Seoul National University (SNU) is South Korea’s most prestigious public research university and a symbol of academic excellence across Asia. Established in 1946 through the merger of ten higher education institutions, SNU has become the country’s top-ranked university and a global academic powerhouse. Located in Seoul, the capital and economic heart of South Korea, SNU combines deep-rooted academic traditions with cutting-edge research and innovation.
The university is highly competitive, with an emphasis on producing leaders in government, science, business, engineering, and the humanities. SNU offers a vibrant campus life, world-class research centers, and numerous English-taught programs aimed at attracting top international talent. With over 30,000 students, including more than 4,000 international students, SNU provides a diverse, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating academic environment.
University Overview
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Location: Seoul, South Korea
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Established: 1946
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Student Population: 30,000+
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International Students: 4,000+ from over 100 countries
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Language of Instruction: Korean & English
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Colleges and Schools: 16 colleges, 1 graduate school, 10 professional graduate schools
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Research Focus: Science & Technology, Medicine, Law, Public Policy, Engineering, AI, Sustainability
Faculties and Colleges at SNU
SNU consists of a wide range of academic divisions:
Undergraduate Colleges:
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College of Humanities
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College of Social Sciences
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College of Natural Sciences
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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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College of Business Administration
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College of Education
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College of Engineering
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College of Fine Arts
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College of Human Ecology
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College of Liberal Studies
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College of Music
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College of Nursing
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College of Pharmacy
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College of Veterinary Medicine
Graduate & Professional Schools:
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Graduate School of Public Health
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Graduate School of Environmental Studies
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Graduate School of International Studies
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Graduate School of Data Science
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Law School
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Medical School
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Graduate School of Business
Intakes
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Spring Intake: March (Main intake for Korean programs)
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Fall Intake: September (Preferred for English-taught programs)
Application Deadlines:
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Spring Semester: September – October (previous year)
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Fall Semester: February – March
Note: Deadlines vary slightly each year and by program.
Admission Requirements
| Program Level | Academic Requirements | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | TOPIK (Korean) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | High school diploma with excellent academic results | 6.5 (no band below 6.0) | 85 (min. 20 per section) | Level 5+ (for Korean-taught) |
| Postgraduate | Bachelor’s degree in a related field with strong GPA | 6.5 – 7.0 | 90+ | Level 5+ (for Korean-taught) |
Note: Some programs may require interviews, portfolios, or GRE scores depending on the field.
Top Programs at SNU
Undergraduate Programs:
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BSc in Computer Science and Engineering
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BA in International Studies
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BSc in Biological Sciences
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BA in Economics
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BEng in Electrical Engineering
Postgraduate Programs:
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MSc in Data Science
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MBA (Global MBA)
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MSc in Mechanical Engineering
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MA in Public Policy
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PhD in Biomedical Sciences
Tuition Fees (USD/year)
| Program Level | Estimated Tuition Fee (USD/year) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Postgraduate | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| MBA / Specialized | $12,000 – $16,000 |
Note: Fees vary by college and are reviewed annually.
Scholarships for International Students
SNU President Fellowship (SPF)
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Eligibility: PhD candidates from developing countries
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Benefits: Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend + airfare + housing
SNU Global Scholarship
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Eligibility: Outstanding international students (Master’s and PhD)
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Benefits: Tuition coverage, living allowance, and language training
Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS)
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Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate applicants globally
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Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, settlement allowance, round-trip airfare
College-Based Scholarships
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Eligibility: Varies by department and academic merit
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Benefits: Tuition discounts, research grants, or stipends
Why Choose Seoul National University?
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South Korea’s most prestigious university with global recognition
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Diverse academic offerings across STEM, humanities, arts, and social sciences
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World-class faculty and cutting-edge research in emerging technologies
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Strategic location in Seoul — a global innovation and business hub
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Strong support for international students, including housing and scholarships
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Excellent job placement and academic progression opportunities



