Fierce Competition Despite Declining School-Age Population
University Competitiveness Stands Out Amid Seoul Metropolitan Concentration
Sangmyung University recorded an average competition rate of 13.47 to 1 for the 2026 academic year early admissions.
Despite the decline in the school-age population, enthusiasm for applications has not waned, especially in conjunction with the concentration of applicants in the Seoul metropolitan area.
According to Sangmyung University on September 13, a total of 26,420 applicants competed for 1,961 spots as of the application deadline on September 12.
At the Seoul campus, 16,434 applicants competed for 814 spots, resulting in a competition rate of 20.19 to 1, which is similar to last year's 20.88 to 1. At the Cheonan campus, 8,856 applicants competed for 855 spots, recording a rate of 10.36 to 1, a slight increase from the previous year.
By admission type, the essay-based track at the Seoul campus recorded a rate of 70.41 to 1, while the interdisciplinary studies (STEM track) posted the highest competition rate at 108.78 to 1.
The interdisciplinary studies (humanities track) also drew significant interest at 95.36 to 1, as did the biotechnology major at 85 to 1.
At the Cheonan campus, the photography and video media major recorded a rate of 22.75 to 1, nursing at 22.1 to 1, and AR·VR media design at 21.5 to 1, all showing strong competition.
At the Seoul campus, the practical skills-based sports health management major stood out at 54.42 to 1, the holistic admissions animation major at 46 to 1, and the game and food and nutrition major at 29 to 1.
For the practical skills-based track at the Cheonan campus, digital cartoon and video recorded a high competition rate of 30.83 to 1, and theater (acting) at 27 to 1.
Sangmyung University has recently enhanced its educational competitiveness by securing large-scale government funding through projects such as the Advanced Field Innovation Convergence University Project, the Software-Centered University Project, and the University Innovation Support Project. In 2024, it was also recognized for its achievements in career and employment support, receiving the Minister of Employment and Labor Award for Excellence in Youth Employment Promotion.
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