Gimhae City to Provide a "High School Equivalency Exam Passing Grant" to Out-of-School Youth ... 300,000 Won per Person

Gimhae City in South Gyeongsang Province will provide a congratulatory grant to out-of-school youth who pass the high school equivalency exam.

The city announced on October 19 that it would launch the "Grant Program Congratulating Out-of-School Youth on Passing the High School Equivalency Exam" for the first time in 2026 to encourage their academic achievements and support them as they make a fresh start.

The program aims to recognize the efforts and achievements of young people who have continued learning outside the regular school curriculum and passed the equivalency exam, boost their motivation to study, and support their continued growth and independence.

Gimhae City Hall in South Gyeongsang Province. [Photo courtesy of Gimhae City]

Last year, Gimhae became the first city in South Gyeongsang Province to complete consultations with the Ministry of Health and Welfare on establishing a new social security program, and laid the groundwork for support through an ordinance and budget.

Eligible applicants are out-of-school youth aged 9 to 24 who are registered residents of Gimhae and passed the high school equivalency exam in 2026.

Applicants must have been registered residents of Gimhae for at least six months before taking the exam and must have continuously remained residents of the city through the date they apply for the grant after passing.

The grant is 300,000 won per person, paid in Gimhae Sarang Gift Certificates, and can be used at designated businesses in education, culture, health, meals, and other sectors.

Applications can be submitted by November 30, 2026, in person at the city hall's Children and Youth Division, an administrative welfare center in an eup, myeon, or dong, or the Gimhae Out-of-School Youth Support Center, or online through the "Gimhae Aiga" platform.

Poster for Gimhae City's congratulatory grant program for out-of-school youth who pass the high school equivalency exam. [Image provided by Gimhae City]

The city plans to verify applicants' eligibility and distribute the grants in December 2026.

Starting in 2027, the city plans to hold two focused application periods each year to coincide with announcements of the equivalency exam results.

Mayor Jeong Yeongdu said, "Passing the equivalency exam is a precious achievement that out-of-school youth have accomplished through their own efforts. I hope this grant will give them strength as they make a fresh start."

He added, "We will continue to provide attentive support so that every young person can grow up healthy, pursue their dreams, and feel included."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.