The government has confirmed the medical school enrollment for 2026 at 3,058. A year ago, the government announced a plan to increase the enrollment to 5,058, but faced strong backlash from the medical community, leading to a reversal back to the 2024 level. However, the government emphasized strict academic management, including applying academic probation for class absences.
Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, held a briefing at the Government Sejong Center on the 17th and noted, "We have seriously considered the request from the medical education community to confirm the enrollment of 3,058 for each university, and have decided to respect the wishes of the university presidents and deans by accepting it."
Previously, the government announced medical reform aimed at increasing the medical school enrollment by 2,000 (3,058 → 5,058) last February. The enrollment had not changed in 18 years since 2006. Although there were plans to apply this immediately starting in the 2025 academic year, the government developed an alternative allowing universities to autonomously enroll 50-100% of the additional spots due to opposition from the medical community, ultimately recruiting 4,567.
The controversy continued into this year as the government decided on the enrollment for 2026. The government proposed a plan to restore the medical school enrollment, assuming that students would return by the end of March. Medical students have registered at the school but are engaged in a class boycott. Despite this situation, the government ultimately reversed the enrollment.
The Ministry of Education stated, "The government and universities have done their utmost for the return of medical students and preparation for education," adding, "Medical students have responded to the efforts of the government and universities by completing registration and readmission procedures, and the number of students participating in classes continues to increase." However, it added, "It is true that the current participation of medical students does not meet the level suggested in March by the Council of University Presidents for the Advancement of Medical Schools and the Association of Medical Schools."
Along with this, the government has decided to amend the Higher Education Act enforcement decree to allow the university presidents to autonomously adjust the enrollment for medical schools next year. Additionally, it warned that the flexible academic policies implemented last year would not apply as the enrollment is reverted for next year. The Ministry of Education stated, "We must strictly manage academic affairs according to school regulations, including applying academic probation for absences from classes."
Deputy Prime Minister Lee Ju-ho remarked, "With today's announcement, we hope to conclude the social controversy regarding the enrollment for the 2026 academic year and now we all must work together towards normalizing medical education and advancing medical reform for the future of our country."