National Tomorrow Learning Card (국민내일배움카드): Eligibility, Support, Co-pay, How to Apply

The diagram below is a self-made illustration, not a real screen.

A card that covers part of vocational training costs. Based on the official Work24 (고용24) page and the operating rules. Training does not mean a job or income will follow, so compare courses carefully.

Who this suits

• Job seekers, or workers who want new skills
• People for whom certificate course fees are a burden
• Self-employed people and special-type workers who need training

Support amount

• 3 million won per person over 5 years (card valid 5 years; unused balance expires).
• Fixed-term, dispatched, part-time and day workers, basic livelihood recipients/near-poor, people with disabilities, single parents, etc. can get an extra 2 million won after using the 3 million, by submitting documents at a job center (max 5 million won).
• Training in national key/strategic industry occupations can be fully funded once, even beyond 3 million won.

Co-pay

• Usually 15–55% of the training fee (official range 0–55%).
• Depends on the course’s employment rate, earned income tax credit receipt, and national employment support program type.
• Low-income people, people with disabilities, single parents, etc. may pay little or nothing.
• The co-pay is also charged to the card.

Not eligible (examples)

• Public servants, private school staff
• Age 75+
• Large-company workers under 45 earning 3 million won+ a month
• Special-type workers earning 5 million won+ a month
• Self-employed in business under 1 year or with annual sales of 400 million won+
• University students with 2+ years left, high school 1st–2nd graders
• Livelihood benefit recipients (conditional recipients are eligible)
• People funded by another agency, past fraudulent recipients

How to apply

1. Unemployed people first register as job seekers (not needed for workers or self-employed).
2. Apply on Work24 (after login) or at the job center covering your address.
3. A decision usually comes within 7 days; you can appeal it.
4. Receive the card by mail, or at a bank with the issuance confirmation and ID.

Finding certificate courses

• Search and enroll in courses on Work24 (after login).
• Courses of 140+ hours require a training diagnosis consultation first.
• Low attendance can stop the training allowance or end enrollment.
• Fees, co-pay, and hours differ by course even for the same certificate.

Common mistakes

• Applying for the card before registering as a job seeker (if unemployed)
• Forgetting the 5-year validity
• Skipping the consultation for 140+ hour courses
• Neglecting attendance

Checklist

• ☐ Check exclusions
• ☐ (Unemployed) register as a job seeker
• ☐ Apply on Work24 or at a job center
• ☐ Get the card (mail/bank)
• ☐ Compare fees, co-pay, hours
• ☐ 140+ hours → consultation

To look for work too, see our guide to public job-search services.

We also have a $4.99 PDF guide that collects more everyday money-saving tips. Take a look if it’s useful →