As forecasts emerge that AI technology will quickly replace the role of human developers, it has been noted that the competition rate for computer science departments in domestic university admissions has declined recently.
According to the admissions industry on the 13th, the number of applicants for the 2025 academic year for domestic university computer science departments has decreased by 2,229 from the previous year, totaling 27,266 applicants. The overall competition rate stood at 19.3 to 1, down 1.3 percentage points from the previous year.
Just three years ago, during the 2022 admissions process, there were applicants who chose to major in computer science instead of giving up on medical school in Seoul. At that time, the competition rate for Seoul National University's computer science program was 3.4 to 1, up from 2.58 to 1 the previous year, while Yonsei University's computer science department had a rate of 6.23 to 1, and the newly established Yonsei University AI department recorded 8.17 to 1, attracting top students from the natural sciences.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, platform services have rapidly grown, leading to the saying in admission communities that 'you can't become wealthy as a doctor, but you can if you start an IT startup,' reflecting high expectations for the AI and software (SW) fields. The top scorer in the 2024 college entrance exam also drew attention by applying to Seoul National University's computer science department instead of medical school.
However, as generative AI has rapidly advanced since last year, the outlook that the role of human developers will decline has gained traction, and combined with a hiring freeze at IT corporations, the status of computer science departments in admissions appears to have weakened somewhat compared to the past.
According to the industry, as AI automation progresses rapidly, the ability to utilize AI is emerging as a more important factor than simple coding skills. Unlike the past, where SW development was key, there is now a greater demand for abilities to handle AI and analyze data.
With the hiring landscape in the IT industry rapidly changing, doubts about the occupational stability of developers are growing. According to a recent survey by OKKY, the largest developer community in the country, 50% of 18 IT corporations with more than 100 employees responded that they have no plans to hire new employees.
Over the past few years, the competition among platform corporations known as the 'dream job' or 'Nekarakubaedangto' (Naver, Kakao, Line, Coupang, Baedal Minjok, Carrot Market, Toss) has intensified, and hiring has reportedly decreased compared to the past.
An IT industry official said, 'Most corporations in Pangyo Techno Valley, the representative IT cluster in the country, are actively encouraging developers to use AI, and the demand for new developers has decreased,' adding, 'However, the demand for advanced talent capable of effectively handling AI technology is likely to increase.'