Korea channeling funds to regional universities to boost local economies

Minister of Education Choi Kyo-jin / Yonhap

By Lee Kyung-min

• Published Apr 15, 2026 2:34 PM KST

The government will direct new funding to regional universities to better align education, research and employment, the Ministry of Education said Wednesday, as it seeks to turn local campuses into engines of industry-led growth.

The ministry's “Regional Talent Development Plan Linked to Growth Engines” program is targeting closer alignment between universities and key industries across five major regions and three special zones.

Three flagship national universities will be selected this year for intensive support, including the creation of so-called “brand colleges” that integrate undergraduate and graduate education and research with industry demand.

Each school will receive about 100 billion won ($68 million) in additional funding to strengthen its role as a regional education and research hub.

The plan calls for industry-led curricula and joint research with companies, alongside new convergence research institutes connecting universities with corporations and public research bodies.

To attract top talent, universities will expand scholarships, research opportunities and stipends, benefiting about 1,500 students annually.

The ministry also said it will develop regional artificial intelligence (AI) hubs at flagship universities, expand AI education across disciplines and introduce mandatory basic AI coursework.

Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin said the plan is key to reducing regional imbalances and fostering growth driven by local talent.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.