Graduation Delays on the Rise Among University Students in South Korea
The trend of university students postponing graduation is rapidly increasing in South Korea. According to data released by Democratic Party lawmaker Jin Sun-mi, as of September, more than 9,000 students at leading private universities in Seoul and regional universities across the country deferred their graduation for a semester or a year. This figure represents an increase of nearly 50 percent compared to 2022.
The practice, which students refer to as the “voluntary fifth year,” allows those who have completed graduation requirements to remain enrolled by paying between 100,000 and 200,000 won. Students say maintaining their student status helps them access internships more easily and provides an advantage in companies’ year-round hiring processes.
Experts warn that young people’s delayed entry into the labor market will weaken regional economies and reduce the country’s long-term growth potential. Meanwhile, university application patterns are also shifting. For the 2026 admission cycle, applications to Seoul-based universities dropped to 18.8 percent, marking the lowest level in recent years. Lower living costs, higher acceptance chances, and expanded regional quotas are driving students to choose universities outside the capital.