In South Korea, Samsung and SK Hynix partner with universities to train talent
In South Korea, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are partnering with universities on programs in artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Such programs provide financial support for students and create pathways to employment at the companies. As CNBC reports, they fall into the category of contract departments, under which companies help develop courses, fund education and build a talent pipeline.
Scholarships and employment
At Sogang University's Department of Semiconductor System Engineering, established jointly with SK Hynix, all enrolled students automatically receive a company scholarship. Students who meet academic requirements are guaranteed employment at SK Hynix after completing their studies.
According to student Jeong Chae-rin, her tuition is covered by a scholarship, and she also receives around 300,000 per month. To retain the scholarship, students need a grade point average of at least 2.3, while employment at SK Hynix requires at least 2.7. She also said that students who leave the program must repay the financial support they received.
SK Hynix told CNBC that graduates must work at the company for a period equal to the duration of the financial support. According to the company, they will be hired at the same level and with the same base salary and benefits as other university graduates.
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At Sungkyunkwan University, a five-year integrated bachelor's and master's program in AI software created together with Samsung Electronics is available. Tuition for the first three years is covered provided students meet academic performance requirements. From the second half of the third year, students can undergo a separate Samsung selection process; only those who successfully pass it subsequently receive full tuition coverage until the completion of the program.
Competition for places
According to Seoul-based Jongro Academy, the number of applicants for contract departments associated with major companies rose by more than 38% over the year. In the 2026 academic year, the number of applications for Samsung Electronics contract programs increased by 6.5%, while applications for programs associated with SK Hynix rose by 12.7%.
Samsung Electronics contract programs had 13.44 applicants per place, while SK Hynix programs had 9.14. Samsung said it provides universities with suggestions for specialized courses and curricula. SK Hynix, for its part, said it partially participates in developing and reviewing curricula. Students in the Samsung program visited the company's overseas division and its facility in Suwon, while company employees conduct seminars and special lectures in the SK Hynix program.
