Ministry of Education: "Direct Cash Support for Tuition Fees Difficult... Will Prepare Reasonable Alternatives"

Careful Review of University Financial Capacity
Discussion with Budget Authorities and National Assembly
Listening to Student and Parent Opinions

Whether to Relax the Use of University Innovation Support Project Funds
"Under Open Review"

A joint press conference of the student councils from three universities located in Dongdaemun-gu (Kyung Hee University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, University of Seoul) was held on the 23rd at Cheongnyangni Station Plaza in Seoul to urge measures for COVID-19 in universities. They called for tuition refunds and the enhancement of publicness in higher education. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] On the 18th, the Ministry of Education announced that it will closely cooperate with related organizations regarding the issue of university tuition refunds and prepare reasonable alternatives for university financial support.

A senior official from the Ministry of Education said in a back briefing on the same day, "It is regrettable that university students could not attend face-to-face classes, and at the same time, we empathize with the difficult financial situation of universities due to quarantine measures, non-face-to-face classes, and a sharp decline in foreign students." He added, "The tuition issue should be resolved through communication between each university and its students, but the Ministry of Education must also address the difficulties faced by both students and universities." He continued, "Direct cash support is difficult and requires consultation with budget authorities," and added, "We will do our best to prepare alternatives."

To this end, the Ministry of Education plans to closely examine the financial issues of universities that have worsened due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and seek related support measures. The Ministry has currently completed inspections of most matters related to university finances and plans to look into them more thoroughly through audits. In addition, it said it will listen to the opinions of budget authorities, the National Assembly, universities, students, and parents.

Regarding the relaxation of restrictions on the use of university innovation support project funds, the Ministry responded, "We cannot say anything at this stage, but we are keeping it open for review."

Meanwhile, the introduction of electronic entry logs will be mandatory for private academies in the metropolitan area. This applies to school subject academies with 300 or more people and all lifelong vocational academies. However, among facilities with 300 or more people, those used by infants and elementary school students and recognized by the city or provincial education offices are excluded.

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