"550 University Students Demand Tuition and Admission Fee Refunds for Being Denied the Education They Rightfully Deserve"

On the morning of the 27th of last month, a university student from Nowon district is urging for improved class conditions at a press conference held in front of Kwangwoon University in Nowon-gu, Seoul, marking the start of a tuition and admission fee refund campaign for Nowon district university students affected by COVID-19 learning rights damages.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] In relation to universities postponing the start of the semester and switching to online lectures due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) situation, a university student organization has demanded refunds for admission fees and tuition fees.

The university student organization 'Corona University Students 119' held a press conference on the 1st in front of the office of the Korea Council for Private University Presidents in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, stating, "Since our right to learn has been infringed upon due to COVID-19, universities must take responsibility and refund admission fees and tuition fees."

They claimed, "Most universities are conducting online lectures, but students are not receiving the educational services they rightfully deserve," adding, "The quality of classes has declined, and the academic schedule changes have caused increased confusion."

They further urged, "Universities are shifting responsibility onto professors and have not announced any response guidelines," and called for "universities to take responsibility for compensating the infringed learning rights of students and to establish practical measures."

After the press conference, they handed over to the council refund requests for admission and tuition fees from 550 students enrolled in about 50 private universities, which were submitted online last month. Refund requests from students at national universities will also be forwarded to the Ministry of Education at a later date.