JBNU has been selected as an operating institution for the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)'s 'Specialized Human Resources Training Program' and will begin full-scale efforts to cultivate global talent in the agriculture and bio sectors.

The Department of Agri-Food and Livestock Convergence at JBNU announced that it has been finally selected as the operating institution for KOICA's '2026 Specialized Human Resources Training Program' in the fields of agriculture, agricultural biotechnology, and bio.

With a total budget of 2.5 billion KRW, this project is a mid- to long-term educational initiative targeting trainees from low-income countries. Recruitment will begin in March, and training will commence in September.

The training program will run for 27 months across three cohorts. Ten trainees will be selected for each cohort. In addition to major coursework, trainees will receive practical, intensive instruction including Korean language training and domestic industry internships. The program is characterized by establishing a comprehensive, industry-linked talent development system that goes beyond theoretical instruction.

JBNU plans to provide systematic career support through a post-training follow-up program. By offering tailored assistance so that graduates can return home and succeed in employment or entrepreneurship, or pursue doctoral programs in Korea, the university aims to generate tangible outcomes.

This system has already been validated. Using its own funds, JBNU operated an industry–university-linked master's program for graduates of Makerere University's College of Veterinary Medicine in Uganda and achieved measurable results. Building on this, JBNU has advanced its international agricultural talent development model through projects such as the 'Cambodia International Student Project' in cooperation with Giheung Co., Ltd., Noksaek Bunong Foundation, and the Good Farmers Association.

JBNU holds the Ministry of Education's 'Education Internationalization Competency Certification' and is designated as a university eligible for the Ministry of Justice's 'K-STAR visa track,' giving it strengths in attracting and managing international students. Combined with research capacity accumulated through the 4th phase of the BK21 project, further synergy between education and research is expected.

In addition, the Department of Agri-Food and Livestock Convergence is designated as a 'Specialized Graduate School for Livestock Environment' for the 2024–2028 period, providing an educational environment optimized for practice-oriented, convergence-based talent development.

Director Choi Hyun-woo said, “We will fulfill the university's social responsibility by transferring advanced technologies in agricultural biotechnology to trainees from low-income countries, narrowing the gap in agricultural technology between countries, and contributing to shared global development.”