"Can't Tuition Be Refunded?" University Campuses, Online Classes... Students' Frustration

Due to the Spread of COVID-19, Major Universities Replace with 'Cyber Lectures'
83.8% of 12,613 University Students Nationwide Agree on 'Tuition Refund During Remote Class Replacement Period'
Students Express Frustration: "Do Not Expect Cyber Lectures to Be of High Quality"

Due to the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), universities have announced the postponement of the semester start and the provision of remote lectures. The photo shows a university student attending a remote lecture at home. Photo by Seulgi Kim sabiduriakim@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] "Do I really have to pay nearly 4 million won in tuition fees when I'm not going to school to attend professors' classes in person and can't even meet them face-to-face during lectures?"

University student A (25) recently expressed frustration over universities announcing plans to conduct remote and home-based classes amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases, saying, "It's ridiculous that they are charging full tuition while proceeding this way."

On the afternoon of the 2nd, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye held a 'COVID-19 Related Policy Announcement' and, after consultations with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, provincial education superintendents, and related experts, finalized adjustments to university academic schedules and support measures at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting chaired by the Prime Minister.

On that day, the Ministry of Education announced, "Universities will conduct remote home-based classes throughout March." It added, "Although the start of the semester has been postponed for two weeks, classes will continue to be held remotely, using assignments and other home-based learning methods, without in-person attendance until the COVID-19 situation stabilizes."

Some university students are voicing concerns that they cannot expect proper learning through 'online lectures.'

B (24), a freshman entering the College of Engineering this year, said, "My department involves many group projects and practical sessions, so I doubt how cyber lectures can be helpful," expressing frustration, "I find it hard to agree with the university's decision not to refund even part of the tuition under these circumstances."

On the 28th of last month, the National University Student Council Network (Jeondaenet) held an emergency meeting with the Ministry of Education officials. Photo by Jeondaenet Facebook official page

Meanwhile, a survey shows that students believe they should receive tuition refunds during the period of online classes.

On the 28th of last month, the National University Student Council Network (Jeondaenet) stated, "We requested partial tuition refunds from the Ministry of Education, but the ministry responded that partial refunds are legally difficult."

Jeondaenet pointed out on their official Facebook page, "During a communication meeting with Ministry of Education officials, we received irresponsible answers such as 'Legally, tuition refunds are difficult,' and 'The Ministry of Education only conveys directives from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency; recommending detailed matters could infringe on university autonomy.'"

According to a survey released by Jeondaenet on the 2nd, involving 12,613 university students nationwide, 83.8% agreed with 'tuition refunds during the delayed semester start and remote class substitution period due to COVID-19.' Among them, 7,547 students (59.8%) answered 'very necessary,' and 3,023 students (24%) answered 'necessary.'

Regarding 'university life-related damages experienced due to university responses to the spread of COVID-19,' 5,163 students (40.9%) responded that 'classes are inadequate due to online class substitution.'

C (57), a self-employed parent of a university student, lamented, "I don't know if just listening to lectures at home without going to school actually helps learning. With household income already suffering due to COVID-19, it's burdensome that universities charge expensive tuition while only providing home-based classes."

University Tuition / Photo by Yonhap News

However, under current law, partial tuition refunds are not possible. This is because the semester delay is not expected to last more than a month.

On the 27th of last month, the Korea Council for University Education sent an official letter to member universities stating, "Considering the overall academic schedule, let's not postpone the semester start further and proceed with 'home-based classes.'"

According to Article 3 of the 'Regulations on University Tuition Fees,' effective since March 2013, "If a university suspends classes for a full month, tuition for that month must be waived or reduced." Under this law, academic operations involving home-based classes are not considered a suspension.

Students criticized the Ministry of Education's decision, pointing out, "There is no guarantee that the quality of remote classes provided by universities will be good."

D (23), a student majoring in Media Content, said, "Due to the nature of my department, many lectures involve group projects and practical programs, so I do not expect home-based classes to be better than on-site classes," expressing dissatisfaction.

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