New Science High Schools Affiliated with Research Institutes to Open in 7 Regions Without Gifted Schools
Creatrip Team
19 days ago
South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT has approved a plan to convert about three high schools in seven regions lacking gifted schools (영재학교) into science institute-affiliated gifted schools connected to research universities (과기원). Target regions are Gangwon, Gyeongnam, Gyeongbuk, Ulsan, Jeonbuk, Jeju, and Chungnam; applications are open until Oct. 16. Selected schools will partner with nearby research institutes—such as UNIST, DGIST, and KAIST—to offer university-level advanced math and science education, research opportunities, and credit-bearing courses. These schools will be able to hire PhD-level teachers directly (as they are established by special legal entities), operate with greater autonomy from local education offices, and link students to regional research labs and companies. The government aims to complete renovations and construction by 2028 and enroll the first new students in March 2029 (later if a general high school is chosen). The policy seeks to reduce student migration to the capital area and raise access to elite STEM education beyond the current 0.53% participation rate toward the 1% target.
