Four Korean universities make top 20 of THE's global sustainability ratings

Four Korean universities ranked among the top 20 in the latest Sustainability Impact Ratings by Times Higher Education (THE), with Hanyang University placing highest among them at No. 6, climbing 38 spots from its previous ranking of No. 44.

Korea University, Pusan National University and Kyungpook National University ranked 12th, 16th and 20th, respectively.

According to THE, the Sustainability Impact Ratings, previously known as the Impact Rankings, are global performance tables that assess universities based on their contributions to all 17 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The institution added that the rankings use calibrated indicators to provide comprehensive and balanced comparisons across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. A total of 1,646 unique institutions from 116 countries and territories were ranked across all 18 tables.

Hanyang University performed particularly well in the Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and Life Below Water categories, ranking No. 9 in both. Korea University topped the Decent Work and Economic Growth category, helping boost its overall ranking.

University of Manchester topped the overall rankings, followed by Australia’s Griffith University and Western Sydney University.

Among Asian universities, Malaysia’s Universiti Sains Malaysia ranked the highest, placing one spot above Hanyang University.

Other Korean universities, including Kyung Hee University, Yonsei University, Jeonbuk National University, Chungbuk National University and Chonnam National University, were also included among the top 100.