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Education System of Korean Republic
INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS Types of higher education institutions: Dae Hak Gy (Universities and Colleges) San Up Dae Hak Gyo (Industrial University) Kyo Yuk Dae Hak Gyo (Teacher Training Colleges) Jeon Moon Dae-Hak (Vocational Junior Colleges) School leaving and higher education credentials: High School Diploma Certificate Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Doctor's Degree STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM Pre-higher education: Duration of compulsory education: Age of entry: 6 Age of exit: 14 Structure of school system: Primary Type of school providing this education: Elementary Length of program in years: 6 Age level from: 6 to: 12 Lower Secondary Type of school providing this education: Middle School Length of program in years: 3 Age level from: 12 to: 15 Certificate/diploma awarded: Diploma Upper Secondary Type of school providing this education: Academic (General) High School Length of program in years: 3 Age level from: 15 to: 18 Certificate/diploma awarded: High School Diploma Higher Secondary Type of school providing this education: Special Purpose High School Length of program in years: 3 Age level from: 15 to: 18 Certificate/diploma awarded: High School Diploma Vocational Type of school providing this education: Vocational High School Length of program in years: 3 Age level from: 15 to: 18 Certificate/diploma awarded: High School Diploma School education: Korea has a 6-3-3 system. Primary education lasts for six years. Middle school lasts for three years. On successful completion of the course students receive a Diploma. Schooling years for High school is three years. It is not compulsory and is provided in three different types of high schools: academic (general); vocational; and special purpose high schools. In academic high schools, during the final two years, students may choose to specialize in Humanities or Sciences. Studies are organized according to the credit system (204-216 units for graduation). Vocational high schools are divided into several categories, offering students at least 82 units (around 40 per cent is required for graduation) of specialized subjects, as well as general academic subjects, which should occupy another 40 per cent of the whole curriculum. Higher education: There are seven types of institutions: colleges and universities (national, public and private); industrial universities; universities of education (national); junior colleges (national, public and private); Korea National Open University (national); technical colleges; and other types of institutions (private) such as seminaries. Under the Education Act, all institutions of higher education, whether public or private, come under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development. It exercises control over requirements of teaching staff, academic requirements, regulation for the founding of institutions, etc. With regard to other matters, universities should comply with the guidelines of the Korea Council for University Education (KCUE). Main laws/decrees governing higher education: Decree: Education Act Year: 1949 Decree: Education Reform Year: 1995 Decree: Local Autonomy Act Year: 1991 Academic year: Classes from: Mar to: Feb Languages of instruction: Korean Stages of studies: Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type): Non-university level: Junior colleges offer a variety of two to three-year programmes leading to Associate Degrees. For those who take up Fisheries/Marine colleges, students should study an additional six-month course for navigation practice. As for nursing programme, schooling takes three years. The purpose of junior college education is to produce intermediate-level technicians in technical, agricultural, nursing, commercial and business fields, as well as home economics, arts and physical education,etc. In general, courses for these programmes last for two to three years and lead to a Diploma. Polytechnics offer industrial workers two-year courses leading to a Diploma and four-year courses leading to a Bachelor's degree. University level studies: University level first stage: Certificate, Bachelor's degree: A Certificate is conferred to those who complete short-term programmes. The Bachelor's Degree is awarded after four years. Students must have completed between 140 and 150 credit hours. In Medicine, studies last for six years and students must have completed 180 credit hours. In Engineering, candidates for the Bachelor's Degree in the relevant field, those who have completed a junior college programme and have more than two years' field experience and junior college degree candidates (Associate Degree) are eligible to apply for the First Degree Engineering License Examination. Applicants must pass both written and field tests. University level second stage: Master's degree: Two or more years of further study beyond the Bachelor's Degree are required in the same major in order to obtain a Master's Degree. Students must also submit a thesis. In Medicine, those who have completed all the requirements in the School of Medicine must take a national examination. Those who wish to specialize must complete clinical practice and training in a clinical setting. The internship lasts for one year and the residency for four years. In the case of internship, candidates must pass the examination set by the hospital to which they have applied. As for law majors, graduates who wish to be a judge, a public prosecutor or a lawyer must pass the National Examination for Practising Law. Those who have passed the national examination must train for two years in the Legal Training Institute before practicing, one year at the legal research and training institute and at the government legal agency for the second year. University level third stage: Doctor's degree: The doctoral degree is conferred after a minimum of three years after the Master's degree. Candidates must submit a doctoral dissertation and pass an oral or equivalent examination. Teacher education: Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers Elementary school teachers are trained at eleven universities of education and the departments of elementary education at Korea National University of Education and Ewha Woman's University, Korea National Open University, graduate schools, and graduate schools of education. They offer four-year courses leading to a Bachelor's degree. Training of secondary school teachers Secondary school teachers are trained at the universities' colleges of education, Korea National University of Education, the departments of education and general colleges and universities that confer teaching licenses, as well as at graduate schools of education. Training of higher education teachers Most higher education teachers are trained at the graduate schools of local and foreign universities. A Master's degree is the minimum qualification for a higher education teacher, but a Doctor's degree has begun to be recognized as a minimum qualification for a faculty member of a university or 4-year college. Non-traditional studies: Distance higher education Distance education is provided by the Korea National Open University at the national level. It offers courses for Bachelor's degrees. There are also 16 private distance universities across the country.Industrial universities (formely called open universities, renamed in 1998) also provide degrees programmes. The admission requirements are the same as for regular universities. However, priority is given to persons from industrial setting, holders of national technical qualifications and graduates from vocational courses, in general High Schools. Many universities and colleges offer continuing education Lifelong higher education Many universities and colleges offer continuing education programmes for adult students. Recently, several cable television stations including the Educational Boradcasting System (EBS) began to offer services in lifelong education. Higher education training in industry Since 1997, business firms have been entitled to establish their own universities with a view to training highly skilled workers. They offer two-year or four-year Bachelor's Degree programmes to those with an Associate Degree. Eligibility for admission is limited to those employees of the business firms. NATIONAL BODIES Administration & co-ordination: Responsible authorities: Ministry of Education and Human Resources Head: Kim Jin-pyo, Minister 77-6,
Sejong-Ro, 1-Ga Tel: +82(2) 2100 6495 Fax: +82(2) 2100 6504 WWW: http://www.moe.go.kr Role of governing body: Formulates policies related to higher education, oversees academic affairs of higher education institutions both public and private, and promotes research. Korean Council for University Education - KCUE 27-2 Youido-dong Tel: +82(2) 783 3066 Fax: +82(2) 784 6463 EMail: jchoi@kcue.or.kr WWW: http://www.kcue.or.kr Role of governing body: The Council is responsible for professional research in the management of colleges and universities; for professional research on the college entrance system and admission information; for policies to provide financial aid to colleges and universities; for the development of college curricula and teaching methods; for conducting evaluation; for recommendation to the government on matters related to college education; and for the implementation of projects commissioned by the Government. Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations Head: Yoon Jong-Gun, President International relations: Kim Soo-Hong, Director, External Affairs 142
Woomyon-dong Tel: +82(2) 576 5892 to 7 Fax: +82(2) 577 7487 EMail: ben@kfta.or.kr WWW: http://www.kfta.or.kr Role of governing body: Pursuing the educational progress and the equality of educational opportunity; establishing the independence in education and improving the teachers' professional status; promoting the public welfare, especially the educational environment for all the young and students; improving the socio-economic status of teachers in unison and valuing education most in policy decision, actively participating in decision-making process. ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION Admission to non university higher education studies Name of secondary school credential required: High School Diploma Admission to university-level studies Name of secondary school credential required: High School Diploma Alternatives to credentials: Credit Bank System : people can accumulate credits to earn the degree equivalent. Other admission requirements: Access to higher education is based on the composite score of the CSAT, high-school academic records, an essay test and an interview. Foreign students admission Definition of foreign student: Students from foreign countries or overseas Koreans with foreign nationality taking up courses, doing research or language studies in an accredited university or graduate school (including industrial universities, universities of education and junior colleges). However, students enrolled in distance education or evening schools are not included. Quotas: No. Admission requirements: Foreign students must hold qualifications equivalent to full secondary or Senior High School Certificate or its equivalent for graduate studies. The requirements are : application form, certificate of graduation, grade points average (records), two references, proof of Korean Language Proficiency, study plan, curriculum vitae and portfolio (for applicants in Arts/Physical education). Entry regulations: Foreign students must secure standard admission issued by the president or the dean of the university where they intend to study and submit the documents to the Ministry of Justice or to overseas Korean diplomatic missions. Applicants should secure a D-2 visa for degree programmes and D-4 for language studies. Health requirements: No. Language requirements: Students are advised to have good knowledge of Korean. Application procedures: Apply to individual institution for entry to: Universities Application closing dates: For non-university level (technical/vocational type) studies: Dec For university level studies: Dec For advanced/doctoral studies: Sep Recognition of studies & qualifications: Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): The Korean Council for University Education (KCUE) reviews institutions of higher education and their programmes (http://www.kcue.or.kr) Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials): Higher Education Policy Division and Private Education Division, Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development 77-6 Sejong-Ro, 1 Ga Tel: +82(2) 2100-6495/6525 WWW: http://www.moe.go.kr Deals with credential recognition for entry to: University Services provided & students dealt with: For more information after contacting the Human Ressources Development Bureau. Human Resources Development Bureau, Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development Head: Byung-Byung Ahn, Minister Administrative officer: Jong-Gap Lee, Director General of Human Ressources Development International relations: Young-Soon Kang, Director of International Education Cooperation 77-6
Sejong-Ro, 1 Ga Tel: +82(2) 2100-6570 Fax: +82(2) 2100-6579 WWW: http://www.moe.go.kr Deals with credential recognition for entry to: University Services provided & students dealt with: Development policies related to the promotion of student exchanges, production of information ressources, recognition of degrees, diplomas and certificates of higher education, foreign students in higher education institutions. Korean Council for University Education (KCUE) Head: Young Shik Park, Chair Administrative officer: Hyun-Chong Lee, Secretary-General International relations: Yeonhee Kim, International Relations Officer 27-2 Youido-dong
Tel: +82(2) 783-3065 Fax: +82(2) 780-8311 EMail: leech@kcue.or.kr WWW: http://www.kcue.or.kr Deals with credential recognition for entry to: University and Profession Services provided & students dealt with: Provides information on the recognition of studies, degrees and diplomas; post-secondary studies (technical/vocational types); non-university level: Associate Degrees; university-level studies: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree & Doctor's Degree Other information sources on recognition of foreign studies: Foreign degrees are registered by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (with Korea Research Foundation acting as the executive agency) but recognition of foreign qualifications is carried out by the institutions concerned. Special provisions for recognition: For access to non-university post-secondary studies: No For access to university level studies: No For access to advanced studies and research: No For the exercise of a profession: No Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies Name of agreement: Regional Convention On the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific Year of signature: 1983 References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies Title: Education in Korea Publisher: Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development Title: Handbook on Diplomas, Degrees and other Certificates in Higher Education In Asia and the Pacific Publisher: UNESCO PROAP Year of publication: 1998 STUDENT LIFE Main student services at national level Korea Research Foundation (International Exchange Division) 304 Yomgok-dong,
Seocho-gu National Institute for International Education Development (Overseas Study and Training Division) 181 Dongsung-dong,
Chongro-gu Health/social provisions Social security for home students: Yes Social security for foreign students: Yes Foreign student social security provisions: Foreign students are eligible to receive medical treatment from the university health service Special student travel fares: By road: Yes By rail: Yes By air: Yes Student expenses and financial aid Student costs: Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 2711000 (South Korean Won) Maximum: 5553000 (South Korean Won) Bodies providing information on student financial aid: National Institute for International Education Development (NIIED) 181 Dongsung-dong,
Chongro-gu Tel: +82(2) 3668-1395 Fax: +82(2) 741-7408 WWW: http://www.ied.go.kr Publications on student services and financial aid: Title: Information on Korean Government Scholarships for Foreign Students Author: International Education Cooperation Division Publisher: Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development Title: Study Abroad 2004-2005, 32nd Edition Author: UNESCO Publisher: UNESCO Publishing Year of publication: 2003 Title: Study in Korea Author: Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development Publisher: National Institute for International Education Development Year of publication: 2003 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education: Educational Cooperation Division, Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development 77 Sejon-Ro 1 Go,
Chongro-ku Tel: +82(2) 720-3400 Fax: +82(2) 733-2300 Cable: 24758 munkyo k WWW: http://www.moe.go.kr GRADING SYSTEM Usual grading system in secondary school Full Description: There are no uniform grades in Korean secondary schools. The marking system may be lettered or numerical (1-100 maximum). Highest on scale: A pass Pass/fail level: B,C,D pass Lowest on scale: F fail Main grading system used by higher education institutions Full Description: A-D. A indicates distinguished levels of mastery of the course; B indicates good mastery; C indicates acceptable mastery; and D indicates minimum acceptable achievement. A student's grade point average is determined by the ratio of quality points earned in semester hours. A = 4 points; B = 3 points; C = 2 points; and D = 1 point Highest on scale: A Pass/fail level: C Lowest on scale: D NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM Data for academic year: 2004-2005 Source: Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, 2004 (except for governing bodies, updated 2005)
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