Why SNU Should Be On Your Radar

If you dream of studying in Korea at one of the world’s top-ranked universities, the Seoul National University (SNU) scholarship is one of the best opportunities you can get. SNU consistently ranks among the top 40 universities globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2026 — it sits proudly at 38th place, making it not only Korea’s most prestigious public university but also a recognized global education powerhouse.

Winning a seat here — fully funded — can transform your CV, career, and life. This isn’t just a degree — it’s a passport to international networks, high-level research, and life-changing exposure.

Who Can Apply? And for Which Programs?

What makes SNU stand out is the broad range of degrees you can apply for — whether you’re an undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD aspirant, there’s a seat for you. The scholarships cover Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs across almost every discipline imaginable.

For undergraduates, you can find degrees in Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Agriculture, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts, Medicine, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy, Veterinary, Artificial Intelligence — and many more. Whatever your background, there’s a high chance SNU has a program that fits.

For graduate applicants, SNU offers over 106 programs spanning Humanities & Social Sciences, Economics, Geography, Sociology, Archaeology, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medical Sciences, Arts, and multiple interdisciplinary fields.

Types of Scholarships Offered

SNU offers two broad categories: scholarships you apply for before admission and scholarships that you get after admission.

Before Admission:

• Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): This is open to all international students, regardless of nationality. It covers your full tuition, living expenses (~₩1.13 million KRW/month), round-trip airfare, Korean language training, health insurance, settlement, and return expenses.
• Overseas Korean Scholarship: Tailored for students of Korean heritage abroad.

After Admission:
Once you secure admission, SNU automatically considers you for more scholarships:

• SNU President Fellowship
• Graduate Scholarship for Excellent Foreign Students
• SNU Global Scholarship
• Harmony Scholarship
• Silk Road Scholarship
• Korean War Memorial Scholarship

The benefits vary, but most cover full tuition and generous living stipends.

Where to Find Official Scholarship Lists

For undergraduates:
👉 Visit the official Undergraduate Scholarships Page

For graduate students:
👉 Visit the Graduate Scholarships Page

These pages list every option, eligibility detail, and links for forms.

How to Apply — Step by Step

Here’s what makes the SNU application unique: you can’t skip steps — admission comes first.

1️⃣ Step 1: Visit the official SNU Admissions Website.
2️⃣ Step 2: Click Admission, then select Undergraduate or Graduate.
3️⃣ Step 3: Download the provided PDF guides — they walk you through everything, A–Z, in both Korean and English.
4️⃣ Step 4: Fill out your online application form. You’ll create an account, agree to the terms, choose your admission type (International Admission 1 or 2), select your department, fill in your language skills, and upload a passport-style photograph.

5️⃣ Step 5: Write and submit your Personal Statement and Study Plan — these are critical for selection.
6️⃣ Step 6: Add details for your Recommenders. They’ll receive an email link to upload your recommendation letter — you don’t handle this manually.
7️⃣ Step 7: Upload all required documents — past degrees, transcripts, ID, etc.
8️⃣ Step 8: Pay the application fee — about ₩19,000 KRW (~$15–20 USD).
9️⃣ Step 9: Submit before the strict deadline!

Application Timeline — Don’t Miss It!

The SNU scholarship window is very short:
📅 July 7–10, 2026 — just 4 days to apply!

Prepare all documents early — personal statement, recommendation letters, translations, apostilles if needed. Once the portal opens, don’t wait — submit ASAP.

Required Documents — Be Ready

You’ll typically need:

• Online application form (filled via SNU portal)
• Personal Statement & Study Plan
• Recommendation letter(s)
• Academic transcripts & degree certificates
• Valid passport
• Proof of language proficiency if asked
• Passport-sized photo
• Application fee receipt

For undergrads: you’ll likely need your high school graduation certificate + mark sheets.
lass=”yoast-text-mark” />>For Masters: your Bachelor’s degree.
s=”yoast-text-mark” />>For PhD: your Master’s degree.

Choosing Your Program

SNU’s strength is diversity — you’ll find programs in nearly every field. Use the official Programs Directory to search what fits your background.

Not sure where to start? Think about your past major, your future career goals, and which faculty has professors researching in your area.

How You’re Evaluated

SNU looks at academic performance, study plan quality, personal statement clarity, and your recommendations. Unlike some other countries, standardized test scores like IELTS are not always required — especially if your past education was in English.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

If you win a before admission scholarship like GKS:
✅ Full tuition fee waiver
✅ Monthly living allowance (~₩1.13 million KRW)
✅ Airfare (round-trip)
✅ Korean language training
✅ Medical insurance
✅ Settlement support

After admission scholarships vary — many cover tuition plus living costs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the deadline: 4 days is not flexible — submit early.
• Weak personal statement: Generic statements are rejected. Show why you want SNU, how you’ll contribute, and how this matches your goals.
• Incomplete recommendations: Give your professors time. Tell them the deadline.
• Unpaid fee: No fee = no application processing.
• Ignoring the guides: Use the PDFs. They explain each form step-by-step.

Official Links to Bookmark

✅ SNU Official Website
✅ Undergraduate Admissions
✅ Graduate Admissions
✅ GKS Info

🌟 Is It Hard to Get Into SNU on Scholarship?

Many students wonder if SNU is impossible to crack — but the truth is, thousands of international students win SNU seats each year with the right preparation. While SNU is highly competitive, they value diverse talent from around the world. If you have strong grades, a clear study plan, and genuine motivation, your chances are real. Plus, the multiple scholarship options before and after admission mean you’re not putting all your hopes in just one slot. The biggest mistakes are poor time management and vague applications. Start early, write a statement that stands out, and submit a complete, error-free file — that’s the real secret to beating the odds.

Related

• MEXT University Recommended Scholarship 2026 Japan – ¥145K/month, professor track
• Finland Scholarships 2026 Without IELTS – Full tuition via Studyinfo.fi
• TU Berlin Scholarships 2026 Germany – €300-992/month via DAAD
• Lester B Pearson Scholarship 2026 Canada – Full ride at U of T

All updated for 2026 intake | ScholarshipDose.com

What About SNU Scholarships for 2027?

Missed 2026? Don’t stress — SNU offers these scholarships every year. Start preparing for the next cycle by improving your GPA, drafting a standout personal statement, and contacting recommenders well in advance. Keep an eye on the SNU admissions page — the next cycle will open mid-year 2027 for 2028 intake.

Final Thoughts — Make It Happen

Seoul National University gives you a chance to earn a world-class degree without financial burden. But winning is all about planning ahead, submitting polished documents, and sticking to the tight timeline.

Start now, mark the dates, and chase your Korean study dream — you could be on your way to Seoul in 2026!