Thirty students accepted into the Hamhung College of Pharmacy, a prestigious state-run university in North Korea’s South Hamgyong province, declined to enroll this year. This trend suggests North Korean students increasingly prefer attending local universities closer to home rather than state-run universities with higher tuition in expensive areas.
“The academic affairs department of the Hamhung College of Pharmacy submitted a report about new student enrollment to the government on March 29. The report indicated that over 30 students who received acceptance notifications chose not to enroll. Most were students from outside South Hamgyong province,” a source in the province told Daily NK recently.
Daily NK has learned that the students who turned down slots at the Hamhung College of Pharmacy this year included eight from South Pyongan province, seven from Jagang province, five from North Pyongan province, and four from Pyongyang.
North Korea’s educational officials were reportedly shocked that over 30 students would decline the opportunity to attend a state-run university, long considered the dream of every ambitious North Korean student.
Competition is fierce at North Korea’s state-run universities, which select from a nationwide pool of students. Acceptance at such schools is reportedly limited to students with excellent academic records and reliable family backgrounds.
“In the past, students would have taken pride in acceptance at a state-run university and would have done whatever necessary to enroll, but the mood is different now. Students and parents seem to have decided that rather than enduring a six-year course at a college of pharmacy, it’s better to enroll in the pharmacy department of a provincial medical school closer to home,” the source said.
Fees are high at the six-year Hamhung College of Pharmacy, where students must personally cover the costs of their practicums. Additionally, many students from other regions often struggle to afford dormitory fees and daily living expenses.
In contrast, students attending pharmacy departments at provincial medical schools can complete their studies in just five years while earning the same credentials as graduates of six-year programs. This explains why students from other areas see little benefit in spending an extra year at the state-run institution.
However, the source said students who have been offered a spot at a state-run college of pharmacy cannot immediately gain admission to a pharmacy department at a provincial medical school.
“These students must take positions at ordinary factories or enterprises for a couple of years. Then, after receiving another university invitation, they can transfer to medical school,” the source explained.
North Korea’s educational authorities are concerned about students declining enrollment in state-run universities, the source said. Apparently, the Hamhung College of Pharmacy is not the only school experiencing this trend.
“Given indications that young people are starting to view state-run universities as impractical, the Central Committee has ordered officials to investigate admission forfeiture rates at other state-run universities. The Central Committee views students’ decisions to avoid state-run schools as a prime example of young people prioritizing personal gain over honor,” the source concluded.
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