KARIC Korea Academic Recognition Information Center

National Information Center of ROK

Credit System

Under the Article 21 of the 「Higher Education Act」, the completion of the course of study is based on the grade and credit system. Under the Article 14 of the 「Enforcement Decree of the Higher Education Act」, Credit hours is determined by schools for each class subject, based on the characteristics of the relevant curriculum.

Two or more semesters constitute each school year, and the number of school days must exceed 30 weeks per year.

Grading System

The grade for each subject is given as Grade Point Average (GPA). The grading method follows the school rules. The completion of a subject is accepted as a credit if receiving a grade above certain level. A failed subject will be excluded from one’s earned credits. Some schools allow students to take additional credits if their average score in the previous semester is higher than a certain standard and restrict students to register for the maximum number of credits if they are placed under academic probation. The minimum credits required to obtain a degree are subject to the school regulations of individual universities.

Most Korean HEIs follow the grading system below.

Recognition of Credits

Under the Article 7 of the 「Act on Recognition of Credits, etc.」, any of the following students (including those prior to entry to relevant schools) may be deemed to have earned credits at relevant schools.

• Where a student has earned credits in any other domestic or foreign school
• Where a student earned credits at lifelong education centers that offer the education courses and degrees that are deemed equivalent to those offered by junior college or university graduates
• Where a student has completed a curriculum equivalent to university courses in any domestic or foreign high school and in any of the domestic schools
• Where any person who takes a leave of absence to enlist in the military or to complete mandatory military service has earned credits after taking distance learning courses
• Where credits are recognized by the Minister of Education
• Where the fact that a student studied, did research or practiced at other schools, research institutions, industrial enterprises, etc. or worked for any industrial enterprises is recognized (limited to industrial colleges and junior colleges)

• Enforcement Decree of the Higher Education Act
• Act on Recognition of Credits, etc

Academic Credit Bank System (ACBS)

The Academic Credit Bank System (ACBS) is an open educational system which offers lifelong learning opportunities. It recognizes diverse learning experiences both within and outside of school. When a learner accumulates the necessary ACBS-approved credits from an 'Accredited Curriculum', ‘Courses at a Credit-recognised School', ‘Courses on a Part-time Enrollment’, ‘Acquiring Qualifications’, ‘Bachelor’s Degree Examination for Self-Education System’, and ‘National Intangible Cultural Heritage', he/she can be awarded a degree. A person who earns 80 credits can obtain an associate degree and a person who earns 140 credits can obtain a bachelor’s degree.

(Source: National Institute for Lifelong Education)

• Academic Credit Bank System (ACBS)