LG Energy Solution funds scholarships for international students in North Chungcheong

North Chungcheong will be working with LG Energy Solution, Chungbuk National University and Cheongju University to offer scholarships to international students coming to study in the province.

North Chungcheong Governor Kim Young-hwan talks to representatives from LG Energy Solution, Chungbuk National University and Cheongju University about the province's plans to attract more international students during a meeting on Monday. [NORTH CHUNGCHEONG PROVINCIAL OFFICE]

North Chungcheong will be working with LG Energy Solution, Chungbuk National University and Cheongju University to offer scholarships to international students coming to study in the province.

LG Energy Solution will be donating a total of 200 million won ($147,000) to the two universities, which will be used as scholarships for international students, according to a memorandum of understanding signed Monday.

The scholarship comes as North Chungcheong aims to bring more international students to the province amid a fall in its population.

There are currently around 4,500 international students residing in the province, and North Chungcheong aims to bring that number up to 10,000 by 2026.

One of the perks North Chungcheong aims to provide is allowing university students studying core manufacturing industry programs in the province to acquire the E-7 visa upon graduation.

It also aims to invite talented international students from abroad, offering scholarships and allowing them to be exempt from having to submit proof of bank balances when entering Korea.

Exemption from the bank balance requirement is only given to Global Korea Scholarship recipients, those slated to receive full scholarship from their university or fully funded students from embassies abroad, according to the Ministry of Justice.

But North Chungcheong will be asking companies to donate money to universities in the province, like the case of LG Energy Solution, with the university offering full scholarships to students and allowing them to be exempt from the requirement.

The scholarship recipients will be recommended from Korean Education Centers and relevant organizations abroad, based on Korean proficiency.

"North Chungcheong's international student policy is something that no other local government has done, offering support to international students from the education, employment and settlement process so that the students will decide to reside in North Chungcheong," said a spokesperson for the province. "Starting with the agreement with our province, universities and companies, we plan to successfully carry out the project."

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]