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As interest in semiconductors grows alongside the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, the contract-based semiconductor departments affiliated with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix will continue to prioritize school records in their admissions this year. With more than 80% of total recruitment conducted through early admissions—most of which is based on the comprehensive school record screening—the competitiveness of a student's school record is expected to emerge as the key variable for admission.
According to an analysis by college admissions information platform Jinhaksa of the 2027 academic year college admissions plans released on Oct. 10, the total recruitment for Samsung Electronics and SK hynix contract-based semiconductor departments stood at 460 students. This is a decrease of 60 from the previous year, driven by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) cutting its semiconductor systems engineering department intake from 100 to 40. However, the recruitment numbers and admission methods at universities other than KAIST remained the same as the previous year.
Of the total 460 students, 377—or 82.0%—will be selected through early admissions. By contrast, regular admissions accounted for only 83 (18.0%). Opportunities to enter semiconductor contract-based departments based solely on College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) scores are relatively limited.
In particular, the comprehensive school record screening dominated early admissions. Of the 377 early admission spots, 319—or 84.6% of the total—were allocated to the comprehensive school record screening. The school record subject screening and essay screening accounted for only 29 each (7.7%).
By university, Sungkyunkwan University's semiconductor systems engineering department will recruit 45 of its 55 early admission spots through the comprehensive school record screening. Yonsei University's system semiconductor engineering department will also select 43 of its 75 early admission spots through the comprehensive school record screening. Science-and-engineering-focused universities such as KAIST and the Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) likewise maintain a comprehensive school record screening-centered approach.
The door to regular admissions is even narrower. KAIST and POSTECH select all students through early admissions, with no regular admissions. Sungkyunkwan University plans to select 15 students, Yonsei University 25, Korea University 12, and Hanyang University 8 through regular admissions.
Woo Yeon-cheol, head of Jinhaksa's Admissions Strategy Research Institute, explained, "Compared with top universities, which select around 40% through regular admissions, semiconductor contract-based departments show a different structure." He added, "This shows they prefer a selection method that comprehensively evaluates academic capability, research aptitude, and interest and potential in the field, rather than selecting students solely on CSAT scores." He continued, "Beyond simple grades, how thoroughly a student's math and science research aptitude is reflected in the school record will be an important evaluation factor."
