동명대학교

Tongmyong University in Busan (President Chun Ho-hwan) has been awarded the prestigious 5-Star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings, as announced by the globally renowned UK-based evaluation agency QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) on the 19th. 

  As of 2024, 700 universities in more than 70 countries around the world were evaluated by QS Stars, and out of a total of 374 universities that released the results, Tongmyong University is the only institution in South Korea to achieve the top-tier 5-Star rating. This remarkable achievement is even more noteworthy as it marks the university’s first participation in the QS Stars evaluation. This was evaluated as a result of Tongmyong University's outstanding innovation efforts over the past four years.

 Unlike the QS World University Rankings, which assign university rankings based on relative comparisons, the QS Stars Ratings system evaluates institutions across nine key categories: Teaching, Academic Development, Facilities, Employability, Good Governance, Social Impact, Global Engagement, Subject Ranking or Programme Strength, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This rigorous assessment offers a holistic view of a university’s overall excellence. 

 While traditional university rankings primarily emphasize research output and reputation, QS Stars provides a more comprehensive and objective analysis, making it an important resource for students worldwide when selecting universities for international studies. By offering a multi-dimensional perspective, the system supports universities and stakeholders in understanding institutional strengths beyond rankings. 

 Tongmyong University distinguished itself by earning 5-Star ratings in five categories: Teaching, Academic Development, Facilities, Employability, and Social Impact, leading to an overall 5-Star rating in the QS Stars assessment. This accomplishment reflects the university’s commitment to excellence across diverse metrics of quality and impact.

 As of December 2024, only 136 universities worldwide have achieved the prestigious 5-Star rating, including prominent institutions like Pennsylvania State University (ranked 89th in the QS World Rankings) and University of Canterbury in New Zealand (ranked 261st). Tongmyong University has earned its place among these globally recognized institutions, solidifying its reputation as an exceptional undergraduate-focused university. 

 This remarkable achievement can be attributed to the leadership and educational philosophy of President Chun Ho-hwan, who assumed office in 2021. Under his guidance, Tongmyong University has revolutionized higher education through its Do-ing Education framework, which emphasizes core values of challenge, practice, and experience. The university integrates physical, moral, and intellectual development into its curriculum, fostering a dynamic and holistic learning environment. It reflects a holistic approach to education, emphasizing the balance and integration of physical well-being (體), ethical character (德), and intellectual growth (智). 

 Tongmyong has also transformed into a global campus with the establishment of BIC (Busan International College), an English-only college tailored for international students. This initiative has attracted over 1,300 international students. Additionally, the university has spearheaded innovative projects such as the Green Startup Town and the successful hosting of Gyeongsang National University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, further strengthening its position as a hub of innovation. 

 These efforts have been widely recognized, with Tongmyong University ranking 34th globally in the Innovation Leadership category of the 2024 WURI (World University Rankings for Innovation). It has also been selected as a preliminary member of the prestigious Glocal University 30 initiative in 2024. 

 President Chun expressed pride in the university’s accomplishments, stating, “Achieving a 5-Star certification on our first attempt at the QS Stars evaluation is a monumental milestone. Being the only university in South Korea to earn this recognition makes it even more significant. However, this is just the beginning. We aim to rank among the top 200 universities in QS Asia Rankings, enter the top 600 globally, and challenge ourselves in the THE World University Rankings to become a truly global and local university.” 

 He further emphasized, “Tongmyong University’s bold efforts will inspire innovation across Busan and South Korea. We are confident that Tongmyong will become one of South Korea’s top 10 small but mighty universities, revitalizing Busan and setting new standards for higher education.”