Today’s University Admissions News — 2026-05-06

Today's Headlines

Seven Universities Selected for New AI Education Boost

• What’s happening?: Seven universities have been selected for a new initiative to strengthen AI education. The goal is to innovate curricula and build up AI-related infrastructure.
• Who’s affected?: Students and parents eyeing AI-related majors, as well as those prepping for STEM and software-focused tracks.
• Why it matters?: These selections could lead to new departments or expanded enrollment, directly shifting the competition landscape. It’s smart to keep an eye on how these schools might change their intake.

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Universities Start Tweaking 2028 Admissions Strategies

• What’s happening?: As of April 29, Veritas Alpha confirmed that universities are beginning to coordinate on "toning" their admissions designs ahead of the 2028 reform.
• Who’s affected?: Current high school freshmen and sophomores (the 2028 cohort), parents, and teachers.
• Why it matters?: With big changes coming to the current admissions system, schools adjusting their plans now is a major signal for students to start thinking long-term.

Veritas Alpha Exclusive: University of Ulsan reports 1.15 average for 2026 medical intake

• What’s happening?: The University of Ulsan’s 2026 medical school (pre-med) intake saw an average score of 1.15. This is the first time a "Big 5" medical school has revealed such a dip.
• Who’s affected?: Students and parents aiming for medical schools.
• Why it matters?: This score is a major benchmark for those planning their 2027 strategies. Seeing this fluctuation at a top-tier school is definitely shaking things up.

Admissions Calendar (From May 8): Info sessions and teacher meetings scheduled through August

• What’s happening?: A busy season of admissions info sessions and teacher meetings is kicking off on May 8 and running through August.
• Who’s affected?: Middle schoolers (for high school entry) and high school students (for university entry).
• Why it matters?: These months are prime time for strategy. Getting in on these sessions is the best way to get the latest intel.

Concerns grow over potential pullouts from the "Contributor University" program

• What’s happening?: Reports indicate some universities might step back from the "Contributor University" program due to the burden of oversight compared to the funding. There is growing concern about what this means for regular admissions quotas.
• Who’s affected?: Students relying on regular admission (Jung-si) and high-scorers.
• Why it matters?: Changes here could alter the proportion of regular admissions at these schools, forcing students to adapt their prep.

Key Trends by Admissions Type

Early Admissions (Su-si)

• Reduced Minimum Requirements: Korea University has lowered its minimum test requirements for the 2026 school year.
• Sungkyunkwan University: Introduced the "Sungkyun Talent" (성균인재전형) for holistic review, updated grade reflection methods, and split its essay-based track into language and math streams.
• Record-High Proportion: Early admissions reached an all-time high of 79.9% for the 2026 school year.

Regular Admissions (Jung-si)

• Hanyang University: Shifted its criteria to 90% test scores + 10% holistic review.
• University of Ulsan: Revealed its 1.15 average grade intake for medical school.
• Sungkyunkwan University: Updated the test indicators used for the "Na" group.

Standardized Tests

• 2026 Exam: Administered on Nov 13, 2025, with scores released on Dec 5, 2025.

Policy and Institutional Changes

• Early Prep for 2028 Reform: Universities are taking initiative in pre-coordinating admissions designs, reflecting a shift that current high schoolers need to monitor closely.
• Admissions Fundamentals: The Korean Council for University Education (대교협) has confirmed the 2026 fundamental requirements, focusing on normalizing school education and ensuring fairness.

Analysis and Outlook

1. Medical School Score Dip: Is it a fluke or a structural trend? The 1.15 grade average at Ulsan University is likely linked to the increase in overall medical school capacity.
2. 2028 Reform Prep: High school freshmen and sophomores shouldn't wait around—start building those academic strengths now.
3. AI Boost: The 7 universities gaining funding signal a shift in the STEM competitive landscape; keep an eye on new departmental openings.

Upcoming Key Dates

Student/Parent Checklist

1. Check for info sessions: Check the Veritas Alpha calendar for sessions after May 8.
2. Monitor AI-focused schools: Keep tabs on the 7 universities getting the AI boost for potential new major openings.
3. Track Medical School trends: Use the University of Ulsan data to gauge your own 2027 strategy.
4. Follow 2028 reform news: Stay updated via official Education Ministry and KCUE channels.
5. Verify changes: Visit the admissions websites of schools like Hanyang and Sungkyunkwan to confirm their updated plans.