By Bahk Eun-ji
The government will evaluate universities nationwide according to a five tier ranking system and forcibly cut student quotas at those rated in the second level and below as part of a drastic restructuring program.
From 2015, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will evaluate universities nationwide as: "very excellent," "excellent," "average," "insufficient," "grossly insufficient."
The ministry will then allow the top-rated universities to reduce their student quotas voluntarily. However, it will force the rest to reduce their quotas drastically.
MOE will decide the details of the quota reduction, taking into account the types of schools and where they are located.
Through the ratings, the ministry will weed out non-viable schools ranked in the lowest levels or tainted by corruption and irregularities.
"Some non-viable schools will be closed down. But some universities could be transformed into lifelong education institutes instead of closing down," said Bae Sang-hoon, a professor of Sungkyunkwan University who has been leading the research team set up by the education ministry.
"Poorly-rated universities will be restricted in getting financial aid from the government including state scholarships," Bae added.
For fair evaluations, an independent institution will be established.
Some experts, however, expressed concerns that the restructuring policy will work against local universities and colleges.
"Provincial colleges have already seen numbers of new students fall for many years. We agree that restructuring higher education nationwide is inevitable, but local universities also need support from the government," said Hong Yong-ki, the head of the Korean Council for University College Education.
The government will evaluate universities nationwide according to a five tier ranking system and forcibly cut student quotas at those rated in the second level and below as part of a drastic restructuring program.
From 2015, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will evaluate universities nationwide as: "very excellent," "excellent," "average," "insufficient," "grossly insufficient."
The ministry will then allow the top-rated universities to reduce their student quotas voluntarily. However, it will force the rest to reduce their quotas drastically.
MOE will decide the details of the quota reduction, taking into account the types of schools and where they are located.
Through the ratings, the ministry will weed out non-viable schools ranked in the lowest levels or tainted by corruption and irregularities.
"Some non-viable schools will be closed down. But some universities could be transformed into lifelong education institutes instead of closing down," said Bae Sang-hoon, a professor of Sungkyunkwan University who has been leading the research team set up by the education ministry.
"Poorly-rated universities will be restricted in getting financial aid from the government including state scholarships," Bae added.
For fair evaluations, an independent institution will be established.
Some experts, however, expressed concerns that the restructuring policy will work against local universities and colleges.
"Provincial colleges have already seen numbers of new students fall for many years. We agree that restructuring higher education nationwide is inevitable, but local universities also need support from the government," said Hong Yong-ki, the head of the Korean Council for University College Education.
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