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SOUTH KOREA · SEOUL

Seoul National University

public · Founded 1946 · Languages: en, ko

In short

Seoul National University is a leading public research university in Seoul, South Korea, established in 1946. It offers a wide range of academic programs with an emphasis on interdisciplinary education and global competence, supported by significant research funding and extensive international partnerships.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1946
Students: 28,000
International students: 3,500
Acceptance rate: 18%
Tuition (intl): €4–7k/yr
Languages: EN, KO
Location: Seoul, South Korea

Seoul National University (SNU) is a leading public research university located in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1946, it was founded as the first comprehensive national university of independent Korea, with the aim of fostering intellectual elites to lead the newly liberated country. With a motto of 'Veritas Lux Mea' (Truth is My Light), SNU is dedicated to academic excellence and groundbreaking research, contributing significantly to Korea's development and addressing global challenges. SNU is committed to cultivating interdisciplinary talent, fostering community spirit, and enhancing global competence among its students. The university focuses on future-oriented education that spans academic boundaries, combining core competencies with specialized skills across all levels of study. It aims to protect and nurture fundamental academic fields while also developing expertise in cutting-edge areas, proactively responding to societal needs and driving scientific and technological innovation. The university emphasizes research and international collaboration to tackle global issues, actively engaging in strategic planning and incubation to establish sustainable global research hubs. SNU also serves as a national think tank through its National Future Strategy Institute, sharing knowledge and proposing policy alternatives to shape Korea's long-term vision.

Why study here

Access to a comprehensive range of academic programs and cutting-edge research opportunities across various disciplines.
Benefit from a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education and global competence, preparing you for a future-oriented career.
Engage with a diverse and active student community, fostering a sense of belonging and global understanding.
Study at a university with a strong commitment to innovation, problem-solving, and societal contribution.
Opportunities to participate in various camps and outreach programs for high school students, offering early exposure to specific fields like engineering and natural sciences.

Student life

Seoul National University provides a rich student life with various facilities and services. The SNU Library, a central hub of intellect, houses over 5.3 million books and a vast collection of academic journals, offering extensive research support, library instructions, inter-library loan services, and dedicated study spaces. Beyond academics, students can engage in volunteer activities, join various communities, and utilize convenient campus amenities including diverse dining options. The university also supports student activities and offers various student aid services.

Fees

InternationalUndergraduate international tuition is roughly EUR 3,000-4,500 per semester depending on the college, while engineering, science and graduate programs sit at the higher end. Many international students receive substantial tuition reductions or full scholarships.

HomeDomestic and international students pay the same published tuition; national-university fees are heavily subsidised by the Korean government.

LivingBudget approximately EUR 700-1,000 per month for accommodation, food and personal costs in Seoul; on-campus dormitories are among the most affordable options.

Tuition fees are paid after admission is confirmed, typically in late February for the Spring semester and late August for the Fall semester. Students can print tuition invoices from the mySNU portal or the university website. Detailed tuition tables for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as those exceeding the standard semesters, are available for download annually. For specific amounts, refer to the official tuition fee schedules released by the university.

Admissions

Academic transcriptsHigh school or bachelor's records (certified)

Language proficiencyTOEFL/IELTS for English tracks or TOPIK for Korean tracks

Application documentsStatement of purpose, recommendation letters, study plan

TOEFL iBT83+ (program dependent)

IELTS6.5+

TOPIK (for Korean-taught programs)Level 3-5+

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 202531

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 202562

National (South Korea)1

University scholarships

SNU Global ScholarshipCovers tuition fee, living expenses, airfare, and housing cost. May include language training and additional academic support.

Glo-Harmony ScholarshipDetermined by Samsung Dreams Scholarship Foundation, covers maximum of 4 semesters for Master's and 6 semesters for Ph.D. students.

Seoul National University's Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) offers a two-year Master's program designed to provide advanced knowledge in international affairs. The curriculum is structured around five core divisions: International Commerce, International Cooperation, International Area Studies, Korean Studies, and International Development. Some courses may be taught in Korean, Japanese, or Chinese, in addition to English. The program emphasizes a blend of core coursework and electives to foster both specialized expertise and a broad understanding of global issues. Learning is primarily through seminar-based classes that encourage active discussion and critical engagement.

Scholarships

for South Korea

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)

KOICA Scholarship Program (CIAT)

Open to citizens of KOICA partner (developing) countries who are officially nominated by their government, preferably under 40, in good health and proficient in English. Master's applicants need a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of work experience; PhD applicants need a master's degree and at least 3 years of work experience.

Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI)

KOPRI Fellowship Program (Korea Polar Research Institute)

Open to international researchers of all nationalities who are enrolled in a Master's, PhD or postdoctoral research programme and have a background in polar science, environmental studies, climate change, marine biology or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and research potential and submit a research proposal aligned with KOPRI's ongoing polar and climate research projects.

Seoul National University

SNU Global Scholarship

For international students admitted to Seoul National University (SNU), Korea's leading national university, at undergraduate or graduate level. The SNU Global Scholarship provides tuition and a living stipend at varying levels; most applicants are considered through their admission application.

University of Science and Technology (UST), South Korea

UST (University of Science and Technology) Scholarships, South Korea

International students with foreign nationality (applicant and parents must be non-Korean) who hold or expect a Bachelor's degree for Master's/integrated programmes or a Master's degree for PhD programmes, and meet the English-language requirement (e.g. IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 79), pursuing science, engineering or technology fields.

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)

GIST International Scholarship

Open to international students of all nationalities applying for an MS, PhD, or integrated MS and PhD programme at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in Gwangju, South Korea, for the 2026/2027 academic year. Master's applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, and PhD applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent. Required documents include the application form (Form 1), official transcripts and certificates, two letters of recommendation, an English proficiency test result, and a copy of the applicant's passport. Applications are completed online and supporting documents must be attached as specified.

National Institute for International Education (NIIED)

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – Undergraduate

For non-Korean citizens (with non-Korean parents) generally under ~25 years old who have completed or will complete secondary school, with a strong GPA, applying for undergraduate study in Korea. Apply through either the Korean embassy track or the university track.

Frequently asked questions

What are the approximate tuition fees for international students at Seoul National University?

Undergraduate international tuition is approximately EUR 3,000-4,500 per semester, with engineering, science, and graduate programs generally at the higher end. Many international students are eligible for substantial tuition reductions or full scholarships.

What is the estimated monthly living cost for students in Seoul?

Budget approximately EUR 700-1,000 per month for accommodation, food, and personal expenses in Seoul. On-campus dormitories are considered one of the most affordable accommodation options.

What are the language proficiency requirements for international applicants?

For English-taught programs, a TOEFL iBT score of 83+ or an IELTS score of 6.5+ is generally required. For Korean-taught programs, a TOPIK score of Level 3-5+ is needed.

Does Seoul National University offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, SNU offers several scholarships for international students, including the SNU Global Scholarship, Glo-Harmony Scholarship, Silk-Road Scholarship, and Korean War Memorial Foundation Scholarship, which can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and more.

What academic and personal documents are typically required for international admissions?

International applicants usually need to submit academic transcripts (high school or bachelor's records), proof of language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or TOPIK), a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and a study plan.

Last updated 3 July 2026