Kookmin University Partnered with Volkswagen Group
A consortium of South Korean universities signed a deal to train automotive software experts in Germany.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Internships
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On September 3, 2026, a group of four South Korean universities signed a memorandum of understanding with German research institutes and the Volkswagen Group WE: Foundation. The agreement establishes a talent training program to prepare students for the automotive industry.
Why it matters
The automotive industry is rapidly transitioning toward software-defined vehicles, artificial intelligence, and autonomous driving technology. This partnership aims to bridge the global talent gap by training students in these specialized technical fields.
The Automotive Future Talent Fostering Program spans a duration of 3 years and includes 12-month research stays in Germany for selected students.
The players
Kookmin University
This South Korean institution is leading the curriculum development and student selection process for the new international training initiative.
Volkswagen Group WE: Foundation
The foundation acts as a primary signatory and strategic partner in the collaborative automotive software training agreement.
TU Braunschweig
This German university serves as the parent institution for the research centers hosting the visiting students.
The details
Kookmin University will lead the student selection and curriculum development process for the program. Selected undergraduate students from the consortium will travel to Germany to conduct research at the Niedersachsisches Forschungszentrum Fahrzeugtechnik and the Institute of Automotive Engineering.
Timeline
The memorandum of understanding was signed on September 3, 2026.
The training program is scheduled to begin in 2027.
Market Landscape
This partnership reflects a broader strategic shift within the automotive industry toward software-defined vehicles and autonomous driving. It positions the participating universities to supply a highly specialized workforce to a sector currently defined by intense global competition for AI and engineering talent.
Eligible undergraduate students at the participating South Korean universities will gain unique access to 12-month research positions within the German automotive industry. This program provides direct pathways for students to gain professional experience and technical skills in software-defined vehicle development.
The takeaway
This collaboration highlights the growing necessity for cross-border educational partnerships in technical engineering. Students interested in the automotive sector should monitor similar university consortia that leverage corporate partnerships to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.
Further reading
For more on professional development programs, visit our Internships section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Korea Times.
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