SKKU: Historic University Fostering an International Campus

At over 600 years old, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) is Korea's oldest and most prestigious university. From its founding in 1398, SKKU has balanced long-standing tradition and history with the pioneering spirit of learning, collaboration and innovation. Today, SKKU honors that legacy with its forward thinking, international approach in conjunction with research programs that are recognized globally.

Collaborative efforts between universities and business have been foundational in Korea's global competitiveness in the knowledge-based economy. Through its partnership with Samsung, SKKU has paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in education, industry, health and biosciences. This collaboration has resulted in programs such as scholarships, that facilitate talented students path to employment with Samsung after graduation. After visiting Southeast Asia, SKKU President Ji-Beom Yoo noticed how companies like Samsung and Hyundai were supporting local academic institutions to develop talent for their facilities. "Such partnerships reflect the high demand for skilled talent. So why not provide these opportunities for international students here in Korea," he says.

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SKKU has reinforced its position as a top Korean university as it has shot upwards through the national university rankings. It has been recognized for its high marks in both internationalization and research output. However, Yoo encourages faculty to look beyond rankings and measure their successes by their positive impact. "I urge them to focus on making impactful contributions to their fields and to society—developing technologies that ultimately benefit humanity and aim for leadership in those areas." The university's partnership with Samsung has been a boon for its research programs which have bolstered its international standing and led to advancements in software development, mobile communication and nanotechnology. Furthermore, international collaboration has further strengthened its position and contributed to gains across all ranking criteria.

With government plans to welcome 300,000 international students into Korea by 2027, SKKU has already been doing its part to accommodate the new students. The university has expanded its English-language programs and forged relationships with leading institutions around the world. SKKU has begun building "hub" partnerships with their international partner universities. Yoo describes the hub-based approach as one driven by shared interests and professor networks. "We launched a dual-degree MBA program with Indiana University, in which professors from both institutions exchange teaching responsibilities and a separate program in South Carolina," he explains. The university is targeting international students of all levels, from undergraduates to those pursuing a PhD. For undergraduates, the program focuses on students in high tech industries and supports their entry into those fields with generous scholarships and tailored support programs. Yoo says they aim to increase the international undergraduate student population from 3,000 to around 4,000. For master's and PhD students the university is targeting those with expertise who can contribute to global institutions and are prioritizing fields like medicine, biotechnology, engineering and natural sciences.

My vision is to foster a long-term, broad-minded perspective that positions SKKU as a global leader serving and supporting societies around the world.

SKKU is a truly international institution, combining an international campus with private sector partnerships in conjunction with historical expertise and tradition. Its vision for the future is one where SKKU is a premier institution in both Korea and the international community. A university where students and society are edified both by a long and storied history and being at the forefront of academics. As President Yoo says,

For more details, explore the website at: https://admission-global.skku.edu/eng/index.html

Contact information: Tel 02.760.1000 - Email overseas@skku.edu

All interviews were conducted by The Worldfolio and can be found at www.theworldfolio.com.

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