Changes Coming to the KIIP: Transition to a Paid Program

The Korean Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP), which has provided free educational services for immigrants, will begin charging fees starting January 2025. This initiative aims to help immigrants systematically learn the Korean language and culture to better adapt and achieve self-sufficiency in Korean society. While previously free, a growing learning motivation issue and an imbalance in service demand have led to the decision to introduce some cost-sharing.

What is the KIIP?

The KIIP is an educational program designed to assist newly arrived immigrants in learning Korean and understanding Korean culture, aiding their adjustment to life in South Korea. Launched in 2009, it has been fully funded by the Ministry of Justice and is a well-structured program that helps immigrants enhance their language skills and grasp essential aspects of Korean laws and culture.

Why Introduce Fees?

The Ministry of Justice has announced this shift to address several challenges that have emerged during the program’s free provision. A lack of motivation to learn among some participants has resulted in lower achievement levels. Despite increasing demand for education, limitations on government funding have made it difficult to offer sufficient courses. Education experts have suggested that having participants contribute financially to the program could help resolve these issues.

Details of the Paid Program

The introduction of fees will not affect all participants uniformly. The costs will be tiered based on the specific courses taken, with each 100-hour stage requiring a payment of 100,000 KRW. This amount represents roughly 20% of the actual course cost, equating to 1,000 KRW per hour. However, individuals contributing to national interests or those in vulnerable social positions may qualify for fee waivers, while diligent participants can receive a 50% discount on tuition fees if they demonstrate committed attendance.

Who is Eligible for Fee Waivers or Reductions?

The Ministry of Justice is making careful considerations to ensure that this new fee structure does not impose excessive burdens on immigrants. For example, individuals who have made significant contributions to society or are classified as socially vulnerable will have their tuition completely waived. Those who actively engage in the program with dedication will only pay half of the total cost.

Anticipated Benefits of this Change

The transition to a paid model is expected to encourage participants to take their education more seriously, which should lead to higher academic achievements. Additionally, this shift will help balance the funding limitations faced by the government and increase the number of available courses, thereby resolving issues of demand and supply in educational offerings.

Comprehensive Overview of the KIIP

1. Legal Foundation:

• According to Article 39 of the Immigration Control Act, the Minister of Justice may implement social integration programs to support social adaptation for foreign nationals seeking South Korean nationality or permanent residency, involving education, information provision, and counseling.

1. Eligibility and Operating Institutions:

• Eligible Participants: All legally residing foreigners registered in South Korea and naturalized citizens within three years of acquiring citizenship.
• Institutions: Educational sessions are conducted by universities, local governments, public organizations, family centers, and NGOs designated by the Minister of Justice, with a total of 335 institutions available nationwide as of August 2024.

1. Curriculum Overview:

• The program comprises a 415-hour Korean language and culture course, alongside a 100-hour course focused on understanding Korean society.

1. Fee Structure:

• Levels 1 through 4 will each incur a fee of 100,000 KRW for 100 hours. For Level 5, participants will pay 70,000 KRW for the basic course (70 hours) and 30,000 KRW for the advanced course (30 hours). Note: Level 0 (15 hours) and those exempt from fees will be free, while those eligible for discounts will pay 50% of the tuition.

1. Exemptions and Reductions:

• Exemptions: Certain individuals, such as independence activists and their families, veterans and their families, recipients of basic livelihood security, severely disabled individuals, and certain minors under various circumstances, are exempt from fees.
• Reductions: Individuals who achieve 100% attendance in a given stage, along with those recommended based on exemplary learning attitudes, will be eligible for fee reductions.

This information reflects the current state of affairs and is subject to change as government policies evolve. Additionally, it serves as general information and does not provide legal interpretation or judgments. For further consultations, please visit our 1:1 Consultation Board.