Samsung, SK Hynix Drive 38% Jump in AI Course Applications With Job-Linked Degrees
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Sep 15
Samsung, SK Hynix Drive 38% Jump in AI Course Applications With Job-Linked Degrees
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Sep 15
Summary
South Korea’s university “contract departments” tied to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are drawing surging demand by linking AI and semiconductor degrees to scholarships, company-designed coursework and clearer hiring paths.
Jongro Academy data showed applications to big-company contract departments rose more than 38% from a year earlier; Samsung-linked programs drew 13.44 applicants per seat and SK Hynix-linked courses 9.14.
SK Hynix offers the firmer route: Sogang University students get tuition support, about 300,000 won a month and guaranteed jobs if they meet GPA thresholds, but must repay support if they drop out.
Samsung’s SKKU program covers tuition for the first three years, then requires students to pass a separate hiring process to keep full support and secure employment; its first cohort has yet to graduate.
The partnerships show how South Korea’s chip giants are moving recruitment into the classroom as they race to lock in AI talent earlier.