[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] Amid the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), universities are conducting classes online instead of face-to-face lectures, and students are repeatedly demanding tuition refunds.
On the afternoon of the 6th, the Busan City Federation of Student Councils, composed of 13 student councils from Busan-area universities including Dong-Eui University, Pukyong National University, and Dong-A University, held a press conference at Busan City Hall, urging partial tuition refunds and the establishment of university-specific measures.
The Federation stated, "If it is difficult to refund tuition for the first semester, universities should reduce part of the tuition for the seasonal semester or the second semester, or relax grade requirements to create special scholarships," adding, "To this end, universities should be temporarily granted autonomy over their accounting, and audit standards should be simplified."
The 'Art University Students Network,' composed of students from 34 art universities nationwide, also held a press conference in front of the Government Seoul Office in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on the same day, demanding that the Ministry of Education and universities refund tuition fees according to the COVID-19 situation.
They pointed out, "While classes are conducted remotely, practical assignments are carried out in the same way as before, leading to increased expenses as students rent studios and practice rooms among themselves, and the reality is that safety equipment is not properly provided."
Earlier, on the 24th of last month, the Ewha Womans University Student Council held a press conference at the school gate, urging the school to discuss tuition refunds.
The Ewha Womans University Student Council stated, "Although the school announced it would provide scholarships to some students, a survey of 1,200 students showed that 93% responded that this was '(very) inappropriate,'" emphasizing, "Tuition refund demands should not be appeased with scholarships."
Universities in the Daejeon area have also demanded tuition refunds.
The Paichai University Student Council posted a large notice last month demanding the guarantee of students' educational rights and tuition refunds, stating, "Students are unable to repay their loans, but the school has taken no action," and criticized, "Students are not ATMs from which the university can withdraw money on tuition payment days."
The Hannam University Student Council conveyed student public opinion last month to the school's Student Welfare Team, requesting partial scholarship refunds considering the difficulty of using campus facilities.
The Daejeon University Student Council also requested a response from the school, stating, "It is appropriate to return the difference in facility maintenance costs due to COVID-19 to the students."
Among national university students, whose tuition is relatively cheaper than private universities, the issue of tuition refunds is also being raised online.
However, universities are expressing reluctance. They cite reasons such as financial difficulties due to tuition freezes over the past decade and the costs incurred for COVID-19 prevention and preparation for remote classes.
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