The disruption of AI has led several prominent entrepreneurs to question the value of traditional university graduate programs. But South Korea’s top technology companies continue to see value in degrees.
In fact, they support courses at polytechnic universities that facilitate entry into the AI field, and some even guarantee jobs for graduates.
Jung Chae-rin is a second-year student at Sogang University’s Department of Systems Semiconductor Engineering, a four-year degree established in partnership with memory chip manufacturer SK Hynix.
Her course comes with a guaranteed job at SK Hynix upon graduation.
Kim Tae-rin, a third-year student at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), is enrolled in the Department of Intelligent Software, a five-year integrated program that combines bachelor’s and master’s degrees in AI software, established in partnership with Samsung Electronics.
Her route also increases her chances of employment, but she must first go through Samsung’s separate recruitment process.
Corporate programs belong to a category known as “contract departments” within the Korean university system. Companies help universities develop courses, provide financial support and create pathways for eligible students to participate.
SK Hynix has partnerships with several Korean universities, including Korea University and Hanyang University.
Rival Samsung Electronics is collaborating with research institutes such as Yonsei University, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and Ulsan Institute of Science and Technology.
Kim and Jeong told CNBC that these programs can provide them with financial support and better job security. For companies, the program creates a pipeline of skilled workers.
According to data from Seoul-based Jongno Academy, the number of applicants to contract courses affiliated with large companies, including courses affiliated with companies such as carmaker Hyundai Motors and mobile phone carrier LG U+, increased by more than 38% from a year ago.
Intensifying competition
These programs are particularly lucrative for companies looking to capitalize on the AI boom, as Samsung and SK Hynix offer generous salaries to their employees.
Competition to secure a spot is fierce. SKKU’s Kim said, “My juniors from my alma mater continue to enroll in this department every year, and it really makes me realize when I see the grades of the new students improving.”If I had applied now, I don’t think I would have been able to get in with my grades.”
According to Jongno Academy data, in 2026, applications to the Samsung Electronics contract sector increased by 6.5%, and applications to the SK Hynix-related contract sector increased by 12.7%.
Overall, there were 13.44 applicants for each slot in all courses in the Samsung Electronics contract category, and 9.14 applicants competed for each spot in the SK Hynix contract category course.
Sogang University’s Chung said the competition rate and enrollment cut-off for the 2026 academic year was higher than in 2025.
scholarships and obligations
In the Soe program, all enrolled students automatically receive an SK Hynix scholarship. Scholars who meet the necessary academic requirements are also guaranteed employment. This department has scholarships for master’s and doctoral programs.
Chong told CNBC that he receives about 300,000 yen in study stipends every month, and that his tuition fees are also covered by the scholarships. In addition, there is an increasing number of scholarships based on meritorious performance and project awards, Jung added.
That being said, students must maintain a consistent GPA of 2.3 to maintain their scholarship and a consistent GPA of 2.7 to get a job at SK Hynix, Jung said.
However, with benefits comes obligations. Mr Jung said students who dropped out of the course would have to repay the support they received.
SK Hynix said graduates will be required to work at the company for a period equal to the period of financial support. They will join the company at the same rank and receive the same base salary and benefits as new employees from other universities, the company said.
However, in the case of Samsung Electronics, the path is a little different.
The SKKU program covers the first three years of tuition, subject to certain requirements, such as meeting minimum grade requirements. Kim said students can participate in Samsung’s separate recruitment process from the second half of their third year.
Kim described the hiring process as a “minimum step,” but said students must pass the process before employment is confirmed. Only successful applicants will continue to receive full tuition support for the remaining five years of the program.
The SKKU course just started in 2024 and the first students have not yet graduated. The university did not elaborate on other questions submitted, such as what happens if a student does not pass Samsung’s employment process.
Sogang University did not respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
Company and classroom
Samsung offers SKKU scholars “a variety of experiential opportunities,” including participating in Samsung Electronics’ internship program, visiting overseas research centers, and attending international academic conferences.
Kim said the students visit Samsung’s overseas branches and its base in Suwon, and meetings with company representatives are also held regularly.
Last year, Chung toured SK Hynix’s headquarters and participated in a future forum held there.
“The most memorable one for me was the class I took my freshman year,” she said. “Employees and executives from SK Hynix, as well as professors from SK Hynix University, would come every week and give lectures on the technology and business fields they were in charge of.
She was able to pitch solutions to real industry problems directly to SK Hynix executives themselves and receive live feedback from them.
Companies also shape what is taught. SK Hynix told CNBC that it does not currently offer formal internships or on-site hands-on experience, but it is considering doing so in the future.
Samsung Electronics told CNBC that it provides input to the university on related courses and curriculum, but did not elaborate on the extent of its staff’s involvement in the courses. SK Hynix said it is also partially participating in curriculum design and review.
Chung told CNBC that SK Hynix employees will be on campus for seminars and special lectures. However, the company’s staff does not formally teach the courses.
Although South Korean semiconductor giants no longer start hiring after university graduates, they are beginning to look for talent in these contract divisions in order to attract top talent and build a strong pipeline.
