Semiconductor programs tied to Samsung Electronics and SK hynix posted an average competition rate of 7.16 to 1 in the 2026 regular admissions cycle, surpassing the 6 to 1 average across 39 medical schools nationwide, Jongro Academy reported. Top programs like Hanyang University's Department of Semiconductor Engineering reached 11.8 to 1. The shift reflects growing appeal amid strong industry compensation, including SK hynix's record bonuses.
Jongro Academy reported that Yonsei University's System Semiconductor Engineering program, affiliated with Samsung Electronics, attracted 187 applicants for 32 slots, resulting in a 5.84 to 1 competition rate. Sungkyunkwan University's Semiconductor Systems Engineering Division saw 80 applicants for 15 places, or 5.33 to 1.
Programs linked to SK hynix showed even higher demand. Hanyang University's Department of Semiconductor Engineering led with 11.8 to 1, followed by Sogang University's System Semiconductor Engineering at 9 to 1 and Korea University's Department of Semiconductor Engineering at 7.47 to 1.
Online college admissions communities feature increasing posts from current students considering retaking exams for these contract-based semiconductor programs. "There was effectively no alternative to medical school for top students in the past, but the center of gravity is now shifting toward semiconductor majors," said Lim Sung-ho, head of Jongro Academy.
SK hynix has drawn attention with record bonuses, projected to reach as high as 1.3 billion won per employee next year. Lim added, "Corporate conditions can change rapidly, so how long this trend continues will ultimately depend on companies’ performance going forward."
