Founded in 1398 at the dawn of the Joseon Dynasty, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) is the oldest university in South Korea, where it has served as the highest institution of learning for more than six centuries.

Throughout its 628-year journey, SKKU has continued to embrace its intellectual heritage while pursuing a contemporary academic mission.

Its deep historical roots do not mean a traditional outlook. Instead, SKKU combines heritage with innovation, research excellence, industry collaboration and global engagement, making it increasingly relevant to international students and academic partners.

Today, SKKU ranks among Korea’s top three universities, placing 108th in the 2027 QS World University Rankings and 87th globally in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

With nearly 35,000 students, the university combines its founding philosophy of humanity, righteousness, propriety and wisdom with a modern, globally engaged academic environment.

SKKU operates two campuses: the Humanities and Social Sciences Campus in Seoul and the Natural Sciences Campus in Suwon. Together, they reflect the university’s commitment to advancing a broad range of disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to science, engineering and emerging technologies.

Since 1996, SKKU’s partnership with Samsung has further supported the university’s development, particularly in areas such as engineering, artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology. This close connection between academia and industry has helped accelerate SKKU’s growth into a globally competitive research institution.

The industry connection also matters beyond the classroom. As Korea seeks to attract more international science and technology talent through initiatives such as the K-Star visa, demand is growing for expertise in fields including AI, robotics and advanced manufacturing.

For international students and graduates, this creates an increasingly attractive environment for pursuing research, developing industry-relevant expertise and building global careers.

SKKU’s international community reflects this growing appeal. In 2025 alone, more than 550 international students were enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate engineering programs, including around 240 students from China and approximately 130 from Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

A truly global campus

SKKU’s international outlook extends well beyond its classrooms and laboratories.

The Office of International Student Services provides academic and nonacademic assistance to help international students adapt to university life and thrive in South Korea. Beyond their studies, students can participate in a wide range of campus clubs, semester-based and short-term exchange programs and cultural activities, creating opportunities to build friendships and connections across a diverse global community.

This global outlook is also reflected in SKKU’s alumni network, which spans industries and countries around the world. Graduates have gone on to pursue careers and make contributions in academia, business, research, government and other fields in Korea and abroad.

Among them is Imas Cempaka Mulia, an SKKU graduate who is now a professor at the University of Indonesia (UI). Her journey is one example of how SKKU’s international graduates go on to contribute to academic and professional development in their home countries.

For prospective students in Indonesia and across Southeast Asia, SKKU offers more than a degree: It offers the opportunity to study at a university where centuries of academic tradition meet cutting-edge research, industry collaboration and an increasingly global campus.

Those interested in pursuing their studies further at SKKU can read more about Imas Cempaka Mulia’s journey from SKKU to UI here: SKKU Website

To learn more about Sungkyunkwan University, visit skku.edu.

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