Education and Research & Development

Australia and Korea share a strong and growing partnership across education, research, innovation, and skills development. Korea remains one of Australia’s key education partners in Asia, with thousands of Korean students choosing Australia each year for higher education, vocational training, English language programs, and secondary schooling. Education cooperation between the two countries continues to expand through university partnerships, joint research initiatives, government engagement, and industry collaboration.

As both countries strengthen cooperation in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, AI, biotechnology, defence, critical minerals, and emerging technologies, research and development (R&D) collaboration is becoming increasingly important to the Australia-Korea bilateral relationship. Australia’s strengths in research, commercialisation, and industry-led innovation complement Korea’s globally competitive technology ecosystem and strong investment in science, technology, and R&D.

The Korean Government continues to increase investment in future-focused education and innovation initiatives, including AI education, regional R&D ecosystems, and university competitiveness. Korea’s 2026 education budget reached approximately KRW 106.3 trillion (around A$109 billion), with a strong focus on fostering future talent and strengthening AI capabilities across universities. Korea has also launched new AI-focused university initiatives to support growing demand for advanced technology skills and research collaboration. 

This sector connects members with universities, research institutions, education providers, government stakeholders, industry leaders, and innovation partners across both countries. The sector also helps members navigate evolving policy and market trends impacting education, research, and innovation collaboration between Australia and Korea.

Recent activities

• Engaged with New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholars and students undertaking study and internship programs in Korea to support deeper Australia-Korea people-to-people and professional connections (2026)

• Made a submission to the Federal Inquiry into Building Asia Capability in Australia through the education system and beyond, highlighting opportunities to strengthen Australia’s Korea capability, language learning, mobility, and bilateral education and industry collaboration (2025)

• Co-hosted a webinar with the Australian Embassy on Australia-Korea Transnational Education (TNE) (2025)

• Co-hosted a webinar with the Australian Embassy on Korea’s higher education reforms (2024) 

• Co-hosted the Australia-Korea Higher Education Forum with the Australian Embassy on strengthening education and research partnerships (2023)

• Released the AKBC report “Bridges to the Future,” highlighting opportunities in education and research collaboration between Australia and Korea (2022) 

New Colombo Plan Scholar Departure Networking Event (2026)