Universities need to do more to support international students

Korean universities are confronted with an urgent need for greater internationalization, as their higher education system undergoes a monumental transformation. Despite this, the situation remains far from ideal, according to the Korea Times University Rankings 2027. The rankings, introduced last year, evaluate domestic universities based on 19 indicators across four key areas: education, research, student support, and graduate outcomes.

The education sector scored the highest, with 70 points, indicating a solid foundation for internationalization. However, the rankings reveal a concerning trend in other areas. Investment in faculty recruitment and student support has not kept pace with the growing number of international students. Furthermore, graduate outcomes remain weak, highlighting the need for universities to take more decisive action.

The full-fledged internationalization of Korean universities is no longer a choice, but a necessity for their survival. To achieve this, universities must invest more in faculty recruitment and student support. This is critical to ensure that the increasing number of international students are adequately supported, and that the educational experience meets international standards.

Additionally, there is an urgent need to improve graduate outcomes, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers in an increasingly globalized world.