Nine cyber-universities to open next March

Nine cyber-universities that will allow learners to gain tertiary degrees through the internet will open next March, accepting 6,620 new students.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) revealed Thursday that it approved the establishment of seven cyber universities offering bachelors¡¯ degrees and specialized college tertiary degree programs.

Among the bachelors degree programs, four will be set up through university consortiums such as Korea Digital University, which groups seven universities, including Korea University (900 students).

Kyunghee Cyber University and two other cyber-schools were established independently by educational entities or foundations. Kyungpook Cyber University and International Cyber University were set up as specialized institutions.

Students at cyber universities will receive accredited degrees like the ones graduates of traditional universities or junior colleges receive, conditional to the grades they earn. This will enable people unable to attend school due to financial and time constraints and working individuals to receive a higher education.

MOE also authorized the Samsung Semiconductors Institute of Technology (SSIT), which was set up to educate workers at Samsung Electronics, as the first corporate-based university.

Lee In-Chul inchul@donga.com