Microsoft is partnering with Seoul National University to offer a free Korean-language AI literacy learning and certification programme for educators and workers at non-profit organisations.

The programme is part of Microsoft Elevate, which aims to strengthen AI capabilities and expand opportunities for credible certification in solidarity with educational institutions, civil society and the government.

Microsoft and Seoul National University will expand the programme in phases for workers at social innovation organisations and in the education sector. They will provide completion certificates to participants who finish the course, supporting the spread of AI literacy in South Korea.

As a first step, a programme for workers at social innovation organisations, including non-profits and social ventures, will start in May. From the second half, it will expand to 500,000 teachers and education workers in South Korea from kindergarten through high school (K-12).

The programme will be available online through the Seoul National University Education Administration Training Institute for anyone to take. Graduates will receive a joint completion certificate issued in the names of Seoul National University and Microsoft. Microsoft will also run follow-up programmes to help graduates continue to expand their AI capabilities.

Jong-eun Sung (성종은), general director for Microsoft Elevate in South Korea, said, "AI is transforming the way education and work are done, but the capabilities and opportunities to use it have not yet spread evenly." He added, "Through the AI literacy programme, we will help support the responsible introduction of AI in education and local communities in South Korea and lay the foundation for more members of society to use AI opportunities."