- South Korea and Tajikistan have agreed to increase student exchange and academic cooperation, including boosting the number of exchange students and faculty between Tajik State Pedagogical University and Jeonbuk National University (JBNU).
- A Korean Language Learning Center will be set up at Tajikistan's university starting in the 2025-2026 academic year to promote Korean language education and strengthen bilateral ties.
- Additional incentives were introduced for Tajik exchange students, including waived dormitory fees, merit-based scholarships, and fully covered travel costs.
To enhance educational relations, South Korea and Tajikistan have agreed to greatly increase student exchange and academic cooperation programs. Ahliddin Ibodullozoda, Rector of the Tajik State Pedagogical University named after Sadriddin Ayni, dropped by Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) in Jeonju, South Korea. As a guest of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, he came to meet JBNU President Yang O-bong to exchange views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of higher education.
The two parties discussed different avenues of cooperation, such as the increase in student and faculty exchanges, organizing mutual academic conferences, conducting guest lectures, and exchanging experience in science, technology, and foreign language teaching.
There are currently 10 students from the Tajik university studying at JBNU under an academic exchange program. During the meeting, both universities agreed to boost the number of exchange students to 30 undergraduates and up to 20 graduate and doctoral students.
One of the major results of the meeting was the resolution to set up a Korean Language Learning Center at the Tajik State Pedagogical University from the 2025–2026 academic year. The center will help reinforce Korean language education and enhance mutual understanding between the nations.
Additional incentives were made public to fund Tajik exchange students. In the future, students will no longer pay dormitory fees, which totaled 9,000 somoni. Top-performing students will also receive merit-based scholarships, and travel costs will be paid in full.
The two universities also spoke about introducing dual degrees based on the 2+2 model and establishing joint faculties so that students can take advantage of a combination of educational opportunities from both universities.
President Yang showed his university's unreserved support for the initiatives and welcomed the enhanced partnership, stating JBNU is devoted to delivering high-quality education and cultural exchange opportunities to foreign students.
