Korean universities need systematic training programs aimed at strengthening administrative capabilities to survive amid plunging school-age population and rapid changes in global industrial structure, a new analysis suggests.
According to a report titled "Development Plan for Demand-Based Customized Programs for University Capacity Building" released by the Ministry of Education's National Education Training Institute on the 18th, university competitiveness is rapidly shifting to a structure determined by administrative capabilities beyond simple education and research functions.
The report points to demographic changes as the core factor behind the university crisis. South Korea's total population peaked at 51.84 million in 2020 and has entered a declining trend, projected to fall approximately 28% to 37.66 million by 2070. The school-age population is expected to decrease from 7.22 million in 2023 to 5.2 million by 2040.
This declining trend is already evident in the numbers. According to related statistics, the college entrance-age population has fallen below enrollment capacity since 2021, with financial deterioration, freshman enrollment shortfalls, and faculty reductions already underway. The gap between metropolitan and regional universities is also widening. Per-student educational spending at metropolitan universities stands at 19.39 million won, compared to 15.89 million won at regional institutions. Admission competition ratios show an even starker divide at 13.3-to-1 versus 6.1-to-1.
Additionally, AI advancement is shifting focus from traditional knowledge-transfer education to problem-solving and creative convergence capabilities. Analysis suggests approximately 47% of current jobs will disappear within 20 years, significantly reshaping the labor market structure.
Amid these changes, the role of university administrative staff is expanding. University administration must perform an integral function combining education and organizational operations beyond simple support roles, with staff capabilities becoming a crucial factor determining institutional performance. However, systematic training opportunities for university administrative staff currently remain inadequate.
Survey results from the report identified gaps between training participation experience and practical application, lack of educational opportunities, and insufficient organizational support as problems at most universities.
"Introduction of demand-based customized training programs for administrative staff is necessary," the report stated. "Differentiated curriculum design by job function and career level, strengthening of digital and data utilization capabilities, and education centered on problem-solving and decision-making abilities must also be pursued. Expanding hybrid online-offline education and partnerships with external professional institutions are also important tasks."
