Seoul National University (SNU) is South Korea’s premier public university, founded in 1946, and located in Gwanak District, Seoul. Consistently ranked as one of Asia’s top universities (QS World University Rankings), SNU offers a broad range of undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs across disciplines such as Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Medicine. Program durations are typically 4 years for bachelor’s, 2 years for master’s, and 3–5 years for PhDs. Applications are generally open twice a year: for the Spring semester (due in October) and the Fall semester (due in March).
Study Areas: Program List
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs:
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Korean Language & Literature
- Political Science & International Relations
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- History
- Psychology
- Natural Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Business
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Marketing
- International Business
- Agriculture & Life Sciences
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Food Science & Technology
- Landscape Architecture
- Forest Sciences
- Medical Sciences
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Dentistry
- Public Health
- Veterinary Medicine
- Law
- Law (Bachelor’s)
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- LLM in various law specializations
- Fine Arts & Music
- Music (Classical, Contemporary, Traditional Korean)
- Visual Arts
- Design
- Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Physical Education
- Education Policy and Administration
- Interdisciplinary Programs
- Data Science
- Environmental Studies
- Urban Studies
- Gender Studies
- Computational Science
Admission Requirements (Bachelor, Masters, PhD): GPA and English, Standardized Test Scores
Bachelor’s Degree:
- GPA: Equivalent of a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80+.
- Korean Proficiency: TOPIK level 3 (for Korean-taught programs).
Master’s Degree:
- GPA: Equivalent to a 3.0 GPA or higher in a bachelor’s degree.
- English: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 85+.
- Korean Proficiency: TOPIK level 4+ (if applicable).
- Tests: GRE is recommended for some programs.
PhD:
- GPA: Master’s degree with at least a 3.5 GPA or equivalent.
- English: IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 90+.
- Korean Proficiency: TOPIK level 4+ for certain Korean-taught programs.
- Standardized Tests: GRE or other standardized test scores may be required for specific programs.
Required Documents to Apply
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English or Korean proficiency
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation (usually two)
- Research proposal (for PhD)
- Passport copy
- Financial statement (to show ability to fund studies)
Tuition Fees for International Students
- Undergraduate: $4,000–$6,000 per semester (varies by department).
- Graduate: $5,000–$7,500 per semester.
- PhD: $5,000–$8,000 per semester.
Living Expenses
Seoul’s cost of living is moderate to high, with estimates as follows:
- Accommodation: $300–$600 per month (for on-campus housing)
- Food: $200–$400 per month
- Transport & Other Expenses: $150–$250 per month
- Total Estimate: Around $700–$1,200 per month
Why Choose Seoul National University
Seoul National University offers a world-class education, rigorous academic programs, and access to South Korea’s innovation ecosystem. SNU’s research-driven environment and diverse programs are particularly appealing to students interested in cutting-edge fields such as technology, engineering, and international relations. Additionally, SNU’s location in Seoul provides rich cultural exposure and networking opportunities.
Suggestions for International Applicants
Learn Basic Korean: Although many programs are available in English, Korean is widely used in daily life and on campus.
Apply Early: SNU’s application process is competitive, so it’s best to prepare and apply well in advance.
Explore Scholarships: Investigate scholarship opportunities to cover tuition and living costs.
Network: Joining student groups and associations will help you adjust to life in Seoul.
Available Scholarships for Interested Students
- SNU President Fellowship (SPF): This covers full tuition and living stipends for doctoral students from developing countries.
- Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP): Full scholarship including living allowance for international students.
- Gwanak International Scholarship: Partial tuition support for outstanding students.
- Graduate Scholarship for Excellent Foreign Students (GSFS): Tuition fee waiver for master’s and doctoral students.
FAQs about Seoul National University
- What is Seoul National University known for?
- SNU is renowned for its research excellence, particularly in science, engineering, medicine, and social sciences.
- Are there programs taught in English?
- Yes, many graduate programs and some undergraduate programs are taught in English.
- Does SNU provide housing for international students?
- Yes, SNU offers on-campus housing options for international students, but demand can be high.
- What is the application process for international students?
- Applications are submitted online, with required documents and fees, and include an interview for some programs.
- Can international students work part-time?
- Yes, international students on a D-2 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester.