Semiconductor departments surge in popularity, outpacing medical schools in South Korea

South Korea's university admissions landscape is experiencing a significant shift, with top semiconductor departments now outperforming some provincial medical schools in admission scores. This surge in interest reflects a growing trend among high-achieving students and their parents, who are increasingly drawn to the perceived job security and lucrative opportunities within the semiconductor sector.

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The trend has now shifted to semiconductors. This is due to the perception that employment is good and treatment is favorable.

Data indicates that the average admission score for five semiconductor departments at major Seoul universities for the 2026 academic year exceeded that of Seoul National University's natural science departments. Some of these programs even surpassed the admission scores of medical schools in provincial areas, with others closely trailing. This phenomenon is fueled by the "talent cultivation policies" aimed at nurturing semiconductor industry professionals, leading to a flood of inquiries on college admissions forums.

Students express a dilemma between pursuing pharmacy or semiconductor-related fields, seeking advice on which offers better long-term prospects. Parents are also navigating this changing landscape, with some reporting that their children have been preparing for semiconductor department admissions since their first year of high school, only to be advised by teachers to aim lower due to rising competition. Even current university students are considering transfers or re-applying to semiconductor programs, citing the high salaries and growth potential in the industry.

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It is difficult to predict whether the situation will be the same after graduation, as it takes at least four to six years from admission to graduation.

However, experts caution against making career decisions based solely on the current industry boom. They emphasize that the semiconductor industry's rapid evolution means that the job market in four to six years, when these students graduate, may look very different. Citing the example of the AI field, where initial job growth expectations have not fully materialized, educators urge students to focus on developing fundamental problem-solving skills and critical thinking, which are transferable across industries and more resilient to market fluctuations. They also call for long-term, consistent educational policies rather than frequent shifts that can destabilize university structures.

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The semiconductor department application numbers fell short of recruitment numbers just two to three years ago. We need to watch how long the current trend lasts.