No clear leader as Korean universities excel in different areas

Seoul National University holds a closing ceremony of its International Summer Program at the university campus in Seoul, July 25. Courtesy of Seoul National University

The K-universities Global Excellence Rankings 2026 revealed a shifting landscape in higher education, where leadership is dispersed across institutions and no single university dominates every category.

Instead, universities distinguished themselves in different areas, excelling across categories ranging from education and research to student support and alumni influence.

While the country’s top-tier universities continued to hold overall sway, the results also showed how other schools are emerging as strong contenders in areas such as research and student services.

Universities were assessed on a 190-point scale, with 60 points allocated to education, 50 to research, 40 to student support and 40 to graduate outcomes.

The evaluation was designed to serve as a trusted guide for international students while boosting the global competitiveness of Korean universities. Developed by The Korea Times’ evaluation team with six external experts in university globalization, the framework relied on publicly available data from the Ministry of Education and Naver Scholytics to ensure credibility and transparency.

Graphic by Bae So-young, Cho Sang-won

Education domain led by traditional powerhouses

Internationalization in higher education is shifting from numbers to outcomes, with success now measured by the quality of student experience rather than sheer enrollment numbers. In the education category, universities that strengthen language training, foster cultural integration and ensure academic continuity are setting themselves apart as leaders.

Korea University claimed the top spot, followed by the University of Seoul, Yonsei University, Sungkyunkwan University and Hanyang University. Konkuk University, Ewha Womans University, Sogang University, Dongguk University and Kyung Hee University rounded out the Top 10.

Universities were evaluated on six indicators, including the ratio of international students to enrolled students, national diversity of international students, ratio of exchange students to enrolled students, proportion of international students meeting language requirements, international student retention rate and International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS) certification — a government program that verifies whether institutions meet standards for managing and supporting foreign students.

The top five universities stood out for building two-way exchange programs that bring in international students while sending their own abroad, transforming campuses into multicultural learning spaces.

Built on long-standing traditions of international exchange, Korea University and Yonsei University expanded the scope of their inbound and outbound programs, strengthening their positions at the top. The University of Seoul’s rise showed that even resource-limited institutions can reach the upper tier with focused strategies and effective execution.

Hanyang University and Sungkyunkwan University cut dropout rates by expanding Korean and English language programs, strengthening counseling services and fostering active international student communities. Ewha Womans University, Sogang University and Dongguk University also built strong support systems, securing places in the Top 10.

Sejong University students from the interdisciplinary studies for intelligent drone major practice drone and robotics system development. Courtesy of Sejong University

Sejong University tops research strength

In the research category, the rankings showcased both long-established powerhouses and fast-rising universities, underscoring how strategic partnerships are driving success.

Sejong University took the top spot, followed by Yonsei University, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul National University and Korea University. Hanyang University, Kyung Hee University, Hanyang University ERICA Campus, Yeungnam University and Gachon University rounded out the Top 10.

The evaluation was based on five indicators, including the number of international research papers per faculty member, proportion of internationally co-authored papers, field-weighted citation impact, publication rate in the top 10 percent of journal and research funding.

It looked beyond simple output, emphasizing the breadth and depth of global research networks, the influence of scholarly work and the capacity to secure global research funding.

Sejong University’s surprising rise to the top showed how strategic partnerships can matter more than size, with the university rapidly lifting its research profile through joint projects with overseas institutions.

Yonsei University and Sungkyunkwan University strengthened their standing as research powerhouses by excelling in high-impact publications and citation performance, while Seoul National University and Korea University proved competitive in winning global research funding and driving international collaborations.

Universities outside the capital also made their mark, with Yeungnam University in North Gyeongsang Province and Gachon University in Gyeonggi Province breaking into the Top 10 on the strength of international collaboration, demonstrating that regional schools can build equally robust global research networks. Their efforts turned partnerships from basic exchanges into drivers of higher-quality research.

Handong Global University's main building in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province / Courtesy of Handong Global University

Handong Global University breaks into student support Top 10

The student support category, regarded as a crucial measure as it directly reflects the financial and living assistance international students receive, was led by Seoul National University. Korea University and Yonsei University followed in second and third place, with Catholic University and Sogang University rounding out the top group.

Universities also ranked in the Top 10 were the University of Seoul, Handong Global University, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Ewha Womans University and Sungkyunkwan University.

The student support category evaluates factors that directly shape the experience of international students, including educational expenditure per student, scholarship per student, dormitory accommodation rate for international students and support for international students.

Seoul National University topped the list on the strength of its financial resources, including generous scholarships, heavy investment in education and a strong ability to attract donations. Such donations often translate into expanded scholarships and improved campus facilities that directly benefit students.

Korea University and Yonsei University also scored highly for their scholarship programs and housing support. Catholic University ranked fourth, showing that even smaller institutions can excel in globalization by focusing on tailored support for international students.

Additionally, Sogang University distinguished itself with strong dormitory capacity and support systems that extend beyond administration to everyday student life.

Handong Global University rose to seventh place, demonstrating the impact of mission-driven institutions that prioritize student care, backed by an exceptionally high dormitory accommodation rate.

The 13th Asian Universities Forum takes place at IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia, Aug. 20, 2024. Courtesy of Seoul National University

Seoul National University dominates alumni impact

Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University and Sungkyunkwan University led in graduate outcomes, followed by Sogang, Hanyang, Chung-Ang, Ewha Womans, Kyung Hee and Konkuk universities.

The evaluation looked at graduate employment rate, graduate school enrollment rate and social impact of alumni. Social impact was measured by the presence of graduates in key fields such as politics, business, administration, law and other professional sectors — an indicator of how effectively universities are cultivating future global leaders.

This is the most long-term measure of internationalization, reflecting not just the ability to attract students but to prepare them to become global leaders. For international students, strong alumni outcomes signal the value and credibility of Korean degrees in the global job market.

Seoul National University secured the top spot through the strength of its extensive alumni network across major institutions, corporations and professional fields at home and abroad. Korea University and Yonsei University showed strong influence in administration, law and economics, while Sungkyunkwan University and Sogang University, though smaller in scale, stood out in professional and administrative sectors. Chung-Ang University and Ewha Womans University also reached the Top 10, backed by the influence of their alumni in law and media.