Does Seoul National University Accepts Foreigners: What You Need to Know

Seoul National University (SNU) is one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea, with a reputation for academic excellence and research. Many international students aspire to study at SNU, but the question remains: does SNU accept foreigners? 

The answer is yes. SNU does accept international students, but there are specific requirements that must be met. International students who wish to apply to SNU fall under the International Admissions II category. 

Applicants must have graduated from a government-accredited high school outside of South Korea to be eligible for undergraduate programs. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university for graduate programs. 

Additionally, every applicant must be proficient in either Korean or English, based on the language of instruction of the selected program.

SNU offers various ways for international students to study, including as degree-seeking students or as short-term students such as exchange or visiting students. The university supports international students, including language classes, cultural activities, and housing options. 

With its world-class faculty and facilities, SNU is an attractive option for international students who seek a challenging and rewarding academic experience in South Korea.

Seoul National University Overview

Seoul National University (SNU) is a public research university in Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the most prestigious universities in the country and is known for its academic excellence and research capabilities. 

The university was founded in 1946 and has since become a leading institution of higher education in Korea.

SNU is located in the Gwanak-ro district of Seoul and has two campuses: Gwanak and Yeongeon. The Gwanak campus is the main campus and houses most of the university’s faculties and departments. 

The Yeongeon campus is home to the medical school and hospital.

SNU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and law. The university has 16 colleges, one graduate school, and nine professional schools.

SNU hosts students from over 100 countries, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone, regardless of background or nationality.

Regarding research, SNU is a leading institution in Korea with a strong reputation for producing high-quality research that significantly impacts society. The university has over 100 research centers and institutes covering various fields.

Admission Requirements for Foreigners

Seoul National University is one of the top universities in South Korea and is renowned for its academic excellence. The university welcomes applications from international students, and the admission requirements for foreigners are similar to those for Korean students. 

However, there are some additional requirements that international students need to fulfill.

To apply to Seoul National University, international students must hold a valid passport and a graduation certificate from a recognized high school. They must also submit a transcript of their academic records, which should be in English or Korean. 

The transcript should include information about the courses they have taken, the grades they have received, and their overall academic performance.

International students must furnish an apostille for their graduation certificate and transcript. An apostille is a form of certification that validates the genuineness of a document, mandatory for documents from countries part of the Hague Convention.

If the documents are not issued in a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention, they must be authenticated by the Korean embassy or consulate.

In addition to the above documents, international students must provide standardized test results. The university accepts scores from various tests, including the SAT, ACT, and TOEFL. 

Admission criteria, including minimum scores, differ across programs and departments. International students must verify the specific requirements for their desired program.

Finally, international students may also submit supplementary materials, such as letters of recommendation, essays, or awards. These materials can help strengthen their application and demonstrate their qualifications and achievements.

Application Process

Seoul National University welcomes international students who wish to study in Korea. The application process for international students differs slightly from that for domestic students. 

Here is an overview of the application process for International Admissions II for students who have completed their high school education outside of Korea.

Applicants must complete the online application form to apply for International Admissions II. The application period for Spring 2024 admission is from October 10 to October 21, 2023. The application fee is KRW 80,000 (approximately USD 70) and can be paid online.

Applicants must submit a study plan and a purpose statement outlining their academic background, research interests, and future goals. They must also provide two letters of recommendation from their teachers or professors. The letters should be written in English or Korean and submitted online by the recommenders.

In addition to the study plan and recommendation letters, applicants may submit a portfolio of their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and other relevant experiences. The portfolio should be submitted online as well.

Seoul National University accepts various standardized test scores, including AP, ACT, SAT, ETS, TOPIK, TOEFL, TEPS, and IELTS. Applicants must submit official test scores by the application deadline. The minimum scores required for English proficiency tests are TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS academic band score of 6.0, or TEPS 269.

Applicants must also write a personal statement in English or Korean. The personal statement should explain their motivation for studying at Seoul National University and how their academic and personal experiences have prepared them for the program they are applying for.

After the initial screening of applications, selected applicants may be invited for an interview. The interviews may be conducted in person or online. The admissions decision will be announced in December 2023.

Language Proficiency

Seoul National University (SNU) requires that all international students demonstrate proficiency in either Korean or English. This ensures students can effectively communicate and participate in classes and other academic activities.

For students who wish to demonstrate proficiency in Korean, SNU offers a Korean Language Course through its Language Education Institute. 

The course consists of ten-week sessions; students can begin in any session. All students must take a placement test to determine their proficiency level and be assigned to appropriate classes.

For students who wish to demonstrate proficiency in English, SNU accepts various language test scores taken within the last two years. These tests include TOEFL, IELTS, TEPS, and TOEIC. Students who use English as an official language are considered English speakers and do not need to submit language test scores.

It is important to note that language course credits for qualifying examinations are not included in official credit. Therefore, students should meet the language proficiency requirements before applying to SNU.

Degree Programs for International Students

Seoul National University offers various degree programs for international students who wish to study in Korea. The university provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in multiple fields of study, including medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and more.

International students aiming to enroll in an undergraduate program at Seoul National University are required to have completed high school education outside of Korea.

The university offers various undergraduate programs, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. 

Some popular undergraduate programs for international students include Business Administration, Economics, and International Studies.

For graduate programs, Seoul National University offers a variety of programs in fields such as Engineering, Science, Medicine, and Law. 

International students aiming to pursue a graduate degree at Seoul National University must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields. The university also provides specialized Business, Education, and Public Administration graduate programs.

International students wishing to pursue a medicine or veterinary medicine degree can apply for the College of Medicine or Veterinary Medicine at Seoul National University. These programs are highly competitive, and admission requirements may vary depending on the program. 

However, international students who meet the admission requirements can apply for these programs and pursue a medicine or veterinary medicine degree at Seoul National University.

Fees and Scholarships

Seoul National University charges tuition fees for its programs, including those for international students. The cost fluctuates based on the program and the degree pursued.

International undergraduates pay between KRW 6,000,000 and KRW 7,000,000 each semester, while international graduate students are charged between KRW 4,500,000 and KRW 6,000,000 per semester.

Seoul National University offers various scholarships to international students to help them cover their tuition fees and living expenses. 

Scholarships are granted based on academic performance, financial necessity, and additional requirements. Some of the scholarships available to international students include:

• Korea Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship covers only tuition costs and is available to graduate students who are not of Korean nationality.
• SNU Tuition Scholarship:  This scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Undergraduates may be awarded this scholarship up to eight times, and graduate students may receive it up to four times.
• Global Korea Scholarship: This scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students who are not of Korean nationality and covers tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare.

In addition to the available scholarships, international students may seek external scholarships from their home countries or other entities. Please be aware that scholarships are very competitive, and not every applicant will receive one.

International students should also budget for other expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance. Seoul National University provides on-campus dormitory accommodation for international students, but the availability of rooms is limited. It is recommended that students explore off-campus housing options as well.

Living in Seoul

Seoul is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage that welcomes foreigners. While living in Seoul, international students at Seoul National University can access various cultural experiences, including traditional Korean music, dance, and food.

Housing in Seoul can be expensive, but students have many options, including on-campus dormitories and off-campus apartments. On-campus housing is convenient and affordable, but it can be competitive to secure a spot. Off-campus options can be more expensive, but they offer more privacy and independence.

Seoul is a safe city, but it’s essential to take precautions like any large city. Students should be aware of their surroundings and avoid walking alone late at night. It’s also necessary to keep personal belongings secure and cautious when using public transportation.

Contact Information

Seoul National University invites international students globally. The Admissions Office manages inquiries and applications from international candidates. For any questions or concerns about applying, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The Office of Admissions at Seoul National University is at 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea. The office can be contacted by phone at +82-2-880-6971 or by email at [email protected]. The office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, except for national holidays.

Seoul National University also has a dedicated International Admissions team that assists international students with their applications. 

The International Admissions team can be contacted by phone at +82-2-880-6971 or by email at [email protected]. The team is available to answer any questions about the application process, eligibility requirements, and deadlines.

In addition, Seoul National University has a Recommendation System for international students. This system allows students to apply for admission to the university with the recommendation of a designated person. 

You can contact the Office of Admissions for more information to apply through the Recommendation System.