By Kyung Hee University has recorded a significant rise in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, marking an important milestone in its ongoing development as a globally competitive research institution. Ranked 252nd worldwide and fifth among comprehensive universities in South Korea, the university climbed 33 places compared to the previous year, highlighting steady progress across multiple performance indicators.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings are widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive global assessments of higher education institutions. They evaluate universities based on a broad range of criteria, including teaching quality, research volume and impact, international outlook, and knowledge transfer. Kyung Hee University’s improved standing reflects balanced growth rather than short-term gains in a single category.
Research Quality Driving Global Recognition
A central factor behind Kyung Hee University’s advancement is its continued improvement in research quality, particularly as measured by the Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI). FWCI compares how frequently a university’s research outputs are cited relative to the global average in the same academic fields.
In 2024, Kyung Hee University achieved an FWCI score of 1.42, indicating that its research publications were cited 42 percent more often than the global average. This metric suggests that the university’s research is not only increasing in volume but also gaining stronger recognition and influence within the international academic community.
Further supporting this trend, Kyung Hee ranked third nationally in the number of papers placed within the top 10 percent most cited publications worldwide. This balance between quantitative growth and qualitative impact demonstrates that research excellence is becoming embedded across disciplines.
Strength Across Multiple Academic Fields
Kyung Hee University’s research performance spans a diverse range of academic areas, contributing to its overall competitiveness in global rankings. Strong outcomes have been observed in fields such as Medicine, Engineering, and Basic Sciences, which play a critical role in shaping global research and innovation.
In the medical and life sciences, the university has produced influential research in areas including digital health technologies and oncology, supporting advancements in both clinical practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. In engineering and applied sciences, Kyung Hee has contributed to research in next-generation semiconductors, a field of growing strategic importance worldwide.
This disciplinary breadth strengthens the university’s resilience in ranking systems that evaluate performance across multiple subject areas rather than focusing on narrow specializations.
Expanding International Collaboration
Internationalization has emerged as another key driver of Kyung Hee University’s upward trajectory. According to recent data, 38.1 percent of the university’s research publications are internationally co-authored, reflecting active collaboration with scholars and institutions around the world.
One notable example of this global engagement is the establishment of the International Center for Quantum Matter, which brings together leading researchers in advanced materials science. The center’s involvement with globally recognized scientists, including Nobel laureate Konstantin Novoselov, underscores Kyung Hee University’s commitment to fostering high-level international research partnerships.
Such collaborations not only enhance citation impact but also strengthen the university’s role within global academic networks.
Strategic Initiatives for Future Growth
Looking forward, Kyung Hee University is accelerating its transformation into what it describes as a “true university of the future.” Central to this strategy is an institution-wide AI Transition (AX) initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into education, research, and administrative systems.
To support this transition, the university has established a dedicated AI Committee and an Institutional Research (IR) Center, reinforcing data-driven decision-making and long-term academic planning. These initiatives are designed to enhance research efficiency, improve educational outcomes, and align institutional strategy with global trends in higher education.
Kyung Hee University’s performance in the 2026 THE World University Rankings represents a meaningful step in its evolution as a globally recognized academic institution. The combination of improved research quality, strong citation impact, expanding international collaboration, and forward-looking strategic initiatives has strengthened its position among the top universities in South Korea.
As global competition in higher education continues to intensify, Kyung Hee University’s steady rise illustrates how sustained investment in research excellence and international engagement can reshape an institution’s standing on the world stage. The university’s latest ranking outcome signals continued momentum as it builds toward long-term global competitiveness.
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