Gov't to expand education subsidies for low-income multicultural youth

Minister of Gender Equality and Family Won Min-kyong speaks during a meeting at Government Complex Seoul, Friday. Yonhap

The government will provide education subsidies starting this month to children aged seven to 18 from low-income multicultural families, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family said, Sunday. The initiative aims to expand educational opportunities, narrow learning gaps and support career development among multicultural youth.

The subsidies will amount to 400,000 won ($256.52) per year for elementary school students, 500,000 won for middle school students and 600,000 won for high school students. They will be provided in August through NH NongHyup card points, following an eligibility review.

Recipients can use subsidies for educational expenses, including learning materials, study room fees, vocational training and certification programs.

Applications will be accepted through June 30 at local family centers and multicultural family support centers in applicants’ districts of residence.

Families must submit an application form along with supporting documents, including identification, a family relations certificate, a resident registration record and proof of health insurance payments.

If the number of applicants exceeds available funding, recipients will be selected according to priority criteria that consider household income and other eligibility factors.

The ministry said it hopes the program will broaden opportunities for children from multicultural families to develop their academic skills and explore future career paths.

"As the number of multicultural families and people with migrant backgrounds continues to rise, the importance of providing systematic educational support for children from multicultural families is also growing," said Kim Ga-ro, director general of the ministry's Family Policy Bureau.

"We will continue to expand tailored support programs to help these children grow into confident and active members of our society."