Seoul to Allow Out-of-School Youth First-Ever Access to National Senior High Exam

For the first time, out-of-school youth residing in Seoul will have the opportunity to participate in the national college entrance examination for high school seniors, beginning this October. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education announced on August 2 that it will pilot the inclusion of these students in the nationwide joint academic achievement test scheduled for October 20.

Historically, the nationwide academic achievement tests, designed to assess the academic performance of high school students and guide school curricula and career counseling, have been restricted to currently enrolled students. Consequently, out-of-school youth typically received only exam materials and explanations, rather than direct participation.

This change comes after a ruling by the Seoul Administrative Court in March, which determined that denying out-of-school youth the chance to apply for the exam constituted an unreasonable restriction on their educational rights. In response to this verdict, the Seoul education office is implementing this pilot program.

The eligibility for this pilot program is limited to out-of-school youth in Seoul who are planning to take the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test. Applicants must be registered with an out-of-school youth support center and either have passed the high school equivalency exam or be registered to take it this year. New registrants at support centers during the application period are also eligible.

Applications will be accepted online from August 3 to 11 through various support centers. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education stated that it intends to discuss expanding this testing opportunity to all 16 other provincial education offices nationwide next year, contingent on the success of this pilot program.