Seoul National University Scholarship: My name is Fabiha, and I’ve recently begun classes at Seoul National University (SNU) for the spring semester. I’m writing this article to guide you through the process of securing a scholarship to SNU, just like I did. In this article, I’ll cover all the essential details and eligibility criteria for applying.
Seoul National University is one of South Korea’s top institutions. According to the QS World Ranking 2025, SNU is ranked first in South Korea, sixth in Asia, and thirty-first globally.
I’m currently studying under the SNU Global Talent 1 (GT1) Scholarship, which covers all four years of my undergraduate program. This full-ride scholarship includes tuition coverage and a monthly stipend of one million KRW for living expenses. In total, I won’t have to pay for my entire program, which spans eight semesters.
To maintain the scholarship, I need to keep a GPA of at least 2.7 out of 4.3. If you’re aiming for a similar opportunity, focus on writing strong, compelling essays (you’ll need to submit three) and remember that Korean universities value a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. You’ll need to show them that you can excel in both areas.
Fields of Study at Seoul National University (SNU)
The Seoul National University (SNU) Scholarship is available across a wide range of academic disciplines, including:
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Medical Sciences
- Engineering
- Arts
Eligibility Criteria for the Seoul Scholarship
To be eligible for the SNU scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- International Students: Only non-Korean international students are eligible to apply.
- Citizenship: Applicants and their parents must not hold South Korean citizenship.
- Educational Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree is required for applicants applying for a master’s program.
- A master’s degree is mandatory for applicants applying for a PhD program.
- Academic Performance: Candidates must demonstrate a strong academic background.
- Health Requirements: Applicants should be in good physical and mental health.
- Program Prerequisites: Applicants must meet the specific conditions of the program they wish to enroll in.
- Faculty Eligibility: Faculty members from developing countries applying for the SNU President Fellowship must be affiliated with a large institution.
Benefits of the Seoul Scholarship 2025
SNU offers a variety of scholarships for international students pursuing graduate programs. These scholarships can be applied for before or during the admissions process. Below are the details:
1. SNU President Fellowship (SPF) Benefits
- Tuition Coverage: Full tuition is covered for up to six semesters.
- Living Expenses: The scholarship provides a monthly stipend ranging from 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 KRW for 3-4 years.
- Airfare: Round-trip airfare is provided.
- Health Insurance: National Health Insurance premium is reimbursed, and Korean language training is included.
2. Graduate Scholarship for Excellent Foreign Students
- Tuition Coverage: Full tuition for up to four semesters.
- Living Expenses: A monthly allowance of up to 500,000 KRW, depending on the student’s field of study.
- Additional Benefits: An opportunity to study at one of the top universities in the world, experience Korean culture, and live in South Korea.
Also Read: South Korea Scholarships for International Students
Required Documents for Seoul National University Scholarships
To apply for the SNU scholarships, the following documents are needed:
- Application Form
- Personal Statement
- Study Plan
- Three Essays
- Highest Degree Diploma
- Language Proficiency Test Scores (IELTS)
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Motivational Letter
- Bachelor’s/Master’s Transcripts
- Research Proposal (for graduate programs)
- Thesis (for PhD programs)
- Passport Copy (for the applicant)
- Documents Proving Applicant’s Nationality
- Parents’ Passports
- Proof of Parents’ Nationality
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT, IB, AP, A-Level)
- Optional Documents: High School Profile, Language Proficiency Test scores (non-Korean/English), Supplementary Materials
My Experience with the Seoul National University Scholarship
When I was selected for the SNU scholarship, I highlighted the following achievements:
- Best Student Award in high school.
- Winner of the National Student of the Year program.
- Award in the Language and Literature category during National Education Week.
- Finalist in the National Science Olympiad for biology, chemistry, and physics.
Application Procedure for Seoul National University Scholarship
The application process for Seoul National University is straightforward, with detailed guides available online. You can easily complete the process without the need for a consultant. Here’s how to apply:
- Visit the SNU website: Search “Seoul National University” on Google.
- Navigate to the Admission Section: Go to Admission > Overview > Announcements.
- Find the Application Guide: Look for the “Application Guideline for International Admissions 2025.”
- Download the Guide: The guide contains step-by-step instructions for applying, including required documents and deadlines. Note that the guide may be in Korean, so check for the English version if necessary.
For more assistance, watch the video guide on the application procedure!