By Alexander Tehoon Ahn

Korea plans to attract 200,000 foreign students to local universities by 2020 to promote the nation’s globalization and boost its competitiveness.

The plan was finalized during an education reform council meeting presided over by Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik on April 30.

Kim and other policymakers discussed how to strengthen the international competitiveness of the nation’s higher education. They also discussed measures to help promote donations to colleges and universities.

The nation has made efforts to invite more foreign students under the “Study Korea Program” since 2004.

The number of foreign college students studying in Korea reached 50,000 in 2008 and climbed to 89,537 last year. The government is striving to increase the number to 100,000 this year.

Domestic higher learning institutions are also looking to attract talented students from overseas.

The government plans to encourage 20,000 individuals and 50 businesses to make financial contributions to colleges and universities this year.