International Students Prefer 'Business Administration', Employment Rate Higher in 'Engineering'... Clear Major Mismatch

As the number of international students enrolled in domestic universities continues to rise, a clear disparity has emerged between the majors preferred by these students and those that are advantageous for actual employment. Recent statistics from the education sector indicate that the most commonly chosen majors among international students are Business Administration and the Humanities and Social Sciences, yet the actual employment rate post-graduation is significantly higher for Engineering majors.

Examining the trends in major selection among international students, there is an overwhelming preference for Business Administration and Korean Language and Literature within the Humanities and Social Sciences. This is interpreted as a reflection of interest in Korean corporate culture, the global popularity of K-content, and the relatively low barriers to entry in these academic fields. Particularly at the undergraduate level, this trend is even more pronounced, with many international students choosing Business Administration with the goal of employment in Korean companies.

However, the actual indicators in the job market present a different picture from the preferences of international students. A comprehensive review of university disclosure materials shows that the top employment rates for international students are dominated by Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Computer Engineering. This is attributed to the immediate demand for these fields in the industry and the predominance of technical jobs that have relatively low language barriers.

This phenomenon is closely related to the fact that South Korea's industrial structure is based on manufacturing and advanced IT technology. Domestic companies prefer technical talent that can be immediately integrated into practical work, and there is a relatively open pathway for skilled professionals (E-7) regarding visa issuance. In contrast, graduates from the Humanities and Social Sciences face challenges in passing through a relatively narrow employment door due to fierce competition with domestic students and limitations in language proficiency.

Experts point out that for policies aimed at attracting international students to be successful, there must be a strengthening of major education linked to industrial demand, going beyond merely increasing student numbers. There is a growing call for universities to accurately inform international students about the realities of the domestic job market, encourage progression into engineering fields, or establish integrated technical education programs for students in the Humanities.