Ranked 3rd in Korea in the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) rankings, awarded CSV·ESG Porter Prize for two consecutive years 

Recognized for university innovation, earning trust from students, parents, and educators

Large-scale funding initiatives provide expanded opportunities for student development

Achieves 100% freshman enrollment rate for the 2025 academic year

[March 5, 2025]

For the first time since the introduction of the University Information Disclosure System in 2008, Yeungnam University (YU) has achieved a 100% freshman enrollment rate (based on the university information disclosure system's freshman fulfillment rate). This milestone follows a record-high number of applicants in the early admission process and a 98.34% enrollment rate among admitted students, marking the third consecutive year that YU has ranked first in Daegu and Gyeongbuk for early admission enrollment rates.

Differentiated Educational Innovation and Management Strategy

 Students and parents are choosing YU due to its structured admissions process, innovative education, and student-centered support policies. Despite a declining student population and increasing competition among universities, YU has continued to implement cutting-edge academic reforms and departmental specialization strategies to foster professional competencies. The university offers dual majors, interdisciplinary minors, and micro-degree programs, aligning education with industry demands. Key initiatives such as advanced curriculum restructuring, hands-on training programs, strengthened industry-academia collaboration, and comprehensive career support services have also contributed to YU’s growing reputation.

Rising Academic Standards of Incoming Students

YU has not only increased the number of incoming students but also improved their academic caliber. During the 2023 regular admissions process, entrance scores increased in 56 out of 60 academic programs, with over 30 programs seeing a rise of 10 points or more in the CSAT percentile (out of 300 points). This improvement underscores YU’s growing preference among students, parents, and educators, driven by its strong academic environment and competitive programs.

Climbing the Ranks in Domestic and Global University Evaluations

 YU has consistently risen in both domestic and international university rankings, demonstrating global competitiveness. Since CHOI's tenure as president, the university has secured major government funding projects, investing heavily in emerging industries and research capacity building. In the 2024 Leiden Ranking, which assesses universities based on the top 10% of most-cited papers, YU climbed into Korea’s Top 5. Notably, in the Mathematics & Computer Science category, YU has maintained its No. 1 ranking in Korea for 10 consecutive years. Additionally, in the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities ranking, YU rose five places in Korea, securing 13th place nationally, further cementing its global reputation.

<President CHOI Oe-chool delivering an address at the entrance ceremony.>

 Excellence in International Development Cooperation and Social Responsibility

 YU has also distinguished itself in the field of international development cooperation and social responsibility. The university won the CSV·ESG Porter Prize in the Shared Growth category for two consecutive years, recognizing the impact of the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul(PSPS)’s Korean ODA education program. Additionally, YU has expanded customized leadership training and policy support for developing nations through its Saemaul Spirit 2.0 initiative (Diligence, Self-Reliance, Cooperation + Sharing, Volunteering, and Creativity). The 2024 WURI rankings placed YU 35th globally in Leadership and 37th in Social Responsibility, ranking 3rd in Korea in both categories. The university’s ongoing efforts to develop Saemaul movement and sustainable development policies and train global leaders have been widely recognized.

Strong Employment Retention and Career Development Support

 YU continues to excel in graduate employment, strengthening students' future competitiveness. The university’s employment rate in major corporations, public enterprises, and national and local government agencies stands at 36.5%, significantly higher than the non-metropolitan university average of 25.7%. Additionally, its employment retention rate is 81.8%, the second highest among regional universities (as of 2023). YU has also demonstrated exceptional performance in the National Public Administration Talent Program, producing the highest number of successful candidates nationwide for two consecutive years (2022, 2023) in the Grade 7 regional talent recruitment program. To further enhance employment opportunities, YU increased its career support budget from KRW 1.5 billion in 2020 to KRW 3.6 billion in 2024, a 2.5-fold increase. Since 2017, YU has been operating the University Job Plus Center (Hub Model) project under the Ministry of Employment and Labor, maintaining an “Excellent” rating for eight consecutive years. The university has also achieved outstanding results in various government and local employment support initiatives.

President CHOI Oe-chool: "YU is a University Built on Trust"

 President CHOI Oe-chool emphasized that achieving 100% freshman enrollment for the first time is more than just a statistic—it reflects the university’s consistent innovation efforts and the trust it has earned from students, parents, educators, and the community. "We will continue to nurture creative and problem-solving talents who can contribute to Korea’s progress and address global challenges. YU will spare no effort in investing in and enhancing education. I also extend my sincere gratitude to the admissions team and all faculty and staff members for their dedication in achieving this milestone since the introduction of the University Information Disclosure System in 2008."