Tongmyong University President Chun Ho-hwan speaks during the QS Higher Education Leaders Summit in Macau in this November file photo. Courtesy of Tongmyong University

Tongmyong University received a prestigious five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings on Dec. 19.

The annual ranking, released by the London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), evaluates 700 universities across over 70 countries in nine categories: teaching, academic development, facilities, employability, good governance, social impact, global engagement, subject ranking and diversity.

"Tongmyong University is the only institution in Korea to achieve the top-tier five-star rating," the university said in a press release.

"This remarkable achievement is even more noteworthy as it marks the university's first participation in the QS Stars evaluation. This was evaluated as a result of Tongmyong University's outstanding innovation efforts over the past four years," the school added.

Of the nine categories, it received top ratings in five: teaching, academic development, facilities, employability and social impact.

The Busan-based university added that the school achieved remarkable growth under the incumbent President Chun Ho-hwan's leadership.

It recently refurbished its campus structure as it founded the Busan International College, a tailored college for international students. Thanks to its new college, Tongmyong now has over 1,300 international students. The campus also hosts Gyeongsang National University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

Due to its diversified efforts in education, Tongmyong University ranked 34th in the Innovation Leadership category of the 2024 World University Rankings for Innovation. It was also included as one of the prestigious schools in the Glocal University 30 initiative.

"Achieving a five-star certification on our first attempt at the QS Stars evaluation is a monumental milestone. Being the only university in South Korea to earn this recognition makes it even more significant," Tongmyong University President Chun said.

"Tongmyong University's bold efforts will inspire innovation across Busan and Korea. We are confident that Tongmyong will become one of the country's top 10 small but mighty universities, revitalizing Busan and setting new standards for higher education."