South Korea University Admissions Briefing — 2026-05-14

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Major Education Policies and Admissions Changes

① Progressive Superintendent Candidates Announce Joint Education Reform Pledge

Ahead of the June 3 local elections, democratic and progressive candidates for education superintendent have launched a joint effort to shift toward an education system focused on easing competition and inequality. Proposals for comprehensive education reform, ranging from college admission changes to narrowing education gaps, were presented. Candidate Chung Keun-sik was mentioned, and the candidates unified under the banner of "changing education distorted by competitive entrance exams."

② Ministry of Education to Invest 6.7 Trillion KRW in AI-Era Industry-Academic Education

The Ministry of Education announced plans to strengthen "industry-academic integrated education," where universities and companies co-design curricula in response to the AI transition. Alongside the launch of the 4th National Industry-Academic Cooperation Committee, four major strategic goals—including fostering locally-settled talent and revitalizing entrepreneurship—were presented, with a 6.7 trillion KRW investment planned across ministries.

③ 2028 Admissions: Major Universities Signal Strengthened Qualitative Evaluation

According to the Korean Council for University Education (KCUE), as high school grade differentiation weakens starting with the 2028 admissions cycle, major universities are planning to strengthen "qualitative evaluations," including the potential reflection of student records in regular admissions. The shift from the existing 9-grade system to a 5-grade system is cited as the primary driver of this change.

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Admissions Strategies and Analysis

① 2028 Admissions: Seoul Metropolitan Universities Expand Comprehensive and Essay-based Admissions

Universities in the Seoul metropolitan area are increasing the weight of comprehensive student record admissions and essay-based admissions. Current high school sophomores will be the first to face the 2028 admissions system, which is influenced by the move to a 5-grade assessment scale.

② Importance of Managing Student Records and Extracurriculars Grows

With grade differentiation expected to weaken from 2028, universities are designing admissions processes that reflect student records not only in rolling admissions but also in regular admissions. The need for students to focus on the qualitative management of their entire academic record, rather than just school grades, has intensified.

③ Seoul National University Modifies 2027 Implementation Plan Following Practical Exam Notice Guidelines

The Seoul National University Admissions Office announced modifications to the "2027 University Admissions Implementation Plan" to comply with KCUE recommendations regarding practical exam notices for the College of Fine Arts, Department of Physical Education (College of Education), and College of Music. Students preparing for these majors must re-check the modified plan.

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High School Admissions and Learning Information

① High School Admission Reform Emerges as Key Issue in June 3 Elections

With the pledge for college admission reform and equality taking center stage in the June 3 local elections, discussions on overall education reform, including high school admissions, have become major campaign topics. Parents and students are encouraged to compare and review each candidate's platform.

② Seoul Career and Admissions Information Center Guides Students to Verify University-Specific Plans

The Seoul Career and Admissions Information Center advises that detailed 2027 admission guidelines must be verified on each university's official website. Middle school and high school freshman students are encouraged to check the admission plan pages of target universities in advance to build their preparation strategies.

③ Ministry of Education's AI Talent Policy Impacts Future STEM Students

The ministry's push for industry-academic integrated education is expected to change how talent is fostered in AI and STEM-related majors. Middle and high school students aiming for STEM fields may find it advantageous to incorporate exploration activities and interests in AI and cutting-edge technology into their student records.

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Next Week’s Admissions Schedule and Summary

As of the research findings confirmed after May 12, 2026, there are no specific future admissions briefings or official announcements scheduled.

However, students and parents should keep an eye on the following:

• June 3 Local Elections (Education Superintendent): Policies regarding high school and college admissions may vary by region depending on the results, so keep monitoring candidates' education pledges.
• Seoul National University 2027 Modified Plan: Check the SNU Admissions Office website for updates regarding practical exams for the College of Fine Arts, Department of Physical Education, and College of Music.
• Additional KCUE Announcements for 2028 Admissions: Periodically check the KCUE and individual university admissions office notices, as further details regarding the 5-grade system and qualitative evaluation criteria are expected.