Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon / Yonhap
Korea is moving to address growing concerns over declining basic science and mathematics skills among university students, introducing a funding program aimed at strengthening core academic foundations before weaknesses widen further.
The Ministry of Science and ICT said Thursday it will launch a new initiative to strengthen core competencies among science and engineering undergraduates at regional universities. The program will initially select two institutions outside the capital region for support.
Each selected university can overhaul introductory coursework, expand lab facilities and redesign curricula to better prepare students for advanced study.
Officials said the effort comes as more freshmen struggle to keep pace with foundational courses, raising concerns about higher dropout rates in later years. The problem has been more pronounced at universities outside the capital region, fueling fears of a broader regional talent divide.
Participating universities will be required to draft and implement comprehensive plans to improve basic education in mathematics and science, including curriculum restructuring and targeted academic support. Schools will also establish dedicated centers to assess student ability, provide counseling and develop teaching tools.
Class sizes for foundational courses will be reduced to around 30 students, paired with small-group sessions led by teaching assistants to reinforce learning. Universities will also introduce prerequisite courses for students needing additional preparation.
The program calls for expanded investment in laboratories and hands-on training, alongside closer alignment between basic and major coursework.
The ministry said strong fundamentals are essential to nurturing talent in emerging fields like AI, adding that the initiative aims to build a durable pipeline of skilled graduates across regions.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
