Department of Semiconductor Engineering

UNIST Department of Semiconductor Engineering (Samsung Electronics-Contractual Program) took a proactive role this summer in guiding regional youth toward future careers in science and technology. Through a series of nationwide experiential programs and local science festivals, the department successfully connected cutting-edge research and technological advancements with the aspirations of young students. Since its establishment in 2023 as a Samsung Electronics-Contractual Department, UNIST has committed to sharing its educational investments and social responsibilities—aiming to nurture future talent and foster community engagement. Youth participating in the program are wearing lab coats and experiencing photolithography experiments. The initiative began with a three-day semiconductor-centered program from August 14 to 16, designed to establish a continuous connection to the world of semiconductors. This event hosted 75 high school students from across the country who are passionate about semiconductor science, providing them with immersive career exploration experiences curated and led by the department. Participants started their journey with a special lecture titled "What is Semiconductors?" delivered by Professor Hanheum Park, who recently joined UNIST from Samsung Electronics. They then heard firsthand accounts from current students about life within the department, explored laboratory facilities, donned experimental gear, and experienced photolithography experiments—gaining a comprehensive view of semiconductor technology. Interactive Q&A sessions allowed students to clarify their doubts and envision their future paths more clearly. The event gathered students from 14 high schools nationwide, along with 11 student mentors, faculty members, and staff. Many participants expressed that these hands-on activities and campus tours transformed their vague aspirations into concrete career goals. Expanding its outreach further, the department also participated in a community event. On August 13, at the Taehwa River National Garden, the department hosted an experiential booth at the '2025 Ulsan Youth Activity Festival.' Under the theme "Lighting Up Science, Changing the World through Semiconductors," the booth drew visitors from elementary through high school, as well as local residents. Students from the Department of Semiconductor Engineering (Samsung Electronics-Contractual Program) operated an experiential booth for citizens at the Ulsan Youth Activity Festival. Visitors engaged with activities such as touching plasma balls to observe electric discharge and examining wafers etched with circuits thinner than a strand of hair. Interactive elements like OX quizzes, videos, and merchandise giveaways made advanced scientific concepts accessible and engaging—demonstrating that high-tech innovations can be both fun and inspiring. This summer, UNIST Department of Semiconductor Engineering (Samsung Electronics-Contractual Program) achieved two key objectives that is to promote gifted education across the nation and to popularize science within the local community. These efforts aimed to showcase the department's appeal to prospective students and provide meaningful opportunities for exploration and discovery. Student mentor Shin Jin-woo, participating in the Samsung contract program, shared, "As a student in the contract department, I’m proud to give back to the community and future generations through the knowledge and experiences I have gained. I hope this inspires younger students to pursue their ambitions." Professor Tae-Sik Yoon, Head of the Department of Semiconductor Engineering (Samsung Electronics-Contractual Program), stated, "Sharing our advanced educational infrastructure and expertise with society is a core mission of our contract program. We hope this initiative serves as a practical compass, guiding the next generation toward promising careers in science and technology."

UNIST has received a record number of applications for its 2026 Early Admissions, marking a significant milestone in the university's history. When applications closed on September 11, UNIST had received 7,919 applications—far exceeding its admission quota of 465 students and recording a competition rate of 17.03 to 1. This figure represents the highest number of applicants since the university’s founding in 2007. Based on the standard admission quota of 390 students, the competition rate stood at 18.04 to 1, a sharp rise from last year's competition rate of 14.1 to 1. The total number of applicants also surged by 20.6% compared to last year's 6,565, setting a new record. Among the four admission tracks, the 'Academic Exploration Excellence Track', introduced last year, drew particular attention. Despite expanding its intake from 30 to 50 students, the track recorded a competition rate of 8.62 to 1, up from 7.8 to 1 the previous year. This strong interest reflects recognition of UNIST's distinctive educational approach, which emphasizes nurturing integrative and convergent talents. Meanwhile, the department that showed the highest competition rate was the Department of Semiconductor Engineering (Samsung Electronics-Contractual Program). With 2,468 applications for only 35 available seats, the program reached an unprecedented competition rate of 70.51 to 1. The flexibility offered through general admissions, which allow overlapping applications including the non-major track, further expanded opportunities for applicants. The 'Equal Opportunity Track' also demonstrated strong competitiveness, attracting 882 applicants for 40 available seats, resulting in a competition rate of 22.05 to 1. Over the past five years, applications for UNIST's Early Admissions have shown steady growth. From 5,359 applicants for 2022 to 7,919 for 2026, the figure has increased by 47.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.3%—a remarkable trajectory rarely seen at universities nationwide. A representative from the Office of Admissions remarked, "Our applicant growth reflects UNIST's commitment to student-centric admissions design and proactive institutional improvements." He further added, "Tailored programs, such as the Semiconductor Engineering Contractual Program, combined with active outreach to high schools nationwide, have yield highly positive results." "UNIST is a place where knowledge and practice converge, generating both innovation and social value," said President Chong Rae Park of UNIST. "By fostering education that unlocks student potential, promoting diversity, and advancing AI-powered learning models, we will nurture creative leaders to drive the future." For more information about the 2026 Early Admissions, please visit our Admissions website (https://adm-u.unist.ac.kr).

UNIST, along with GIST and DGIST, is launching a new department in cooperation with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. to foster talented semiconductor engineers and experts. On March 27, UNIST has embarked on a strategic partnership to set up a 5-year semiconductor engineering program that integrates bachelor's and master's degree courses, in partnership with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. The new program, funded by South Korea's biggest memory chip maker, has been designed to educate future talents under the condition that all students will be hired by the company as soon as they graduate. The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UNIST and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has been attended by UNIST President Yong Hoon Lee, President Seok-Woo Nam at Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., First Vice Minister Tae-Seog Oh of the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), Mayor Doo-Gyum Kim of Ulsan Metropolitan City, National Assembly Member Bum Soo Suh, National Assembly Member Sang Heon Lee, and other key officials from related fields. The MoU signing ceremony between UNIST and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. took place on March 27, 2023. From left are UNIST President Yong Hoon Lee and President Seok-Woo Nam at Samsung Electronics. With growing demand for chip talents, universities in Korea are actively launching chip-related courses across the country. In particular, semiconductors are not only Korea's core industry now, but also future high-tech industries that will lead future growth engines, such as AI, autonomous driving, and robots. Furthermore, in global hegemony over semiconductor sector, Korea's weapon is to nurture manpower. For this reason, Minister Jong-ho Lee of Science and ICT of Korea also expressed the importance of "preparation for a pan-government-level semiconductor talent training system," last year. Accordingly, the three major science and technology institutes, including UNIST, have agreed to work with Samsung Electronics to set up a 5-year semiconductor engineering program that integrates bachelor's and master's degree courses. This program, which is set to begin in March 2024, will be Korea’s first integrated undergraduate and graduate courses to train skilled semiconductor engineers. The three universities are expected to produce a combined 100 skilled chip engineers annually – 40 from UNIST and 30 from GIST and DGIST, respectively. Their curriculum consists of basic semiconductor systems, basic and in-depth courses, field experience, and on the job training. A group photo, taken after the signing ceremony of MoU between UNIST and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. In this regards, UNIST will have 40 students each year from 2024 to 2028. These students will all be granted scholarships from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Students will not only receive a full scholarship, jobs are also guaranteed at Samsung upon graduation. With the addition of the programs at major three S&T institutes, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. now runs such courses at seven universities, including Sungkyunkwan University (2006), Yonsei University (2021), KAIST (2022), and POSTECH (2023).