Ministry selects 6 specialized graduate schools for advanced industries including semiconductors, robotics

Six new specialized graduate schools focused on advanced industries have been designated to train talent for regional growth engines, with Gongju National University and Gyeongsang National University among those selected. Each school can receive up to 3 billion won ($2.17 million) per year, for a total of up to 15 billion won over five years.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced Monday the results of its 2026 selection of new specialized graduate schools for advanced industries.

From 22 applicant graduate schools, the ministry chose institutions across four fields — semiconductors, biotech, robotics and aerospace defense — by region, weighing each school's capabilities alongside alignment with the government's regional growth engines and three major megaprojects.

The selected schools are Gongju National University (central region, semiconductors), Gyeongsang National University (southeastern region, aerospace defense), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (southwestern region, semiconductors), Kyungpook National University (Daegyeong region, robotics), Kangwon National University (Gangwon Province, biotech) and Jeonbuk National University (North Jeolla Province, robotics).

Previously, specialized graduate schools for advanced industries were selected through open competition with no regional restrictions, but starting this year only non-metropolitan universities are eligible. The change aligns the program with the government's "5 poles, 3 special zones" locally led growth strategy and its designated regional growth engines.

Robotics and aerospace defense were added as eligible fields for the first time this year. The specialized graduate schools support the development and operation of industry-driven curricula, infrastructure construction and industry-academia projects to train master's and doctoral graduates for the advanced strategic industries sector.

The ministry has designated a total of 14 specialized graduate schools for advanced industries since launching the program with three semiconductor-focused schools in 2023, and currently supports about 1,200 master's and doctoral students.

Nam Myung-woo, the ministry's director general for industrial policy, said he expects "outstanding master's and doctoral graduates trained in the regions to settle and start businesses at local companies, contributing to the development of regional growth engines and balanced national development." He added that the ministry would "do its utmost to ensure innovative talent continues to lead regional industries."