The government is pushing for a plan to allow universities to decide on the enrollment quotas for medical schools in the 2026 academic year. This is because it has become difficult to finalize the medical school enrollment quota for next year due to the delay in establishing the Medical Workforce Supply and Demand Estimation Committee.
Universities Can Increase Enrollment Up to 2,000 Students
According to this plan, each university can autonomously decide on the number of medical school applicants for the 2026 academic year by April 30, 2025, taking into account educational conditions. However, they must consult with the Minister of Education in advance.
The maximum increase in enrollment is possible up to 2,000 students, but considering that the number of students each university hoped to increase last year exceeded 2,000, it is analyzed that a result different from the expectations of the medical community may come out.
Medical Community Demands Reconsideration of Enrollment Increase
The medical community is demanding a complete reconsideration of the enrollment increase. This is because universities are highly likely to maintain the existing increased enrollment. According to the results of a survey conducted by the Ministry of Education last year, universities applied for an increase of a total of 3,401 students.
The Korean Association of Medical Colleges and Graduate Schools of Medicine (KAMC) even sent an official letter to the presidents of each university saying that the enrollment quota for medical schools in the 2026 academic year should be '0'.
Government Adheres to Principle of Decision Through Estimation Committee
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that the medical school enrollment quota for the 2026 academic year will in principle be decided through the Estimation Committee. However, it explained that it is considering a plan for universities to decide autonomously in preparation for cases where the Estimation Committee cannot make a decision.
Discussions Continue on Composition and Independence of Estimation Committee
Meanwhile, discussions are continuing at the Subcommittee on Legislation and Review of the Health and Welfare Committee of the National Assembly on ways to ensure the composition and independence of the Estimation Committee, and the need to consider differences in opinions between university presidents and deans of medical schools.
Government to Re-examine After Comprehensively Considering Opinions from Medical Community
The government plans to re-examine the plan later after comprehensively considering the plan for universities to decide autonomously and the opinions of the medical community.
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