Sungkyunkwan University rises to 87th in 2026 THE World University Rankings

A view of Sungkyunkwan University's campus in Jongno District, Seoul / Courtesy of Sungkyunkwan University

Sungkyunkwan University ranked 87th in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, reaffirming its standing as a globally competitive research-centered institution.

The university made a notable leap of 15 places from last year in the global ranking, which assessed 2,191 universities worldwide. Placing fourth among Korean universities and second among private institutions, it further solidified its academic presence on the international stage.

The rise was driven largely by advancements in education and research, with marked improvements in the quality and impact of its research.

In recent years, the university has aimed to enhance the quality of its international publications, as measured by the Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI), through bold research innovations, the strengthening of global partnerships and expansion of collaborative projects. It also reflects the continued dedication of faculty members who have maintained high standards of research excellence across diverse academic fields.

Sungkyunkwan University also excelled in industry collaboration, ranking 64th globally in this category. The university’s close ties with major corporations and emphasis on practical, industry-oriented research earned international recognition for fostering innovation and impact.

Looking ahead, the university plans to build on its momentum through continued institutional innovation and the introduction of performance-based incentives for faculty research. It aims to maintain its upward trajectory by fostering a dynamic academic environment that promotes both domestic excellence and global impact.

"This achievement reflects the strong commitment of our leadership, the dedication of our faculty and the collective efforts of the entire university community," Sungkyunkwan University President Yoo Ji-beom said. "We will continue to enhance our innovative education and research environment to solidify our position as a global leader in higher education."