Korea University ranks first in the overall standings in The Korea Times' K-Universities Global Excellence Rankings for 2026

Korea University receives high marks across all areas: education, research, student support, and graduate outcomes.

△ Panoramic view of Korea University campus

Korea University (President Kim Dong-One) ranked first overall in the K-Universities Global Excellence Rankings for 2026 conducted by The Korea Times. Ranking first in education, fifth in research, second in student support, and second in graduate outcomes and impact, Korea University received outstanding evaluations across all categories.

The Korea Times conducted this evaluation for the first time this year in order to objectively assess the internationalization level of domestic universities and to provide reliable information to international students who are considering studying in Korea. The evaluation criteria comprised 22 indicators across four areas: Education (60 points), Research (50 points), Student Support (40 points), and Graduate Outcomes and Impact (40 points). The top 30 universities were selected out of 54 nationwide.

Korea University has pursued internationalization under the slogan “WE ARE THE NEXT,” in aiming to become a top 30 global university. In September 2024, it declared its objective to establish an “International Campus,” by presenting a vision to create a foreigner-friendly environment for education and research, and in relation to university administration.

Korea University operates the “K-CLUB” research network, involving over 100 world-renowned scholars, and has strengthened its global collaboration through joint research with universities worldwide, including Yale, MIT, UCL, NUS, and Peking University. Additionally, it has expanded living and learning infrastructure for international students, including new dormitories exclusively for international students, the introduction of halal food options, the expansion of Muslim prayer rooms, and the implementation of real-time multilingual subtitling systems for Korean lectures. Tailored support systems have also been added, such as international student life assistants, buddy programs, and one-on-one academic coaching. Furthermore, the university is accelerating its internationalization framework by expanding the use of both Korean and English in all administrative processes and by providing generative AI translation training for faculty and staff.

Korea University has also adjusted its curriculum to align it with its internationalization strategy. It established the Global Entertainment College for international students in order to cultivate experts in K-content, and created the Global Open Major Division to provide students with diverse opportunities to explore various majors. The “SK Global Scholarship Program,” jointly run by Korea University and SK, offers education in the fields of semiconductors and AI, along with full scholarships.

As a result of these multifaceted efforts, the number of international students enrolled reached 6,240 (22.8% of the total student body) in 2024, solidifying Korea University's position as a leading international campus in both name and reality.

President Kim Dong-One stated that this achievement was made possible by the efforts of all campus members who have harnessed internationalization as a driving force for development in the face of challenges such as the declining school-age population and the rise of artificial intelligence. He added that Korea University will continue to pursue global cooperation and innovation, positioning itself as Korea's premier university that is most favored by international students, and an indispensable global institution.

Korea University plans to establish a world-class international educational environment by inviting more globally renowned scholars, strengthening Korean language education programs, supporting foreign students' employment and career development, and promoting alumni networking.