Dong-A University Selected as Final Participant in Ministry of Justice's 'K-STAR Visa Track'

Supporting the Settlement of Foreign Science and Technology Graduate Researchers in Korea
Fostering a Regional Research Ecosystem

Dong-A University (President Lee Haewoo) has been selected as a final participant in the Ministry of Justice's 'K-STAR Visa Track (Korea-Science & Technology Advanced human-Resources)' program. The inclusion of a regional university in this system, which supports the settlement of foreign master's and doctoral-level talents in the fields of science and technology, is considered highly significant.

The 'K-STAR Visa Track' is a program that greatly simplifies the permanent residency and naturalization procedures for foreign advanced researchers enrolled at domestic universities. Foreign students affiliated with these universities can obtain a residence (F-2) visa immediately upon graduation with only a recommendation from the university president. After residing in Korea for three years, they become eligible to apply for permanent residency or special naturalization.

Since 2023, the Ministry of Justice has been piloting a fast-track system targeting five science and technology-focused universities, including KAIST. This year, the program was expanded and reorganized, and among the universities participating in the BK21 Graduate School Innovation Support Project, new outstanding universities were selected, with Dong-A University included in this list.

On December 5, the Ministry of Justice held a plaque and certificate awarding ceremony at the Government Complex Gwacheon for the 32 selected universities. During the subsequent meeting, strategies for attracting foreign students and measures to support the settlement of outstanding researchers in Korea were discussed.

Through this selection, Dong-A University has secured a foundation to support the local settlement and long-term research activities of foreign master's and doctoral researchers. The university is also expected to gain further momentum in its transition to a research-oriented institution.

Song Kangjik, Dean of the Graduate School at Dong-A University, stated, "This selection provides Dong-A University with an opportunity to actively attract outstanding foreign talents in science and technology fields," adding, "We will actively support the creation of a regional research ecosystem and the stable settlement of foreign researchers."

Song Kangjik (left), Dean of Graduate School at Dong-A University, and Sung Ho Jung, Minister of Justice.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.