▲ This illustration depicts a student suffering from mental stress. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 21 (Yonhap) -- Suicide accounted for nearly 18 percent of deaths among foreign students at South Korean universities over the past six years, data showed Monday, highlighting growing concerns over mental health and adjustment challenges.

According to the data submitted by the Ministry of Education to Rep. Kim Moon-soo of the ruling Democratic Party, a total of 84 foreign students died across around 350 universities in South Korea between 2021 and 2026.

Accidents were the leading cause of death at 34 cases, or 40.5 percent of the total, followed by diseases at 23 cases and suicides at 15 cases, or 17.8 percent.

As of April 1, there were 307,464 foreign students enrolled in local universities and graduate schools, up 21.3 percent from a year earlier, according to the education ministry.

Experts note that foreign students often struggle with adapting to life in South Korea due to language barriers, unfamiliar cultures and heavy academic stress.

Mental health concerns gained heightened attention in 2024 following the death of an African graduate student at Chonnam National University, who had reportedly suffered from severe academic stress, which prompted fellow students to hold memorial rallies.

"We need a meticulous prevention system to prevent international students from taking their own lives, rather than just focusing on increasing their numbers," Rep. Kim said.

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