Keimyung University Ranks First Nationwide in Regular Admissions Competition Rate Among Large Universities for 2026

Highest Competition Rate Among Universities With Over 3,000 Admissions Slots
Non-Metropolitan University Demonstrates Its Competitiveness
Proportion of Applicants From the Capital Area Surpasses Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam
"Quality of Education Over Geographic Location" Becomes Key Selection Factor

Keimyung University recorded the highest application-to-acceptance ratio among large universities with more than 3,000 admissions slots nationwide for the 2026 regular admissions, confirming a shift in the criteria students use when choosing universities.

Keimyung University (President Shin Ilhee) announced on January 7 that, as a result of the 2026 regular admissions application process, 5,648 applicants applied for 566 available slots within the quota, resulting in a competition rate of 9.98 to 1.

Students from the College of Engineering at Keimyung University are practicing in the Robot-based Automation and Autonomous Systems Laboratory (KAROL). Provided by Keimyung University

This is the highest regular admissions competition rate among large universities nationwide that admit more than 3,000 students, demonstrating the competitiveness of a non-metropolitan university in a nationwide competition.

This marks a significant increase from the previous year's competition rate of 7.93 to 1, setting a new all-time high.

There were also clear changes in the regional distribution of applicants.

Among all applicants, 9.8% were from Seoul and 11.1% were from Gyeonggi Province, meaning that the proportion of applicants from the capital area exceeded that from the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region.

This indicates a growing trend in which students prioritize the quality and environment of education, as well as career planning opportunities, over geographic accessibility when selecting a university.

The university attributes the increase in applications to its achievements in educational innovation, such as expanding AI-based education, establishing advanced digital infrastructure, promoting interdisciplinary education, and creating a practice-oriented learning environment.

In particular, Keimyung University was the first in the country to simultaneously establish both artificial intelligence (AI) and software-defined networking (SDN) infrastructure, and to expand AI-utilization education across all disciplines, which has been identified as a key factor enhancing the university's competitiveness.

Doh Dalhyeon, Dean of Admissions at Keimyung University, stated, "Keimyung University's case demonstrates that university competitiveness is determined not by location, but by the quality and environment of education," adding, "Even outside the capital area, if cutting-edge digital infrastructure and customized career tracks are in place, students can fully design the career paths they desire."

He further explained, "There is a growing trend among prospective students, parents, and teachers advising on career paths to focus on the quality of education, infrastructure, and employment outcomes, rather than the university's address, when selecting a university."