Overview
학점은행제 (the Academic Credit Bank System) is a South Korean system, run by the National Institute for Lifelong Education (국가평생교육진흥원, NILE), that lets a learner build up credit from many different kinds of learning — accredited courses, recognized qualifications, and other approved training — and use that accumulated credit toward a degree, without attending a single conventional university programme. It is designed to open a path to a degree for people learning outside the standard university track.
Who can take it
Anyone who wants to accumulate credit toward a degree through non-traditional learning paths can register as a learner in the system, then earn credit through accredited institutions, recognized courses and qualifications.
Structure or exam pattern
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Learner registration | Register as a 학점은행제 learner online, by post, or at NILE or regional/local government offices, during one of four registration windows each year |
| Credit acquisition | Earn credit through accredited educational institutions, recognized courses, or recognized qualifications and certificates |
| Credit recognition application | Apply to have earned credit formally recognized; processing takes about two months |
| Degree application | Apply for the degree once the required credit is reached |
| Degree conferral | Degrees are conferred twice a year, in February and August |
What it covers
Credit can come from accredited training institutions offering courses aligned to standard curricula, from recognized qualifications, and from other approved forms of prior learning, rather than from a single fixed syllabus.
Scoring and results
There is no single pass/fail exam for the system as a whole; a learner accumulates credit until they reach the minimum required for the degree they are pursuing.
Recognition
Degrees are awarded once the required credit threshold is met: a minimum of 140 credits for a bachelor's degree, or 80 credits for an associate degree.
Dates and fees
Learner registration is open during four windows each year; the next registration cycle referenced by NILE opens in October 2026.
How to register
Registration can be completed online through the 학점은행 portal (cb.or.kr), or in person at the National Institute for Lifelong Education, a regional education office, or a local government office during the registration period.
How many credits are needed for a degree through 학점은행제?
140 credits for a bachelor's degree, or 80 credits for an associate degree.
Who administers the Academic Credit Bank System?
The National Institute for Lifelong Education (국가평생교육진흥원, NILE), a South Korean government body.
How often can I register as a learner?
Learner registration is offered during four windows each year, either online or in person at designated offices.
When are degrees conferred?
Twice a year, in February and August, once a learner's credit recognition and degree application are complete.