The most sought-after undergraduate programs in South Korea’s top 10 universities have shifted towards science and engineering fields, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, according to a recent analysis by Jongno Academy. This trend is attributed to increasing concerns about employment and the growing demand for skills aligned with government policies.

A study conducted by Jongno Academy, which analyzed the top three most competitive programs at 10 prestigious universities, revealed that AI and semiconductor engineering programs were the most popular among science and engineering students. In the humanities, business administration programs consistently ranked among the top choices.

The analysis found that the popularity of AI programs has been steadily increasing over the past few years, reflecting the growing demand for AI expertise in various industries. Similarly, semiconductor engineering programs have gained significant traction due to government initiatives to bolster the domestic semiconductor industry.

"The increasing preference for AI and engineering programs can be attributed to the challenging job market and government policies aimed at fostering these industries," said Im Sung-ho, CEO of Jongno Academy. "Students are increasingly choosing majors that align with the country's strategic industries and offer better job prospects."

However, the report also highlighted that for top-tier humanities programs, university brand reputation often takes precedence over specific majors. This suggests that students in the humanities are still prioritizing prestigious institutions, even if the choice of major is less influenced by immediate career prospects.