Gongju National University has announced its selection as an accredited university under the 2024 International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS), successfully proving its commitment to internationalization by earning accreditation for both its undergraduate programs and language courses. This recognition marks the first such accreditation the university has received since 2021, when standards were temporarily relaxed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. University representatives interpret this milestone as a reflection of the institution's continuous efforts to bolster its international competitiveness.
The IEQAS, which is co-organized by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea, serves as a comprehensive evaluation system aimed at identifying universities with excellent capabilities for attracting and managing international students. Institutions honored with this certification by 2025 will be recognized for their efforts to recruit international students and will receive several key benefits during the accreditation period from March 2025 to February 2026, including simplified visa issuance procedures, allocation of government-sponsored scholarship students, and additional working hours for international students.
Gongju National University has reportedly achieved excellent results across several rigorous evaluation criteria. This includes systematic academic management of international students, enhanced operation of international education programs, and the bolstering of various support services for international students. Notably, the university's personalized counseling system and improved Korean language education have significantly increased overall satisfaction among international students, contributing to the institution’s positive evaluations.
Jang Chang-gi, the Director of External Cooperation Headquarters, emphasized the importance of this accreditation for the university, stating, “With this selection as a certified university for international education capabilities, Kongju National University will continue to work to strengthen its international competitiveness and provide the best educational environment for international students.”
Currently, the university supports approximately 500 international students and plans to continue growing its internationalization strategy. This initiative is part of its vision to solidify its standing as a global educational hub within Chungcheongnam-do. By enhancing its services and outreach efforts, Gongju National University hopes to attract even more international students, contributing to the broader goals of educational diversity and academic excellence.
The accreditation process itself serves as a model for other institutions striving for similar recognition, emphasizing the importance of structured support and quality management in international education. Given the increasing global mobility of students and the competitive nature of education, Gongju National University’s commitment to these standards sets it apart as it looks to the future.
Overall, this accreditation not only validates the university's efforts to create a conducive learning environment for foreign students but also positions it advantageously among peer institutions on the global stage. The successes achieved through these initiatives highlight the importance of accreditation systems like IEQAS as both benchmarks and opportunities for institutions committed to international education.
Gongju National University is set to continue its innovative approaches and strategies to maintain this status, ensuring it meets both the needs of its students and the demands of the global academic community.