Up to 4-Week 'Semester Postponement' Recommended for Universities... 14-Day Quarantine for Travelers via China (Comprehensive)

Ministry of Education Provides Flexible Academic Operation Guidelines... Reviews Financial Support for Quarantine Costs
All Student Visa Holders Must Undergo Enhanced Entry Screening

On the 4th, students wearing masks are passing in front of a banner with guidelines for preventing the novel coronavirus infection at Yonsei University in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Ahead of the new semester starting in March, the government has recommended that universities delay the start of classes by up to four weeks to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia). All international students entering the country via China will be subject to government monitoring for 14 days after arrival.

On the afternoon of the 5th, the Ministry of Education held an 'Expanded Inter-Ministerial International Student Support Meeting' at the Government Seoul Office, attended by 20 university presidents from major universities such as Kyung Hee University, Korea University, and Dankook University, as well as officials from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of the Interior and Safety, where this decision was made.

The meeting was convened to seek efficient and proactive response measures and to establish a cooperative system between related ministries and universities, as a large number of students residing in China are expected to enter the country around the March university semester start date.

The Ministry of Education first recommended that each university delay the start of classes by up to four weeks and prepare and provide flexible academic operation guidelines regarding class reduction, compliance with required class hours, and leave of absence for new and transfer students. To minimize disruptions to the academic schedule caused by the delayed start, remote classes will be actively utilized, and any deficits caused by class reductions will be supplemented through make-up lectures, assignments, or remote classes.

Regarding first-semester study abroad for freshmen and transfer students, which is currently prohibited by university regulations, the ministry recommended allowing leave of absence only if the reason is the novel coronavirus. Attendance will also be recognized in cases where students cannot attend classes due to voluntary quarantine, suspension of school attendance, or delayed entry.

Additionally, the ministry urged universities to refrain from or postpone or cancel group events such as graduation ceremonies and orientations (OT) as much as possible, and ordered thorough management measures including disinfection of multi-use facilities on campus such as international halls, dormitories, libraries, and student centers.

Financial support will also be considered for additional expenses incurred by universities to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, such as purchasing quarantine supplies, thermal cameras, and hand sanitizers. Although discussions are currently underway with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance regarding contingency fund support, the Ministry of Education explained that necessary expenses will be prioritized and executed through the University Innovation Support Project, a financial support program of the Ministry of Education.

The Ministry of Education also plans to thoroughly manage students entering from China from the entry stage through inter-ministerial cooperation, conduct frequent monitoring for 14 days after entry, and immediately connect symptomatic individuals with health authorities. From the entry stage, not only Chinese international students but also all students and staff holding study visas will undergo special entry procedures through separate entry gates. International students are required to report their expected arrival dates in Korea to their respective universities in advance, and information on these students will be regularly shared with universities through information sharing between the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Education.

Deputy Prime Minister Yoo Eun-hye urged, "Universities and related ministries should cooperate more closely to devise effective measures to overcome the current crisis situation, and universities should do their best to ensure that the recent urgent situation caused by the novel coronavirus passes safely."

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