As Korea navigates shifting domestic and global labor demands, it has become increasingly important to analyze the role of foreign high-skilled talent through data-driven research to inform policy decisions.
This study examines the training experiences, personal characteristics, and early labor market transitions of foreign PhD graduates in STEM and medical fields in Korea. Compared to their Korean counterparts, foreign PhD students are more likely to focus exclusively on their studies, have a higher representation in non-metropolitan universities, and complete their degrees at a younger age.
While scholarships remain the primary source of tuition funding, the share of self-financed students has been rising, suggesting that financial burdens on foreign PhD students are increasing. When entering the job market, foreign PhD graduates face lower employment rates and lower wages than their Korean peers, with most securing postdoctoral research positions.
Interestingly, foreign PhD graduates in STEM and medical fields show a stronger preference for staying in Korea compared to their counterparts in other disciplines. The growing reliance on self-funding among full-time PhD students highlights a shift in their financial circumstances, suggesting that many must now balance academic commitments with financial responsibilities, altering the overall dynamics of their study experience.