[News Space=Reporter seungwon lee] With most applications for the 2026 regular university admissions closed, the competition rate for semiconductor departments partnering with SK Hynix has significantly exceeded the average of 5.37 to 1 among 11 major universities in Seoul, making them a hot choice for prospective students. Hanyang University's Department of Semiconductor Engineering, in particular, recorded a high competition rate of 11.80 to 1, largely attributed to its guaranteed employment after graduation and the recently highlighted prospect of a 100 million won performance bonus.

Detailed analysis of competition rate

According to an analysis by the Jinhaksa Entrance Strategy Research Institute, among the departments partnering with SK Hynix, Hanyang University's Department of Semiconductor Engineering recorded the highest ratio at 11.80 to 1, followed by Sogang University's Department of Systems Semiconductor Engineering at 9.00 to 1, and Korea University's Department of Semiconductor Engineering at 7.47 to 1. This ratio exceeds the average competition rate of 5.37 to 1 for regular admissions at major universities in Seoul (Kyung Hee University, Korea University, Sogang University, Seoul National University, University of Seoul, Sungkyunkwan University, Yonsei University, Ewha Womans University, Chung-Ang University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, and Hanyang University). In contrast, Yonsei University's Department of Systems Semiconductor Engineering (5.84 to 1) and Sungkyunkwan University's Department of Semiconductor Systems Engineering (5.33 to 1), both of which have partnerships with Samsung Electronics, recorded average competition rates.

SK Hynix Performance-Based Bonus Background

SK Hynix announced a record-breaking compensation package in its 2025 wage negotiations, agreeing to allocate 10% of operating profit as performance-based bonuses and abolishing the existing cap (1,000% of base salary). With operating profit projected at 37-39 trillion won this year, the total bonuses could reach 3.7-3.9 trillion won, averaging over 100 million won per employee (estimated at 130 million won). Operating profit is projected to increase to 55-81 trillion won in 2026, with bonuses potentially reaching the 200 million won range.

Reasons for choosing the test taker

Wooyeoncheol, director of Jinhaksa's Admissions Strategy Research Institute, analyzed, "University preference is reflected in employment prospects and salary levels," and added, "SK Hynix's department's placement in the B group also facilitated concurrent application to Korea University and Yonsei University." Contracted departments offer scholarships during enrollment and guaranteed employment after graduation, making them more attractive in a market where demand for semiconductor talent is skyrocketing. In rolling admissions, the average competition rate for SK Hynix departments was 30.98 to 1, surpassing Samsung Electronics' 18.33 to 1.