Semiconductor Department Admissions Increase by 12%, Non-Contract Programs Remain Steady

As the artificial intelligence (AI) industry grows, competition for skilled semiconductor workers is intensifying, leading to notable changes in the admissions landscape for semiconductor-related programs at universities in Seoul. While the enrollment for contract programs, which guarantee employment at major companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, remained unchanged from the previous year, the number of admissions for non-contract semiconductor programs increased by over 20%, driving overall enrollment growth.
 
On June 17, Jinhaksa, an admissions information platform, analyzed the admissions numbers for semiconductor-related programs at Seoul universities for the 2027 academic year. This year, a total of 564 students were admitted to these programs, up from 502 students across 14 universities last year, with one additional university participating and an increase of 62 students (12.4%).
 
Despite the overall trend of increased admissions, the contrast between contract and non-contract programs is stark. The five major universities offering contract semiconductor programs—Korea University, Sogang University, Sungkyunkwan University, Yonsei University, and Hanyang University—maintained a total of 205 spots for admissions, the same as in the 2026 academic year.
 
In contrast, the number of admissions for non-contract semiconductor programs rose from 297 last year to 359 this year, an increase of 62 students, or 20.9%. Essentially, the entire increase in admissions for semiconductor-related programs this year was driven by non-contract programs.
 
The expansion of non-contract programs is a result of universities creating new departments and increasing enrollment in existing ones. Kookmin University changed its "Department of Applied Chemistry, Major in Nano Materials" to "Department of Energy Semiconductor Chemical Engineering," increasing its admissions from 57 to 79 students. Sungshin Women's University established a new "Convergence AI Semiconductor Engineering Department," admitting 29 new students this year.
 
Some universities have significantly increased their admissions while maintaining the same program structure. The Intelligent Semiconductor Major at the University of Seoul expanded its admissions from 4 to 16 students, while Chung-Ang University's Intelligent Semiconductor Engineering Department increased its admissions from 10 to 18. Kwangwoon University's Semiconductor System Engineering Major also grew from 32 to 34 students.
 
Examining the admissions methods, the increase in the student record comprehensive evaluation method was the most significant. The number of students admitted through this method for semiconductor programs in Seoul rose from 310 in the 2026 academic year to 352 in 2027, an increase of 42 students. During the same period, admissions through the student record subject evaluation method rose from 117 to 127, and the essay evaluation method increased from 75 to 85, each by 10 students.
 
The trend of diversifying admissions methods is also evident. The University of Seoul's Intelligent Semiconductor Major, which admitted 4 students solely through the subject evaluation method last year, has increased that number to 6 while also introducing the comprehensive evaluation method, allowing for an additional 10 students this year.
 
Chung-Ang University has also shifted from admitting only 10 students through the comprehensive evaluation method last year to implementing various admissions pathways, including the essay evaluation method, to attract top talent.
 
Admissions experts predict that due to government support and industry-academic collaboration investments, the preference for both contract and non-contract semiconductor programs among applicants will continue to rise. Jin Won-cheol, head of Jinhaksa's admissions strategy research center, stated, "Interest in semiconductor programs has traditionally focused on contract programs with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, but this year, we are seeing a clear expansion in admissions for non-contract semiconductor programs as well. Applicants now have more options beyond contract programs, so it is essential to carefully examine each program's curriculum and admissions methods."