreneurship programs to ensure they can achieve full independence in South Korean society, providing comprehensive support throughout their educational journey.
This initiative is particularly meaningful as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which aims to protect the rights of refugees worldwide. By presenting a new paradigm of refugee inclusion through collaboration between the government and educational institutions, it is expected to realize humanitarian values befitting South Korea's international standing and lay the groundwork for refugee students to thrive as members of society.
Sogang University President Shim Jong-hyuk stated, "For young people who have been forced to leave their homes due to war, violence, poverty, and persecution, education is not just an opportunity to learn but a door of hope to restart their lives. I hope this agreement will lead our society toward becoming a more inclusive and responsible community."
Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho emphasized, "The collaboration between the government and universities to provide refugee background students with opportunities for independence and social participation through higher education is an investment in future generations and a responsible role in the international community." He added, "The Ministry of Justice will work closely with universities and relevant organizations to ensure that refugee background students can plan their futures in a stable educational environment."
If this comprehensive support model through government and academic collaboration is successfully implemented, it is expected to serve as a positive catalyst for expanding refugee support programs to other higher education institutions in South Korea.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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