Korea’s Academic Credit Bank System
The Academic Credit Bank system (ACBS) is an open educational system which recognizes diverse learning experiences gained not only in-school but also out-of school. When the learner accumulates the necessary ACBS-approved credits, he/she can be awarded a degree. The Academic Credit Bank System, a central agency for continuing education, aims to provide all citizens with greater access to a variety of educational opportunities and to foster a lifelong learning society. It seeks to innovate, diversify and maximize the educational opportunities for both students, studying at post-secondary institutes, and adults, seeking additional education and training.
The ACBS is intended to benefit the following groups:
* High school graduates who were previously unable to attend post-secondary institutes.
* Former college or university students who discontinued their studies.
* Workers who hold professional certificates but did not acquire a university degree.
* College or university graduates who wish to commence studies in a different field.
* People who wish to acquire formal credits for knowledge and skills gained through self-instruction and workplace training and experience.
* People who have studied at private institutes or junior colleges and wish to transfer into the university system.
Credits are acquired primarily through education and job training institutes, part-time enrollment, certificate acquisition, and passing the Bachelor’s Degree Examination program for self-education. The ACBS also grants recognition to a learner’s diverse learning experiences, including prior course credits and various forms of learning.
Educational institutes are formally evaluated to be an ACBS-accredited institute offering courses which can be counted as university or college equivalent credits.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST), the National Institute for Lifelong Education (NILE), and Provincial Offices of Education are involved in the administration of the Credit Bank.
For further information: https://www.cb.or.kr/indexs.html ( for English click ‘English’ button on the top right corner)