THE 2026 Business and Economics Rankings

: Korea University Ranks No. 57 Worldwide, No. 1 in Korea

Korea University Business School has once again demonstrated its global competitiveness in the field of business and economics. In the Business and Economics University Rankings 2026, released on the 21st by the UK-based higher education ranking organization Times Higher Education (THE), Korea University ranked 57th worldwide, placing first among universities in Korea. 

The THE Business and Economics Rankings assess universities’ performance in business and economics worldwide based on five key indicators: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality (Citations), International Outlook, and Industry Income. 

This year, Korea University recorded a total score of 62.7, marking a significant improvement compared to the previous year. In particular, the Teaching category—which reflects faculty reputation and the learning environment—scored 59.0, an increase of 13.3 points from last year’s 45.7. The Research Environment category, which evaluates research reputation and conditions, also rose by 12.4 points year-on-year to 56.2.  

As both indicators are derived from surveys of faculty members at peer institutions in Korea and abroad, the results highlight a substantial rise in international and domestic academic recognition of Korea University Business School’s excellence in education and research. 

In addition, Korea University demonstrated strong competitiveness in industry–academia collaboration and practical research outcomes by recording a near-perfect score of 99.9 in the Industry Income category. The university also earned 82.2 points in International Outlook, underscoring its performance in international collaborative research and global networking. While Korea University had previously been placed in the 101–125 range in last year’s rankings, it re-entered the global top 100 this year, marking a clear upward trajectory. 

To be included in the THE rankings, universities must meet stringent criteria, including the publication of at least 200 papers in relevant fields over the past five years and the maintenance of a minimum number of full-time faculty members. This achievement is particularly significant as it reflects how Korea University Business School’s sustained efforts in educational innovation and strengthening research competitiveness have translated into international recognition. The balanced growth across both educational and research environments demonstrates that Korea University Business School is firmly establishing itself as a global institution for business education, extending its presence beyond the domestic stage. 

This achievement is significant not merely as a single ranking result, but also as evidence of Korea University Business School’s sustained competitiveness across a range of global benchmarks. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, Korea University ranked 28th in Marketing, 42nd in Business & Management Studies, and 50th in Accounting & Finance, placing the school among the world’s leading institutions across key disciplinary areas. 

In addition, Korea University’s Executive MBA program ranked 61st worldwide in the Financial Times (FT) Executive MBA Ranking 2025, and was recognized as the only program in Korea included in the global Top 100. 

In terms of educational quality, Korea University became the first institution in Korea to obtain AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation for all degree programs in 2005, and successfully achieved its fifth consecutive accreditation in 2025. This track record demonstrates the school’s continued commitment to maintaining an educational system that meets rigorous international accreditation standards. 

Eonsoo Kim, Dean of Korea University Business School, commented on the achievement, saying, “This result reflects the consistent, long-term strategies pursued by all members of our community across both education and research. Achieving first place domestically is a significant milestone that reaffirms our global competitiveness.” 

He added, “We will continue to advance educational innovation to enhance students’ learning experiences, strengthen our research competitiveness, and expand international collaboration, ensuring that Korea University Business School continues to earn recognition on the global stage.” 

Contact: Korea University Business School Public Relations Team(02-3290-1688, kubs@korea.ac.kr)