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Ranking Methodology

Our rankings are designed specifically for international students considering studying in Korea. Unlike traditional academic rankings, we focus on what matters most to you.

Why Our Rankings Are Different

Traditional Rankings (QS, THE)

  • -Focus on research output and citations
  • -Designed for academics and researchers
  • -Ignore practical concerns like cost and housing
  • -Same criteria for all students globally

Admissions.kr Rankings

  • +Designed for international students
  • +Focus on admission accessibility
  • +Consider cost, housing, and employment
  • +Tailored for studying in Korea

10 Ranking Categories

Total: 1,000 points

Admission Accessibility

입학 접근성

How easy is it for international students to get admitted?

International student acceptance rateApplication process simplicityDocument requirementsRolling vs. fixed admissionsLanguage requirement flexibility
150
points
15%

Tuition & Affordability

학비 경제성

Total cost of attendance and available financial support.

Annual tuition feesScholarship availability for internationalsGKS/KGSP quotaMerit-based aid percentageWork-study opportunities
150
points
15%

English Programs

영어 프로그램

Availability and quality of English-taught degree programs.

Number of English-taught majorsEnglish course ratioFaculty English proficiencyEnglish support servicesDual-language program options
120
points
12%

Career Support

취업 지원

Employment outcomes and career services for international students.

Graduate employment rateAverage starting salaryCareer center servicesIndustry partnershipsVisa sponsorship assistance (D-10)
120
points
12%

Internationalization

국제화 수준

Campus diversity and global engagement.

International student ratioExchange program partnersInternational faculty ratioGlobal ranking positionMulticultural events & clubs
100
points
10%

Living Environment

생활 환경

Quality of life in the surrounding area.

Cost of living in the areaPublic transportation accessPart-time job availabilityNearby amenitiesSafety index
100
points
10%

Academic Quality

학업 품질

Teaching quality and research excellence.

QS/THE world rankingStudent-faculty ratioResearch outputAcademic reputationGraduation rate
100
points
10%

Housing & Dormitory

기숙사/주거

On-campus housing availability and quality.

Dormitory capacityInternational student priorityDormitory feesRoom quality & amenitiesOff-campus housing support
80
points
8%

Student Support

학생 지원

Services specifically for international students.

Dedicated international officeBuddy/mentor programsKorean language coursesMental health servicesVisa assistance
50
points
5%

Safety & Accreditation

안전/인증

Official certifications and campus safety.

IEQAS certificationGovernment accreditationCampus securityHealth center availabilityInsurance support
30
points
3%

Data Sources

QS World University Rankings

Global university rankings based on academic reputation, research, and employability.

Visit Source
THE World University Rankings

Times Higher Education rankings covering teaching, research, and international outlook.

Visit Source
대학알리미 (University Info)

Official Korean government portal with tuition, employment, and enrollment data.

Visit Source
IEQAS Certification

International Education Quality Assurance System - official certification for international student programs.

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University Surveys

Direct data collection from university international offices.

Calculation Method

1. Data Normalization

All raw data is normalized using Min-Max scaling to ensure fair comparison across different metrics.

Normalized = (Value - Min) / (Max - Min)

2. Weighted Scoring

Each category's normalized score is multiplied by its weight to calculate the final score.

Score = Sum(Category × Weight)

3. Special Considerations

  • Inverse metrics: For metrics like tuition (lower is better), we invert the score before normalization.
  • Missing data: Universities with missing data receive the median value for that metric.
  • Recency: Data from the most recent academic year is prioritized.
  • Verification: Outliers are manually verified before inclusion.
Help Us Improve
University Data Collection Initiative

We're planning to send detailed surveys to universities to gather more accurate data for our rankings. This will help ensure that international students have access to the most reliable information.

Universities can:

  • Submit official data directly to improve accuracy
  • Verify and correct existing information
  • Highlight unique programs for international students
  • Showcase scholarship opportunities
Contact Us: rankings@admissions.krBecome a Featured University

Frequently Asked Questions

How often are rankings updated?

Rankings are updated annually in January, incorporating the latest data from the previous academic year. Significant changes may trigger mid-year updates.

Can universities pay to improve their ranking?

No. Our rankings are based solely on objective data. Featured universities receive additional visibility but their ranking position is not affected.

Why isn't my university ranked?

We currently rank the top 100 universities based on available data. If your university should be included, please contact us with supporting information.

How can I suggest improvements?

We welcome feedback! Please email us at rankings@admissions.kr with your suggestions, corrections, or additional data sources.

Ready to Explore?

Check out our 2026 rankings and find the perfect university for your studies in Korea.

View 2026 Rankings