Transition to Higher Education in South Korea: Current Status and Issues

Abstract

In South Korea, higher education is widely available to all people. However, few people with disabilities have received a college education. In 1995, the Higher Education Special Admission for Students with Special Needs policy was implemented to promote opportunities for individuals with disabilities to have access to higher education. Since the special admission policy was implemented, an increasing number of high school students with disabilities have entered college. Research indicates that the transition from high school to higher education is not smooth for students with disabilities. Accordingly, this article discusses issues surrounding this transition for students with disabilities after briefly describing the college entrance system and policies on transitioning to higher education in South Korea.