Hanyang University Ranks 6th Globally, 1st in Korea in 2026 THE Impact Rankings

Hanyang University has achieved its highest-ever ranking, securing 6th place globally and 1st place domestically in the '2026 THE Impact Ratings' released by the British higher education evaluation agency Times Higher Education (THE).

The THE Impact Ratings assess universities not only on education and research but also on their overall societal contributions and governance, measured against the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year's evaluation included over 1,600 leading universities worldwide. Hanyang University's significant leap from 44th place last year to 6th place marks its most substantial improvement in the rankings.

Hanyang University participated in nine SDG categories, achieving top 10 global rankings in three key areas: SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) at 9th place, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) also at 9th place, and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) at 9th place. The university attributes this success to its founding principle of "Practicing Love," which guides its commitment to social responsibility across education, research, and university management.

The university has consistently strengthened its social contribution framework, establishing the nation's first university-affiliated social service corps in 1994 and launching the Global Social Innovation Group directly under the president in 2023. Hanyang was also the first university in South Korea to join Ashoka U, a global network of universities dedicated to social innovation education.

Hanyang University plans to integrate SDGs across all aspects of its education and research. President Lee Ki-jeong stated, "Fulfilling the educational and research responsibilities universities hold for a sustainable world is the core task of future higher education. We will present new standards for universities worldwide through genuine social practice and inclusive innovation, beyond one-off achievements."

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Fulfilling the educational and research responsibilities universities hold for a sustainable world is the core task of future higher education. We will present new standards for universities worldwide through genuine social practice and inclusive innovation, beyond one-off achievements.