More than six in 10 universities across Korea have raised tuition for two consecutive years, according to new data. Nearly nine in 10 private general universities in Seoul raised tuition in succession, prompting forecasts that the education cost burden on students and parents could grow further amid high inflation and high interest rates.
An analysis of tuition data submitted by the Ministry of Education to Rep. Kim Moon-soo of the Democratic Party of Korea, a member of the National Assembly's Education Committee, found that 203 of 317 universities nationwide, or 64%, raised tuition in both the 2025 and 2026 academic years, the lawmaker said Wednesday.
By type of institution, the trend of tuition increases was pronounced among private universities. Of 276 private universities nationwide, 200, or 72.5%, raised tuition for two consecutive years, while only 3 of 41 public and national universities, or 7.3%, did so.
By region, the pattern of tuition increases was clearest in the Seoul metropolitan area. Some 73% of universities in the metropolitan area, or 84 of 115, raised tuition for two straight years, exceeding the 58.9% recorded outside the metropolitan area. In particular, 81.3% of universities in Seoul, or 39 of 48, and 88.2% of private general universities in Seoul, or 30 of 34, were confirmed to have raised tuition for two consecutive years.
The rate of change in tuition for the 2026 academic year compared with 2024 fell in the 8% to 9% range at 131 schools, the most of any bracket. Six universities raised tuition by 9% to 10%, and one university by more than 10%, the survey found. The highest increase rate was 11.48%, and the lowest was 2.55%.
"Centered on private universities in the metropolitan area, 203 universities raised tuition in succession last year and this year," Kim said. "This means the burden on students and families has increased." He added, "Government support, student tuition and foundation investment must be balanced," and said, "Efforts to expand foundation investment and diversify revenue sources are also needed."
