SEOUL, Feb. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — The number of foreigners studying for a doctoral degree in South Korea last year shot up thanks to the popularity of Korean culture abroad and domestic universities’ efforts to attract foreign students, a government survey showed Wednesday.
According to a survey conducted by the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training, 1,944 foreigners acquired a Ph.D. in South Korea last year, up 56.7 percent from a year ago and more than four times higher than the 473 reported in 2012.
By nationality, Chinese accounted for the largest share at 63.5 percent, followed by Vietnamese at 8.6 percent and Indian/Pakistani at 4.5 percent.
By major, the share of arts/sports (24.7 percent) and social studies (16.8 percent) increased, while the share of engineering (24.5 percent) declined but still remained high.
As for the primary factor behind their decision to study for a doctoral degree in South Korea, 30.9 percent cited ‘good R&D environment,’ followed by 23.9 percent who lauded the quality of education, including faculty members and educational programs, and 18.7 percent who pointed to generous support for school expenses, including scholarships.
Image Credit: University of Ulsan / Jeonbuk National University / photonews@koreabizwire.com
