Seoul National University Graduate Scholarship 2026-2027 – Fully Funded
Scholarship Description
The Seoul National University (SNU) Graduate Scholarship offers fully funded opportunities for outstanding international students to pursue Master's or PhD degrees at South Korea's premier university. Seoul National University, consistently ranked among the top universities in Asia and the world, provides a world-class education and research environment in the heart of Seoul.
SNU is South Korea's flagship national university, renowned for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and vibrant international community. The university offers graduate programs across all disciplines, from humanities and social sciences to engineering, natural sciences, medicine, law, and business. The scholarship is designed to support talented international students who will become global leaders and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
Scholarship Location
The scholarship is tenable at Seoul National University (SNU), Seoul, South Korea. SNU's main campus is located in the Gwanak-gu district, with additional campuses in the Jongno-gu district (including the College of Medicine and College of Dentistry).
Scholarship Deadline
For the Spring 2027 intake, the online application period and recommendation letter submission deadlines are as follows:
Online Application Period: Monday, July 6, 2026, 10:00 – Thursday, July 9, 2026, 17:00 (KST)
Recommendation Letters Submission: Monday, July 6, 2026, 10:00 – Friday, July 10, 2026, 17:00 (KST)
Strong Recommendation: Prepare all documents well in advance. Late submissions will not be accepted. The application window is only 4 days for the main application and 5 days for recommendation letters.
Host Institution
Seoul National University (SNU) – South Korea's most prestigious national university, founded in 1946. SNU is consistently ranked among the top 50 universities globally and is recognized as a leading institution in Asia for research, innovation, and academic excellence. The university has produced numerous Nobel laureates, politicians, and industry leaders.
Level and Fields of Study
Levels: Master's (Master's degree) and PhD (Doctoral) programs.
Fields: All graduate programs offered at Seoul National University, including but not limited to:
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology)
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Computer Science)
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Law and Public Administration
- Business Administration and Economics
- Education
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Arts and Design
- Environmental Studies
- International Studies
All departments and graduate programs are eligible for scholarship consideration.
Target Group
The scholarship is open to international students from all countries (non-Korean citizens) who wish to pursue graduate studies at Seoul National University. SNU welcomes applications from talented individuals who demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their fields and communities.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Scholarship Duration:
- Master's programs: Typically 2 years
- PhD programs: Typically 3–4 years
- Combined Master's-PhD programs: Typically 4–5 years
Fully Funded Scholarship Benefits (subject to the specific scholarship type):
- Full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of the program
- Monthly living stipend (amount varies by scholarship type, typically KRW 800,000 – 1,500,000 per month)
- Health insurance coverage
- Research support and funding
- On-campus housing or housing allowance (depending on availability)
- Korean language training opportunities (depending on program)
Types of scholarships available:
- SNU Global Scholarship – Full tuition + living stipend
- SNU Scholarship for Excellent International Students – Full or partial tuition + living stipend
- Government-funded scholarships (KGSP, GKS) – Coordinated with SNU
- Departmental/College scholarships – Varies by program
📊 Summary of Benefits:
Full tuition waiver + Monthly stipend (KRW 800,000–1,500,000) + Health insurance + Research funding
Note: Exact scholarship amounts and coverage vary by scholarship type and program. Applicants are automatically considered for SNU scholarships when they apply for admission.
Scholarship Eligibility
General eligibility criteria:
- Citizenship: Non-Korean citizens (international students). Korean citizens are not eligible for international scholarships.
- Academic requirements:
- Master's applicants: Must hold a Bachelor's degree or expect to graduate before the start of the program.
- PhD applicants: Must hold a Master's degree or expect to graduate before the start of the program.
- Academic performance: Strong academic record (typically GPA 3.0/4.0 or higher). Competitive applicants often have 3.5/4.0 or equivalent.
- Language proficiency:
- For Korean-taught programs: TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) Level 4 or higher is typically required.
- For English-taught programs: TOEFL iBT 80+, IELTS 6.5+, or equivalent.
- Not currently enrolled at SNU or holding another Korean government scholarship.
- Commitment to return to home country after graduation (for some government-funded scholarships).
Additional requirements (varies by department):
- Research proposal (for PhD and some Master's programs)
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2-3)
- Interview (may be required by some departments)
✅ Eligible Candidates
- Non-Korean citizens (international students).
- Bachelor's degree holders (for Master's) or Master's degree holders (for PhD).
- Strong academic record (GPA 3.0/4.0 or higher).
- Meet language proficiency requirements (TOPIK/TOEFL/IELTS).
- Demonstrated research potential and clear study objectives.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Korean citizens.
- Applicants already holding a Korean government scholarship.
- Currently enrolled SNU students (unless applying for a new program).
- Those who do not meet minimum language or academic requirements.
- Applicants with insufficient documentation.
Application Procedure
- Review admission guide – Download and carefully read the 2027 Spring Graduate Admissions Guide for International Students from the SNU Admissions website.
- Prepare required documents – Gather all necessary materials:
- Application form (online)
- Bachelor's and/or Master's degree certificates (notarized copies)
- Academic transcripts (notarized copies)
- Language proficiency certificate (TOPIK, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
- Study plan or research proposal
- Letters of recommendation (2-3, submitted online by recommenders)
- Copy of passport
- CV/Resume
- Any additional documents required by the specific department
- Complete online application – During the application period (July 6-9, 2026, 10:00-17:00 KST), complete the online application form on the SNU Admissions website. Ensure all fields are filled accurately and all documents are uploaded.
- Submit recommendation letters – Ensure your recommenders submit their letters online by July 10, 2026, 17:00 KST.
- Pay application fee – The application fee must be paid during the application period (amount varies by program).
- Department review – Applications are reviewed by the relevant academic department. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews.
- Scholarship evaluation – SNU scholarship committees evaluate applications based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with SNU's strategic priorities.
- Admission and scholarship notification – Successful candidates receive admission offers and scholarship notifications through the SNU admissions system.
- Visa and registration – Accepted students apply for a Korean student visa (D-2) and register at SNU before the semester start.
Important notes: The application period is very short — only 4 days for the main application. Prepare all documents well in advance. Late applications will not be accepted. Recommendations must be submitted by the deadline; extensions are not granted. Applicants are automatically considered for SNU scholarships based on their admission application — no separate scholarship application is required for most SNU internal scholarships.
Official Website & Application Links
SNU Admissions – 2027 Spring Graduate Admissions Guide
SNU Main Website: https://en.snu.ac.kr
SNU Online Application System: Available via the SNU Admissions website during the application period.
Contact: For admissions inquiries, contact the SNU Office of Admissions or the relevant graduate department directly.
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
Seoul National University's Graduate Scholarship offers exceptional international students the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees at South Korea's top-ranked university with comprehensive financial support. With full tuition coverage and a competitive monthly stipend, scholars can focus entirely on their research and academic development.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Start early – The application window is only 4 days. Prepare all documents, transcripts, and certificates well in advance.
- Secure strong recommendations – Choose recommenders who know your academic and research potential well. Ensure they are available to submit on time.
- Write a compelling study plan – Clearly articulate your research interests, why you chose SNU, and how your studies will contribute to your field.
- Meet language requirements – Take TOPIK (for Korean-taught programs) or TOEFL/IELTS (for English-taught programs) well before the deadline.
- Check department-specific requirements – Some departments may require additional materials, portfolios, or pre-approval from a professor.
- Apply to multiple programs – If eligible, consider applying to more than one graduate program at SNU to increase your chances.
- Be mindful of time zones – All deadlines are in KST (Korean Standard Time). Ensure your submissions are completed accordingly.
Important reminders: Applications are automatically considered for SNU scholarships — no separate scholarship application is required for most internal scholarships. However, government-funded scholarships like GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) may require separate applications through the Korean embassy in your home country. The application deadline is strict — late submissions are not accepted. Keep certified copies of all your academic documents ready for the application.
Seoul National University Graduate Scholarship 2026-2027 – FAQ
What does the SNU Graduate Scholarship cover?
The scholarship typically covers full tuition fees for the entire duration of the program, a monthly living stipend (KRW 800,000–1,500,000), health insurance, and research support. Exact coverage varies by scholarship type.
Who is eligible to apply?
Non-Korean citizens with a Bachelor's degree (for Master's) or Master's degree (for PhD), strong academic records (GPA 3.0/4.0 or higher), and meeting language requirements (TOPIK for Korean-taught or TOEFL/IELTS for English-taught programs).
What are the application deadlines for Spring 2027 intake?
Online application: July 6-9, 2026 (10:00-17:00 KST). Recommendation letters: July 6-10, 2026 (10:00-17:00 KST).
Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
No. Most SNU internal scholarships are awarded automatically based on your admission application. However, government-funded scholarships (like GKS) require separate applications through the Korean embassy.
What language proficiency is required?
For Korean-taught programs: TOPIK Level 4 or higher. For English-taught programs: TOEFL iBT 80+ or IELTS 6.5+. Some departments may have higher requirements.
Can I work while studying on the scholarship?
International students in South Korea may work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the semester and full-time during vacations, subject to visa regulations and departmental approval.
Is there a service commitment after graduation?
Some government-funded scholarships (like GKS) may require a return to your home country after graduation. SNU internal scholarships typically do not have such a service commitment.