Medical School Graduation Timing Returns to University Autonomy from May Proposal... Uichonghyeop to Announce as Early as Tomorrow

Differences Among Universities Over Graduation Timing for Third- and Fourth-Year Medical Students
'February Graduation vs. August Graduation'?Compromise Proposal of 'May Graduation' Also Raised
"Autonomous Decisions According to University Regulations and Circumstances"?Announcement Expected on the 25th

On July 23, after discussions regarding the return schedule and graduation timing for medical students who had left school in protest against the increase in medical school admissions, the presidents of 40 medical schools nationwide reached a consensus to allow each university to independently determine the graduation timing for third- and fourth-year students in the medical program.

Because the number of weeks required for clinical practice varies by university, there were discussions at each institution about whether graduation should be in February or August, but it is reported that no agreement was reached. A compromise proposal for graduation in May was also considered, but in the end, it was agreed that each university should decide autonomously based on its own circumstances.

The Council for the Advancement of Medical Schools (Uichonghyeop) is expected to announce, as early as July 25, its plans for the normalization of medical education, including the return schedule and graduation timing for medical students.

On the 21st, the approaching 'deadline' set by some medical schools including Yonsei University, Korea University, and Kyungpook National University for returning, books were placed in front of the lecture hall of Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. 2025.3.21. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

According to an Asia Economy report compiled on July 24, the Council for the Advancement of Medical Schools (Uichonghyeop), a gathering of medical school presidents, is finalizing its decision to allow each university to independently determine the graduation timing for third- and fourth-year medical students. The previous day, the Korean Association of Medical Colleges and Graduate Schools (KAMC), which is a gathering of deans from medical schools nationwide, discussed a proposal to set graduation for third- and fourth-year students in May, but it is reported that opinions were evenly split and no consensus was reached.

The KAMC’s push for May graduation emerged as a compromise during discussions to narrow the differences arising from some universities having graduation in February and others in August. Since the number of weeks required for clinical practice varies by university, at institutions requiring 52 weeks, third-year students could graduate in February 2027, but at universities requiring a longer period, graduation would be possible in August 2027. As a result, deans considered two main options: graduating students in August 2027 after completing the full curriculum as originally planned, or advancing the academic schedule to allow graduation in February 2027. During this process, a compromise proposal for May graduation was also presented, but as opinions remained divided, the idea of leaving the decision to each university gained support.

Yang Obong, president of Uichonghyeop, stated, "There were differences of opinion regarding graduation for third- and fourth-year students, but the matter is being resolved in a way that allows each university to act autonomously according to its academic regulations and circumstances." He added, "We plan to make an announcement as early as this Friday (the 25th)."

Once the graduation timing?which was the greatest point of contention among universities?is determined, medical students who took a leave of absence in protest against the previous administration's plan to increase medical school admissions are expected to return after a year and a half away.

However, controversy over special privileges, such as returning in the second semester through changes to academic regulations or holding an additional medical licensing examination, appears unavoidable. As of 9 a.m. on July 17, 59,200 people had participated in a National Assembly e-petition opposing special privileges for medical students and residents. If a National Assembly petition receives more than 50,000 signatures, it is referred to the relevant standing committee.