Korea Struggles to Match International Graduates with Employers Despite Record Numbers
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South Korea is seeing record growth in its international student population, with more than 270,000 enrolled this year and projections indicating the figure will surpass 300,000 within two years. However, employability challenges continue to limit the career prospects of foreign graduates despite their growing presence.
For many students, such as Mumbai-born Siddhi Konduskar, Korea offers both cultural appeal and academic opportunity. But the transition from student life to the workplace is far from straightforward. Konduskar, now working in the Korean entertainment industry, described rigid workplace hierarchies and scepticism from employers as significant barriers.
The issue extends well beyond individual cases. According to Han Sang-shin, director of the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), there is still no clear framework linking international graduates with potential employers. “Mismatch is one of the most frustrating problems,” he said. “Students are eager to work and companies need talent, yet the system does not connect them effectively.”
A recent survey by the Korea Federation of SMEs (KBIZ) revealed that over 90% of international students want to stay and work in Korea. Yet two-thirds reported difficulties obtaining the E-7 visa, a requirement for professional roles in fields such as IT, design, and research. Many employers, particularly smaller firms, are reluctant to navigate the complex process, often withdrawing job offers once visa compliance issues arise.
South Korea’s shrinking workforce adds urgency to the problem. With the world’s lowest fertility rate of 0.75 and the working-age population projected to halve by 2070, the country needs skilled labour in key industries like AI, semiconductors, and healthcare. Yet lingering cultural biases, limited institutional support, and visa hurdles continue to exclude qualified international graduates from these roles.
To address the challenge, NIIED has partnered with major job platforms including Saramin and JobKorea to widen opportunities, while universities are being urged to strengthen career support for foreign students. Without such reforms, experts warn that Korea risks losing out on the very talent it has worked hard to attract.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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