"Return University Tuition Fees" COVID-19 Fallout Sparks Refund Battles on Campuses

Universities Postpone Semester Start and Switch to Online Classes Until COVID-19 Ends
Students Petition for 'Tuition Fee Reduction'... 54,000 Agree on National Petition

As the start of the school year for elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide, as well as university semesters, has been postponed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, the Yonsei University campus in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, appeared quiet on the 4th. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] As most universities nationwide have decided to postpone the start of the semester by 1 to 2 weeks, and some universities even by 4 weeks, voices among students are rising, questioning whether a partial refund of tuition fees should be issued.

On June 2, a petition titled "Request for Tuition Reduction Due to University Semester Postponement" was posted on the Blue House's public petition board. The petitioner argued that "the basis for setting university tuition fees includes the premise of a 16-week semester," and stated that "students have the right to compensation due to the issue of guaranteeing their right to learn," calling for a tuition reduction. As of the morning of June 5, this petition has garnered over 54,000 signatures.

According to university sources on June 5, Korea University, Yonsei University, and Sungkyunkwan University have decided to start the semester on the 16th, postponed by 2 weeks, and conduct classes online for an additional 2 weeks thereafter. Kookmin University will hold online classes for 4 weeks, and Seoul National University has established a policy to conduct non-face-to-face classes until the COVID-19 pandemic ends. Basically, classes start on the 16th with 2 weeks of online instruction, but extensions are possible depending on the situation.

According to a survey released on June 2 by the National University Student Council Network, 59.8% (7,547 students) of university students responded that a tuition refund due to semester postponement or replacement with online classes is "very necessary." Another 3,023 students (24%) answered that it is "necessary." More than 8 out of 10 university students (83.8%) believe that a tuition refund is needed.

University student Gam Dong-hyun (23) said, "Due to the nature of my department, some classes have limitations when conducted online, but the school is consistently responding irresponsibly by only shortening the number of class days," adding, "Since this is a special situation, shouldn't a reasonable plan be prepared that students can accept?"

However, under current law, the possibility of partial tuition refunds seems low. Article 3 of the "Regulations on University Tuition" stipulates that if a university suspends classes, the tuition for the corresponding month must be exempted or reduced. In practice, partial tuition refunds are possible only on a monthly basis. Since the semester has started even if replaced by online classes, it is difficult to lead to refund measures.

A university official explained, "Even if the semester is postponed or the number of class days is reduced, as long as the required hours per credit are met, it is not a reason for tuition refund," adding, "From the university's perspective, since there are costs involved in preparing for online or non-face-to-face classes, the issue of partial tuition refunds is something the government should approach cautiously."

Meanwhile, Gachon University initially postponed the semester by 2 weeks to start on the 16th but decided to take a full month off by adding 2 more weeks. Although the semester start is delayed by a total of 4 weeks, which could be grounds for tuition refunds, the university extended the semester end date accordingly and shortened the summer vacation, thereby creating room to avoid tuition controversies.

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