‘Establishment of the World’s First Semiconductor College’ Ranks 1st

Gachon University was recognized for ranking 1st nationwide in early admission applicants and international student enrollment, as well as being selected for various government-supported projects.

Gachon University Achieves Remarkable Milestones in 2024, Advancing Its ‘2027 TOP 10, 2032 Global Top 100’ Goal

Gachon University made significant strides in 2024 with achievements such as establishing the world’s first semiconductor college, ranking 1st nationwide in early admission applicants, increasing the graduate school quota for advanced industries by 222—the highest in the country—topping the number of international students nationwide, and being chosen as the most promising university by high school academic counselors.

Gachon University’s ‘Top 10 News of 2024’ Highlights

1. Establishment of the World’s First Semiconductor College

Gachon University created the world’s first independent semiconductor college and developed a specialized semiconductor education system. The college includes the Department of Semiconductor and Electronics Engineering (Electronics Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, and Next-Generation Semiconductor Design), the Department of Semiconductor and Display Engineering, and the Department of Semiconductor Design, with an enrollment capacity of 330 students.

By 2025, the annual intake will grow to 400 students, eventually reaching a total of 1,600 students over four years—making it the largest undergraduate semiconductor college globally. Gachon also operates Korea’s only lifelong-cycle Semiconductor Education Center for students ranging from elementary school to adults.

Selected for the Ministry of Education’s 2024 Semiconductor Specialization University Support Project, Gachon University will receive 15 billion KRW over four years to recruit 40 top-tier faculty members, establish semiconductor process training infrastructure, and incorporate advanced design tools and equipment to nurture highly specialized talent.

2. 1st Nationwide in Early Admission Applicants for 2025

In September, Gachon received 84,027 applications for 3,438 seats (24.4:1 competition ratio), ranking 1st nationwide. This marks a significant increase of 7,767 applicants (10.2%) from the previous year.

3. Largest Increase in Graduate School Quotas for Advanced Industries

Gachon University secured an increase of 222 graduate program seats (194 master’s and 28 doctoral), the highest nationwide. Over 21.4% of the Seoul metropolitan area’s total quota increase in advanced fields went to Gachon University.

4. Debut in ‘2025 THE World University Rankings’ at Domestic 19th Place

Gachon University participated in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for the first time, ranking 19th domestically and 645th globally. The university excelled in Industry Research and Internationalization, including foreign faculty ratio, international collaboration, and exchange student programs.

5. ‘S’ Rating in University Innovation Support Project for 2 Consecutive Years

Gachon secured a total of 12.89 billion KRW, including 6.84 billion in incentives, achieving top-tier ratings for two consecutive years. Innovations like the P-Semester—a focused project-based learning term—were highly regarded.

6. Most Promising University According to High School Counselors

Ranked 25th in JoongAng Ilbo’s University Rankings, Gachon was also voted the most promising university by high school counselors, solidifying its reputation among students, parents, and educators.

7. 1st Nationwide in Undergraduate International Students

Gachon University hosts 3,045 undergraduate international students, ranking 1st in the country, and 4,445 total international students, placing 2nd nationwide.

8. Selected for BK21 Project in Intelligent Semiconductor Research

Chosen for the 4th Phase Brain Korea 21 (BK21) project, Gachon University will receive 800 million KRW annually until 2027 to develop master’s and doctoral-level talent in intelligent semiconductors.

9. Sole University in Seoul Metropolitan Area for Advanced Industry Bio Bootcamp

Gachon was selected for the Bio Bootcamp Project and will receive 7 billion KRW over five years to produce 1,350 specialized bio-industry professionals by 2028.

10. Sole University Selected for Early Employment-Based Graduate Programs

Gachon University launched the Next-Generation Semiconductor Program for graduate students, securing 7.2 billion KRW until 2026 to train 260 semiconductor experts by partnering with 34 leading companies.

These achievements position Gachon University closer to its ambitious goals of becoming a TOP 10 University by 2027 and a Global Top 100 University by 2032.