Seoul National University (SNU) Scholarships 2025-2026
The truth is that Seoul National University (SNU) is a very famous university in South Korea, and it offers a variety of scholarships for international students. The aim of these scholarships is to support talented students who want to study in Korea.
Best Scholarships for International Students at SNU
Here are some of the important scholarships for the international students at the SNU:
1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) - This is a Scholarship from the South Korean Government
What is it? This is the largest and most famous scholarship offered by
the South Korean government. It is not only for SNU, but for studying in many
universities in Korea.
What do you get? This is a very impressive scholarship!
- Full Tuition Waiver: Your entire university tuition fee will be waived.
- Living Expenses: You get about 1,133,330 Korean Won (KRW) per month (this is for your accommodation, books, and miscellaneous expenses).
- Airfare: Airfare from your home country to Korea and back after your studies.
- Korean Language Training: One year of Korean language tuition is also provided (this is required, often you have to learn Korean to a certain level before entering a degree program).
- Other Benefits:
Medical insurance, initial settlement money is also provided.
Who can apply? - You must be an international student (not a Korean citizen).
- Neither you nor your parents must be Korean citizens.
- Your academic record (grades from previous studies) must be very good.
- You often have to be from a specific country that is
listed for GKS.
How to apply: - You may have to apply through the Korean embassy in your home country, or you can also apply directly through the university. The GKS process is a bit long and detailed, so be sure to check out their official website (Study in Korea).
- This scholarship is offered once a year, and applications usually open around September.
Also Check: Korea University Scholarships 2025-26 in South Korea
2. Overseas Koreans Scholarship
What is it? This scholarship is for international students whose
ancestors (grandparents, great-grandparents, etc.) were Korean, but are now
living in another country.
What do you get?
- Full Tuition Waiver: Your entire university tuition fee may be waived (with some conditions).
- Living Expenses: Approximately 900,000 KRW per month (up to a maximum of 8 semesters).
- Airfare: One-way and one-way airfare is provided.
- Korean Language Training: 6 months of Korean language tuition fee is waived.
- Medical Insurance:
Yes, medical insurance is provided.
Who can apply? - International students who live outside of Korea and
are of Korean descent.
How to apply: - Applications usually open in February or March.
- You may need to apply at the Korean embassy in your country.
SNU’s Own Internal Scholarships for International Students
SNU also offers some scholarships to its best international students, which may not be as large as GKS, but can cover a lot of your expenses.
1. Glo-Harmony Scholarship
Who can apply? International students from developing countries.
What do you get?
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver and 600,000 KRW per month for living expenses. This can be awarded for up to 8 semesters (4 years).
2. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) - Self-Financed Students Support Program (Another Type)
This is another type of GKS, which
is for international students who are already studying at SNU (in their second,
third, or fourth year), and are covering their own expenses.
Requirements: Their cumulative GPA and the previous semester's GPA must
be over 80%.
What is awarded? Approximately 500,000 KRW per month (for approximately
12 months).
Also Check: How to do MBBS and Become a MBBS Doctor in South Korea
3. Korean War Memorial Foundation Scholarship
Who can apply? Direct families (children) of international students who
were foreign soldiers who served in the Korean War.
What is awarded?
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Dormitory fee waiver
- 500,000 KRW per month for living.
Also Check: Best MBBS Medical Universities in South Korea
Required Documents for SNU Scholarships
- Your passport and copies of your parents’ passports.
- All your previous academic credentials (degrees, transcripts - grade details).
- Personal Statement and Study Plan.
- Recommendation Letters - from two separate teachers.
- Proof that you and your parents are non-Korean.
- Proof of Korean or English language proficiency (e.g. TOPIK, IELTS, TOEFL scores).
- Online Application: Most applications are submitted online, and then you may have to send in original documents.
Important Things to Remember About SNU Scholarships
· Definition of an International Student
For most scholarships, both you and your parents must not be Korean citizens.
· Good Academic Record
Almost every scholarship requires a very good academic record.
· Language Proficiency
Although some programs are in English, Korean language proficiency (especially a TOPIK test score) is often required or you may have to come to Korea and learn Korean first.
· Application Time
Each scholarship has a different application time. Check the SNU Admissions and Scholarships website regularly. Some scholarships require you to apply at the same time as admission, while others are available later.
Conclusion: SNU Scholarships Are Competitive but Rewarding
SNU scholarships are not easy to obtain because they are competitive. But if your academic record is good and your preparation is strong, you may have a good chance.