Deadline for Leave of Absence Students to Return Starts Today... Medical Students Say "Will Sue if Expelled"

Deadline for Submitting Reinstatement Applications at Korea University, Kyungpook National University, and Yonsei University is the 21st

The deadline for submitting reinstatement applications for medical students on leave of absence begins on the 21st. As each medical school maintains the principle of expulsion and grade retention for students who do not return, a deadline that could trigger a mass expulsion and grade retention crisis among medical students is approaching.

On the 21st, the day approaching the 'deadline' set by some medical schools including Yonsei University, Korea University, and Kyungpook National University for returning, students are moving at Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. 2025.3.21. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

In this regard, three universities?Korea University, Kyungpook National University, and Yonsei University?plan to impose disadvantages on medical students who do not submit reinstatement applications by the 21st. Yonsei University will send a notice of expulsion due to non-registration on the 24th to students who have not submitted their reinstatement applications by the 21st and will close registration at 5 p.m. on the 28th. The school stated, "Re-admission is absolutely impossible for the class of 2024 once expelled." Deadlines for reinstatement application submissions at other medical schools will also follow one after another starting next week.

Medical schools believe that to normalize the academic schedule, students must return by the end of this month, which marks one-quarter of the total class days. On the 19th, the 'Council of University Presidents for the Advancement of Medical Schools (UCPAMS),' a meeting of presidents from 40 universities, decided to reject leave of absence applications submitted after the 21st. No additional group leave applications will be accepted. Medical students whose leave applications are denied must pay tuition and register for courses by the dates set by their respective schools.

If tuition is paid but course registration is not completed, or if courses are registered but the student continues to be absent, they will be subject to grade retention. If tuition is not paid and the student continues to refuse classes, expulsion will follow. It is reported that some schools plan to fill the seats of expelled medical students with transfer students. The UCPAMS stated, "If reasons such as grade retention or expulsion arise according to academic regulations, they will be handled according to the rules, and for the 2025 academic year, it was agreed to strictly apply the academic regulations of individual (colleges) equally to medical schools."

However, the Korean Medical Association (KMA) has stated that if expulsion of medical students becomes a reality, it will lead the fight. KMA spokesperson Kim Seong-geun said at a briefing on the 20th, "If expulsion becomes a reality, the KMA will take the lead in fighting to protect medical students." He also mentioned that protests, rallies, strikes, and work slowdowns are being considered.

Medical students have also expressed their intention to pursue legal action if their leave applications are not accepted. The Korean Association of Medical Colleges and Medical Schools Students (KAMCMS) stated in a press release, "Students have the right to apply for leave according to their academic plans and circumstances," and added, "If unfair treatment occurs during the processing of leave applications in any specific unit or year, we will take all possible measures, including lawsuits, to protect the rights and interests of our members."