South Korean semiconductor departments' admission scores surpass Seoul National University's natural sciences

Admission scores for specialized semiconductor "contract departments" at leading South Korean universities are now outperforming those of Seoul National University's natural science programs. For the 2026 academic year, these sought-after departments, often dubbed "Samjeonnix" departments due to their industry ties, achieved an average admission score of 96.2% based on the percentile ranking. This figure surpasses the average score of 95.8% for Seoul National University's natural science departments. The scores for these semiconductor programs are now comparable to those of medical schools in regional universities, which averaged 97.2%. The analysis, conducted by Jongro Academy, shows a clear hierarchy in top-tier university admissions for the 2026 academic year. Kyungin-area medical schools ranked highest with 99.0%, followed by Seoul-area medical schools at 98.8%, then regional medical schools, semiconductor contract departments, and finally Seoul National University's natural science programs. Among the semiconductor departments, Hanyang University's semiconductor engineering program, which guarantees employment with SK Hynix, recorded the highest admission score at 98%. Korea University's semiconductor engineering program, also affiliated with SK Hynix, followed with a score of 97%. The rising admission standards for these programs underscore the intense competition and high demand for careers in South Korea's vital semiconductor industry, with future admission results for the 2027 academic year also drawing significant attention.