4 meister high schools record 3.07-to-1 ratio

2 specialized high schools post 1.92-to-1 in special admissions

The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education [Busan Metropolitan Office of Education]
The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education [Busan Metropolitan Office of Education]

Busan's four meister high schools recorded their highest-ever application rates in the 2027 academic year admissions cycle, the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education announced Monday.

During a four-day application window from Tuesday to Friday last week, the four schools — Busan Mechanical Technical High School, Busan Maritime High School, Busan Automobile Meister High School and Busan Software Meister High School — drew 1,623 applicants for 528 spots, yielding an average competition ratio of 3.07 to 1.

Two specialized high schools holding special admissions during the same period also saw strong interest. Busan Aviation High School and Busan Naval Science and Technology High School together received 292 applications for 152 seats, an average ratio of 1.92 to 1.

The education office attributed the results to growing interest among students and parents in vocational education. It also plans to support admissions for 32 specialized high schools, which will accept applications from Nov. 30 through Dec. 1.

"The record-high competition ratio at meister high schools reflects students' high regard for the value of vocational education — a path that lets them grow into skilled technical professionals based on their own aptitudes and talents," Superintendent Kim Seok-jun said. "We will strengthen support so that students at vocational high schools can pursue their dreams and develop into technical talent."

Meanwhile, the education office is pursuing policies to boost the competitiveness of vocational high schools, including department-level restructuring, National Competency Standards-based qualification programs and a credit system for vocational schools. Next year, it plans to open the tentatively named Busan Semiconductor Meister High School and expand regionally specialized vocational schools to better meet local industry demand for skilled technical professionals.


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