Vision 8 Academy partners Jeju University

Jeju University Entrepreneurship Education Centre Head Associate Professor Joon Oh Kim (second from left): exchanges the MoU signed with Vision 8 Academy Chairman Amintha Sugath De Silva. Jeju University General Manager Kang Inkwan, IAP Group CEO Park Jong Chul and Vision 8 Academy Managing Director Subani De Silva are also present

• Initiative opens doors for Sri Lankan students in South Korea

Vision 8 Academy, a leading educational institution in Sri Lanka, has forged a ground-breaking partnership with Jeju Tourism University, South Korea, offering unparalleled opportunities for Sri Lankan students to study, work, and thrive in one of Asia’s most dynamic nations.

This strategic collaboration between Vision 8 Academy and Jeju University sets a precedent for expanding educational and cultural horizons, solidifying Sri Lanka’s place on the global academic map.

South Korea, renowned as the world’s 6th largest economy, is home to global giants like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai. With a per capita GDP of 

$ 33,000 and a robust education system, the country has emerged as a global hub for innovation and knowledge. This agreement between Vision 8 Academy and Jeju University signals a transformative opportunity for Sri Lankan students to benefit from South Korea’s world-class academic resources and vibrant economy.

The Academy said South Korea is globally recognised for its competitive and quality-driven education system, consistently ranking among the top in international assessments like PISA. The country excels in fields like IT, mechanical engineering, entrepreneurship, and tourism. Universities such as Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Jeju Tourism University attract international students with their advanced facilities, esteemed faculty, and industry-oriented programs.

Moreover, South Korea is increasingly looking to Sri Lanka not just for its hardworking labour force but also for young, ambitious students who can contribute to its economy. With flexible work-study options, students can earn while they learn, opening pathways for long-term employment and family settlement in South Korea.

The agreement brings focus to Jeju Island, South Korea’s largest and most scenic province. Known for its breath-taking landscapes and rich history, Jeju attracts over 50 million tourists annually, making it a hotspot for tourism-related opportunities. Jeju Tourism University, a leading institution in hospitality and tourism studies, has expressed a strong interest in enrolling Sri Lankan students, recognising their potential to thrive in the global tourism industry.

Jeju Island also holds a special place in Sri Lankan popular culture due to the popularity of Korean dramas aired locally, fostering a strong cultural affinity between the two nations.

In Sri Lanka, popular Korean teledramas include “Autumn in My Heart”, “Full House”, “Boys Over Flowers”, “Pinocchio”, “My Love from Another Star”, “Descendants of the Sun”, “Dong Yi” (known as “Abitha Diyani” locally), “The King’s Doctor” (known as “Isiswara Wedaduru”), and many more, which are often aired on local television channels with Sinhala subtitles.

Students can pursue bachelor’s programs with basic eligibility criteria: three simple passes at A/Ls and an IELTS score of 5.5 for ages 19–22. Master’s degree aspirants aged 23–32 require a good GPA in their bachelor’s studies and IELTS 5.5. With reasonable tuition fees, affordable living costs, and a part-time work rate of $ 7.5 per hour, students can fund their education with ease.

The academic calendar, designed for flexibility, requires students to attend classes only four days a week for eight months a year, leaving ample time for part-time work. Additionally, programs encourage students to acquire proficiency in the Korean language, enhancing their employability and integration into Korean society.

Students will enter South Korea on a D2 visa, which can later transition to D10 and D7 work visas, providing seamless access to employment opportunities after graduation. This partnership underscores a new chapter in Sri Lanka-South Korea educational ties, enabling students to secure a global career while contributing to South Korea’s workforce needs.