Changwon National University earns nation's only S rating

Gyeongsang National University receives A rating for second consecutive year

The main administration building of Changwon National University [Gyeongnam Provincial Government]
The main administration building of Changwon National University [Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

Universities in South Gyeongsang Province designated under the government's glocal university initiative have posted the highest marks in the country in the Ministry of Education's performance review, demonstrating the strength of what officials are calling the "Gyeongnam model" of university innovation.

According to the provincial government Tuesday, Changwon National University was the only institution among 27 glocal universities evaluated to receive an S rating in the ministry's "2026 Specialized Regional University Performance Evaluation." Gyeongsang National University earned an A rating for the second consecutive year, maintaining its top ranking among the 10 universities in the 2023 cohort. The evaluation assessed task completion rates and innovation outcomes through a relative grading system organized by designation year.

Changwon National University was recognized for merging three national and public universities, introducing a multi-tier degree system, and establishing the Gyeongnam Changwon Institute of Science and Technology (GCIST), a joint research body linking the university with government-funded research institutes. The university secured a total of 30.8 billion won ($19.9 million) in state funding, combining its base and supplementary grants.

Gyeongsang National University was credited with founding the country's first dedicated aerospace college and developing a model to spin off the Gyeongnam Aerospace and Defense Institute of Science and Technology (GADIST) as an independent legal entity. The university also strengthened its role as a regional innovation hub in aerospace and defense by launching a joint curriculum with Seoul National University, securing 27.5 billion won in state funding.

The evaluation was rigorous nationwide. Suncheon National University, Hallym University and other lower-ranked institutions saw their funding cut, while the merged Chungbuk National University and Korea National University of Transportation were notified of pending designation cancellation. Universities face heightened pressure under the program, as two consecutive D ratings can result in losing glocal university status.

Inje University received a C rating, with its state funding reduced by 3 billion won — from 20 billion won to 17 billion won. While the university exceeded its targets in building field campuses and running operational programs, the rating reflected a roughly one-month delay in establishing a corporate governance structure through the Gimhae Talent Development Foundation, a key performance indicator. The provincial government said it plans to actively support Inje University in drawing up a remediation plan and managing project execution ahead of next year's review.

"These results are a precious achievement born of the joint efforts of universities and the local community," said Kim Seong-gyu, the province's director general for education and youth affairs. "We will work to tightly link university innovation with the region's key industries — aerospace, defense and the Changwon National Industrial Complex — to build a virtuous cycle that keeps young people rooted in the region."


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