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Free High School Education and Compulsory Elementary and Middle School Education (고교 무상교육·초중 의무교육): How to Apply, Amount & Eligibility (2026)

Admission fees, tuition, school operation support fees and textbook costs for high school are fully free (all grades; estimated about KRW 1,600,000 per student per year)

This page is a translation of the Korean original and is for reference only. The official Korean guidance is the authoritative source for amounts and conditions, so be sure to confirm on the official website before applying. View Korean original (한국어)

Benefit
Support for admission fees, tuition, school operation support fees and textbook purchase costs for high school grades 1-3 (fully implemented in 2021). Private schools where the principal sets tuition and that do not receive financial deficit subsidies are excluded. Elementary and middle school are compulsory education.
Who is eligible
High school students nationwide (excluded schools are exceptions).
When to apply
Applied automatically upon admission and enrollment; no separate application is needed.
How to apply
Follow the school's guidance (no separate application).
Important notes
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Note
Students at excluded private schools receive separate support if they meet the income criteria for the Education Benefit or education expense support.
Go to the official guide →

Based on official sources as of 2026년 10월. Amounts and requirements may change, so please confirm with the official guide before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Free High School Education and Compulsory Elementary and Middle School Education (고교 무상교육·초중 의무교육): who can receive it?

High school students nationwide (excluded schools are exceptions).

Free High School Education and Compulsory Elementary and Middle School Education (고교 무상교육·초중 의무교육): how do I apply?

Follow the school's guidance (no separate application).

Free High School Education and Compulsory Elementary and Middle School Education (고교 무상교육·초중 의무교육): how much will I receive?

Support for admission fees, tuition, school operation support fees and textbook purchase costs for high school grades 1-3 (fully implemented in 2021). Private schools where the principal sets tuition and that do not receive financial deficit subsidies are excluded. Elementary and middle school are compulsory education.

Free High School Education and Compulsory Elementary and Middle School Education (고교 무상교육·초중 의무교육): when can I apply?

Applied automatically upon admission and enrollment; no separate application is needed.