Tongmyong University in Busan announced on the 23rd that it has received the highest rating of ‘5 Stars’ in the ‘QS Stars University Ratings,’ recently published by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), a world-renowned university evaluation agency based in the UK.
As of this year, more than 700 universities from over 70 countries have been evaluated under QS Stars. Among the 374 universities that disclosed their results, Tongmyong University stands out as the only university in Korea to achieve a 5-star rating.
Unlike the QS ranking evaluation, which assigns rankings through relative comparisons, QS Stars University Ratings assess universities’ comprehensive excellence across nine areas: Teaching, Academic Development, Facilities, Employability, Good Governance, Social Impact, Global Engagement, Subject Ranking or Programme Strength, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This evaluation provides an objective perspective for universities and stakeholders and serves as a critical decision-making tool for international students selecting universities for study abroad.
Tongmyong University received 5-star ratings in five areas: Teaching, Academic Development, Facilities, Employability, and Social Impact. As of December this year, there are 136 universities globally with a 5-star rating, including the University of Pennsylvania (ranked 89th in QS World Rankings) and the University of Canterbury in New Zealand (ranked 261st).
Tongmyong University attributes this recognition to the educational philosophy and innovation efforts of President Chun Ho-hwan, who assumed office in 2021. The university promotes “Do-ing” education, which emphasizes challenge, practice, and experience, as the core values of holistic education (encompassing physical, moral, and intellectual development).
The university has also established BIC (Busan International College), an English-only specialized college for international students, and attracted 1,300 international students. Additionally, it is advancing innovative strategies such as Green Startup Town and the establishment of a Veterinary Hospital in collaboration with Gyeongsang National University.
These efforts have been recognized, with the university ranking 34th globally in the Innovation Leadership category of the 2024 WURI (World University Ranking for Innovation) and being selected as a preliminary institution for the Glocal University 30 project in 2024.
President Chun Ho-hwan remarked, “Achieving a 5-star rating in our first attempt at the QS Stars evaluation is a significant milestone. Tongmyong University’s endeavors will continue to drive us toward the top 200 in QS Asia Rankings, the top 600 globally, and achieve high standings in other global university evaluations like THE. We aim to contribute to the revitalization of Busan and secure a spot in the top 10 small but strong universities in Korea.”
