South Korea designates 6 regional graduate schools for advanced industries

South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has designated six non-metropolitan graduate schools as specialized institutions for advanced industries. This initiative aims to cultivate master's and doctoral-level talent in sectors including semiconductors, bio-technology, robotics, and aerospace/defense to support regional growth engines.

The selected universities include Kongju National University (semiconductors), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (semiconductors), Kyungpook National University (robotics), Jeonbuk National University (robotics), Kangwon National University (bio), and Gyeongsang National University (aerospace/defense). Each institution will receive approximately 3 billion KRW annually for up to five years, totaling 18 billion KRW for the new cohort. Funding will support industry-aligned curricula, research infrastructure, and industry-academic projects.

In conjunction with these national efforts, Chonnam National University is accelerating its development of an industry-academic innovation hub at its Yongbong Campus. This hub, part of a Campus Innovation Park, aims to connect research and talent with major industry players like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which are planning significant semiconductor investments in the southwestern region. Similarly, Gyeongsang National University is expanding its aerospace and defense programs to meet rising demand following the opening of the Aerospace Administration in Sacheon.