With the advent of the artificial intelligence (AI) era, countries around the world are engaged in a high-stakes technological race. In South Korea, semiconductors—a core component of AI technology—account for over 35% of total exports. While investment in vocational and higher education is more critical than ever, concerns are mounting that practical training may be compromised due to budgetary silos. E-Daily plans to run a three-part series covering the need to cultivate semiconductor talent, the allocation of education funding, and higher education in the AI era.<Editor’s Note>

[Edaily Shin Ha Young Reporter Kim Eung-yeol] As the importance of nurturing talent in science and engineering grows, the number of students from gifted schools and science high schools admitted to the four major science and technology institutes—including the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)—has reached a record high over the past three years. This trend is interpreted as a result of the semiconductor industry’s boom as we enter the full-fledged era of artificial intelligence (AI). Education experts point out that the government must not only invest in vocational education but also improve working conditions for STEM professionals to ensure this trend is not merely a temporary phenomenon.

According to an analysis by Jongno Academy on the 5th, a total of 844 students from gifted schools and science high schools were admitted this year to the so-called “Big Four” science and technology institutes—KAIST, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)—marking the highest number in the past three years. After peaking at 876 in 2023, the number declined to 813 in 2024 and 782 in 2025, only to rebound to 844 this year.

Gifted schools and science high schools, which admit top-tier students, are consistently criticized during parliamentary audits for the high number of students who go on to medical school.

Established to nurture gifted students in science and mathematics as well as talent in science and engineering, these schools even provide tuition support. However, the “concentration” of graduates in medical school is seen as undermining the original purpose of these specialized institutions. Since 2021, the Ministry of Education has implemented sanctions, beginning to recover educational expenses and scholarships received during enrollment from students who enter medical or pharmaceutical programs.

Analysts suggest that the increase in the number of graduates from gifted schools and science high schools enrolling in the four major science and technology institutes is influenced not only by these regulatory measures but also by the recent boom in the semiconductor industry. Lim Seong-ho, CEO of Jongno Academy, explained, “The preference among graduates of gifted schools and science high schools for science and technology institutes was particularly strong this year,” adding, “This was influenced by expectations of high income levels driven by the semiconductor industry’s strong performance.”

This trend is also reflected in the dropout rates (including voluntary withdrawal, failure to resume studies, and failure to register). According to University Alimi, the overall dropout rate at the four major science and technology universities fell from 3.19% in 2022 to 3.07% in 2023 and 2.61% in 2024.

SamsungElectronics(005930), The admission cutoffs for semiconductor-related departments at the five universities (Korea University, Sungkyunkwan University, Sogang University, Yonsei University, and Hanyang University) that have signed agreements with SK hynix(000660)are also soaring to levels similar to those of regional medical schools.

Academics are pointing out that the government must take action to ensure this trend does not remain merely a short-term phenomenon. This is because the “regional doctor admission track” will be implemented starting with the 2027 college admissions cycle, which could reignite the “medical school craze.”

Professor Shin Hyun-cheol of the Department of Semiconductor Systems Engineering at Kwangwoon University emphasized, “While there are signs that preference for STEM fields is rising following recent reports of high performance bonuses at SamsungElectronics and SK hynix, it remains uncertain whether this trend will continue, as the stability and job satisfaction of the medical profession remain high.” He added, “To ensure that top talent continues to enter STEM fields, we must establish a solid socio-economic compensation system for engineers that goes beyond temporary performance bonuses.”

Kim Hyung-jun, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Seoul National University, also noted, “If top students from science high schools and gifted education schools enter STEM fields, it can enhance the nation’s industrial competitiveness.” He pointed out, “As the quality of education and facilities at universities has deteriorated due to long-term tuition freezes, there is a need to expand government investment in higher education.”