Universities scramble to finalize bids for Glocal University 30 project as deadline looms

There’s just over a week left for universities to finalize their bids for the multibillion won Glocal University 30 project, with schools seeking partnerships until the last minute.

North Jeolla Governor Kim Kwan-young speaks during a meeting with representatives from Jeonbuk National University, Wonkwang University and Wonkwang Health Science University ahead of signing a memorandum on understanding on Tuesday. [NEWS1]

There’s just over a week left for universities to finalize their bids for the multibillion won Glocal University 30 project, with institutions seeking partnerships until the last minute.

A total of 20 teams that have been shortlisted for the funding are now preparing their final action plans to submit to the Ministry of Education. Submissions must be made by July 26, with the ministry set to announce the final 10 teams in August.

Universities selected for the project will receive 100 billion won ($72 million) to be distributed over five years, which they can use to enhance their competitiveness.

Among the shortlisted universities, the coalition between Wonkwang University and Wonkwang Health Science University is preparing to offer many opportunities for international students through partnerships.

The universities’ main goal is to become globally renowned in the bio sector, aiming to rank within the top 100 for QS World University Rankings by Subject’s Biological Sciences and to host a total of 3,000 international students. According to the Korean Council for University Education, Wonkwang University had 86 international students in 2023 and the Health Science University had 30.

To meet their goal, Wonkwang University signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hanoi’s Phenikaa University and Organoid Sciences, a Seongnam, Gyeonggi-based bio company, on July 11. This agreement aims to provide more opportunities for Vietnamese students to study in Korea.

The Korean and Vietnamese universities will offer opportunities for their students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs in biomedical and engineering fields to study at each other’s institutions. Organoid Sciences will open a new office at Wonkwang University’s R&D Center in September, where it will offer work-experience programs for visiting Vietnamese students.

Wonkwang University also plans to offer jobs to outstanding international students trained at the university, aiming to encourage long-term settlement.

Additionally, Wonkwang University and Wonkwang Health Science University signed another MOU with North Jeolla and Jeonbuk National University, which was selected for the Glocal University 30 project last year, on Tuesday to strengthen their bid for the funding.

The two shortlisted universities will collaborate with Jeonbuk National University to codevelop biomedical curricula and create credit exchange programs.

While some universities do not focus their action plans solely on international students, winning funding for the Glocal University 30 project can help those aiming to increase their international student body.

Gyeongsang National University, which won funding from last year’s project, reported a significant increase in international students through the government-funded Global Korea Scholarship. In 2024, 62 international students were selected for the scholarship, a 130 percent increase from 27 the previous year.

Students play games during a sports day for international students held at Gyeongsang National University in May. [GYEONGSANG NATIONAL UNIVERSITY]

“Being selected for the Education Ministry’s Glocal University 30 project allowed us to recommend twice the number of prospective students for the scholarship compared to other regional universities,” said Oh Jae-sin, head of the university’s Office of International and External Cooperation. “This also reflects Gyeongsang National University’s recognized infrastructure and experience in managing international students. We will continue to do our best to enhance our global competitiveness.”

Other shortlisted universities are focusing on using Glocal University 30 project funding to advance their specialized academic fields.

Soonchunhyang University aims to foster mobility and bio startups in the region, training students needed by startups in these fields. The university signed an MOU with the Korea Automotive Technology Institute on Monday to support mobility startups and with the Chungnam Venture Association to support startups in mobility, bio and carbon offset.

The university has completed a new campus complex in Asan, South Chungcheong, to host research centers and local startups.

Changwon National University plans to specialize in aerospace, having signed an MOU with Poland’s Poznan University of Technology and Hanwha Aerospace Europe. The partnership will focus on joint research in aerospace technology and developing technologies applicable in Poland.

The university also signed another MOU with the Gyeongnam Institute for additional research projects.

Representatives from Kumoh National Institute of Technology and Yeungnam University pose for a photo with companies and institutions they signed a memorandum of understanding with on Tuesday. [NORTH GYEONGSANG PROVINCIAL OFFICE]

Kumoh National Institute of Technology and Yeungnam University, applying for the Glocal University 30 project as a coalition, signed an MOU with 29 companies and organizations in North Gyeongsang on Tuesday.

Among the signing parties are six local companies, including SK Siltron, SL and Valeo Mobility Korea, as well as local government offices of North Gyeongsang, Gumi, and Gyeongsan, the Gumi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Gyeongbuk Technopark. They aim to collaborate with the universities to develop students in semiconductors, AI and software and to create relevant training programs.

Local organizations are also backing the bid, as universities that receive substantial funding can boost the local economy through job creation and an increased student population.

“Kumoh National Institute of Technology and Yeungnam University’s selection for the Glocal University 30 project is not only an opportunity for the universities to innovate but also a chance to create new growth momentum for North Gyeongsang,” said Kim Jang-ho, mayor of Gumi, during the MOU signing ceremony. “Gumi will offer administrative and financial support to help the universities secure the funding.”

The North Gyeongsang Provincial Office plans to sign additional partnerships with universities in the province vying for the funding project. A MOU with Handong Global University is scheduled for Thursday, and another with Daegu Haany University is planned for Friday to support their final selection.

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