Kyung Hee University (KHU) launches the Bachelor’s Degree Conferment Deferral System for the first time, targeting students scheduled to graduate in February 2026. This reflects the ongoing job market downturn, allowing students more time to prepare for their future rather than rushing into graduation.

Bachelor’s Degree Conferment Deferral System Guide 

Photo : KHU (www.khu.ac.kr)

A New Option for Graduating Students: Deffering the Degree

The Bachelor’s Degree Conferment Deferral System allows students who have completed all graduation requirements to postpone receiving their degree on a semester-by-semester basis. KHU Academic Support Team explained the background of the system’s introduction, saying,  “Previously, students who met all graduation requirements had to graduate immediately. Now, students can choose when to receive their degree, giving them greater flexibility in planning their careers.”

The system can be applied for a maximum of two years. During the deferral period, students do not pay regular tuition unless they choose to enroll in courses, in which case tuition is charged proportionally. Students can also access key campus facilities, such as the library, just like completion-status students. In addition, they can obtain enrollment certificates and expected graduation certificates for job applications or further studies. Applications are open from January 19 to 23 and can be submitted through each department office or via Info21.

More Time, Less Pressure: Students Embrace the New Deferral Option

The new policy aims to alleviate the anxiety many students face after graduation, offering them a stable environment for employment preparation, license exams, or graduate school applications.

The Academic Support Team noted that degree deferral students, unlike those with incomplete academic status, are free from burdens such as theses or certification requirements. In this regard, they stated, “We expect smoother job preparation and improved employment outcomes through additional training and internship programs.”

The new system has also drawn keen interest and anticipation from students. Lee Min-ju, a student from the Dept. of Russian Language shared that preparing for employment within the university environment feels more secure than becoming unaffiliated right after graduation. She added, “Keeping student status allows me to use school resources and programs,  providing psychological stability and focus on skill improvement.”  Yi Sarah, a student from the Dept. of Taekwondo also added, “It’s better to remain a university student while job hunting because there are fewer career gaps, and many extracurricular or external programs require student status. This system allows more continuity in building experience.”

The Bachelor’s Degree Conferment Deferral System provides students with a buffer period to prepare for employment or further studies, helping them plan their careers more strategically and confidently. As the application period opens from January 19 to 23, the new policy will enhance students’ sense of stability, satisfaction, and eventual career success—helping them move toward their goals at their own pace.