POSTECH Makes Strides in Internationalization as Small Research University
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), known for its focused and intensive research environment, is advancing internationalization, attracting attention from universities and diplomatic circles worldwide.
Interest in POSTECH has surged since the lifting of pandemic restrictions, leading to a notable increase in visits from foreign ambassadors and overseas university officials. On March 21, a delegation from Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM), spearheaded by the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), visited POSTECH to discuss academic exchanges in humanities, social sciences, and technology. They also explored talent exchange projects to foster the development of high-level professionals. Following this, POSTECH reciprocated with a four-day visit to the VNUHCM campus starting on May 6, further solidifying their collaborative plans
On April 18, POSTECH hosted Nordic Talks Korea in collaboration with the embassies of four Nordic countries in the Republic of Korea (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland) at CHANGeUP GROUND Pohang on the POSTECH campus. This 13th edition was themed around “Social Dialogue within the Green Transition” and marked the first time the Talks were held outside Seoul. The participation of four ambassadors in organizing an event at a university highlights POSTECH’s growing international stature.
Another indicator of POSTECH’s rising international profile is its impressive performance in global university rankings. This year, POSTECH was ranked 9th in the Times Higher Education (THE) World Young University Rankings for universities established within the last 50 years, a significant jump from 14th place last year. This marks the first time in three years that a Korean university has made it into the top 10 in this evaluation, highlighting POSTECH’s commitment to academic excellence and global engagement.
POSTECH also ensures that its undergraduate students have international experiences, a policy facilitated by its selective status. Students have the opportunity to attend major international events such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and Nobel Week in Stockholm, with the university covering necessary expenses. Additionally, the Off Campus semester program allows students to earn credits through online courses while engaging in activities at various domestic and international universities, research institutes, and companies.
Evaluating a university’s internationalization strategy requires a focus on the substantive content rather than just quantitative metrics like the proportion of non-Korean students. POSTECH’s approach to global engagement priorities concrete plans and actions that are feasible for an elite, research-focused university. Moving forward, POSTECH aims to set a new standard in academia by pursuing joint degree programs with prestigious foreign universities and impactful collaboration research endeavors, striving for both academic excellence and global engagement.