A Study on the Re-Enrollment Process for Dropout Students in Cyber Universities

Cyber universities play a crucial role in providing higher education opportunities for adult learners. However, the high dropout rate remains a significant issue. This study examines the re-enrollment process of students who dropped out of cyber universities, analyzing the various experiences and contextual factors they encounter from dropout to re-enrollment. To this end, we conducted qualitative interviews with 12 students who resumed their studies after dropping out of K-Cyber University. The study focuses on the reasons behind their dropout, the context and motivations for re-enrollment, and the process from decision-making to re-registration. The analysis revealed that dropout students faced a “solitary struggle” due to difficulties in time management and a lack of support systems while balancing work and childcare, ultimately leading to their inability to continue their studies. However, after discontinuing their studies, they went through a “period of contemplation,” during which they reflected on their goals and personal development and recognized the need for further education. Regret over their dropout experience, coupled with encouragement and support from family members and professors, strengthened their “determination to re-enroll.” As a result, they made the challenging decision to return to school and actively engaged in “self-reflection and crisis resolution” by developing strategies to balance work and academics while seeking support to sustain their studies. Based on these findings, this study suggests that cyber universities need to provide more systematic support and sustained attention to dropout students to facilitate their re-engagement in learning.