Ranks 26th in Korea (791–800 globally), Climbing More Than 100 Places from the Previous Year

Global Standing Soars with No. 4 Worldwide in WURI Visionary Leadership Ranking

Educational and Research Innovation, Globalization Strategy Earn Meaningful Recognition on the Global Stage

[June 24, 2026]

YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) has been ranked 26th in Korea (791–800 globally) in the QS World University Rankings 2027, recently released by global higher education analyst QS (Quacquarelli Symonds). Notably, YU ranked No. 1 among comprehensive private universities outside the Seoul metropolitan area.

Compared with last year's ranking (901–950 globally), YU climbed more than 100 places, further strengthening its position as a globally competitive university. This year's rankings evaluated 1,504 universities worldwide, with 43 Korean universities included. YU received particularly strong evaluations in the categories of Citations per Faculty, International Faculty Ratio, and International Student Ratio.

 YU's strong performance in the International Faculty Ratio and International Student Ratio reflects its globalization strategy, which is founded on the value of global social contribution. The University has gained international recognition by establishing Saemaul Studies, an academic discipline based on the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) and Korea's development experience, and offering undergraduate and graduate programs in the field. 

 In particular, the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul—established in 2011—has grown into a leading global graduate school attracting talented students from developing countries around the world. In just 15 years, approximately 1,000 young professionals from 81 countries, including officials from the World Bank, the United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and four other international organizations, have completed the master's program in Saemaul Studies and are now working as international development professionals across the globe. Through Saemaul Studies, YU has also built extensive global networks with governments of developing countries and major international organizations, contributing significantly to the University's sustainability and global competitiveness.

<International Students Enrolled at YU Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS)>

 The QS World University Rankings assess universities using nine indicators: Academic Reputation (30%), Citations per Faculty (20%), Employer Reputation (15%), Faculty/Student Ratio (10%), International Faculty Ratio (5%), International Student Ratio (5%), International Research Network (IRN) (5%), Employment Outcomes (5%), and Sustainability (5%). Because the rankings incorporate both subjective measures, such as academic and employer reputation, and objective indicators, including research citations, faculty and international student ratios, and graduate employment outcomes, they are widely regarded as one of the world's most credible university ranking systems.

 YU has recently continued to earn strong recognition in major global university rankings. In the WURI (World University Rankings for Innovation) 2026, announced in May, the University ranked No. 3 in the world in the Student Mobility and Openness category and No. 4 globally in Visionary Leadership. The 2026 WURI evaluated 13,211 innovative programs submitted by 1,927 universities across 96 countries, placing YU among the world's top-performing institutions in both categories.

 President CHOI Oe-chool said, "YU's continued strong performance in major global university rankings, including the QS World University Rankings, is an encouraging indication that our educational and research innovation, along with our globalization strategy, is receiving meaningful recognition by international standards. It is particularly significant that YU's vision and achievements are being acknowledged on the global stage." He added, "Guided by our vision of nurturing talented individuals who contribute to the prosperity of humanity, YU continues to pursue innovation across all aspects of university operations, including education and research. We will further strengthen our global competitiveness and continue to grow into a university that fulfills its responsibilities and role in the international community."