Seoul National University Scholarships for Indian Students (2026-27)

Seoul National University (SNU) stands as South Korea’s top-ranked institution and one of Asia’s most respected universities. An SNU degree is widely recognised for its global career value and high return on investment. If you’re an Indian student with big goals but a limited budget, Seoul National University Scholarships can change everything. These scholarships offer full or partial funding for international students, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and more. SNU ranks among Asia’s top universities and gives students access to worldwide career opportunities. And yes, it’s within your reach.

This guide will take you through every detail, including available scholarships, eligibility, application process, deadlines, and expert tips to help you plan your path to South Korea’s #1 university with confidence. Keep reading!

Seoul National University (SNU) stands as one of the most prestigious institutions in Asia and one of the toughest to get into. The Seoul National University acceptance rate is highly competitive, especially for international students, making early preparation essential. Here are some top reasons to choose this university:

SNU is part of South Korea’s prestigious “SKY” universities, which refers to the three most prestigious universities in South Korea. It includes Korea University and Yonsei University. Together, they are considered the country’s equivalent of the Ivy League. It consistently ranks among the world’s top universities:

• QS World University Rankings 2026 places it 38th globally and 15th in Eastern Asia.
• Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 ranks SNU 58th worldwide.

SNU is a major centre for research. Students work alongside top universities and companies worldwide to solve real-world problems. A Seoul National University PhD scholarship can fully support doctoral research.

• SNU has over 30 research institutes and many cross-disciplinary labs.
• Thousands of peer-reviewed papers are published each year, adding to Korea’s global research impact.

SNU graduates lead in every field. This alumni network gives students access to mentorship, job opportunities, and strong professional connections. Some notable members include:

• Presidents of South Korea
• Supreme Court justices
• CEOs, diplomats, and global scholars

SNU offers over 800 courses in English and has exchange partnerships with nearly 240 universities. Students can join global programs, internships, and joint research. The campus itself is modern and scenic, with advanced labs, student housing, and cultural spaces that support both learning and student life. 

While SNU is more affordable than many Western universities, international students at top Universities in South Korea still need to budget for both tuition fees and living expenses in Seoul. Seoul University fees for Indian students vary by course and level of study. All fees are paid in South Korean won (KRW), the country’s official currency.

Seoul offers a balanced lifestyle with modern amenities, but expenses can add up quickly. While it’s generally cheaper than cities like New York or London, accommodation, transport, and food can still take up a large part of a student’s monthly budget. The overall cost of living in Seoul varies by lifestyle and location, so planning ahead is key.

A strong profile can support your Seoul National University scholarship application. Seoul National University offers scholarships for international students, covering tuition and living expenses based on merit, need, or specific programs. Different awards follow different SNU scholarship requirements each year. This section covers an overview of some of the popular scholarship programs. 

Government scholarships are fully or partially funded by South Korea and are among the most generous for international students.

The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), now known as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), is one of the most generous scholarships available for international students studying in South Korea. It is offered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education of South Korea.

The KGSP is open to international students, including those from India, who meet the following criteria:

SNU offers scholarships specifically for international undergraduates, both before and after admission.

If you’re of Korean heritage and live outside South Korea, the Overseas Koreans Scholarship offers a chance to study at SNU with full financial support. A full scholarship at Seoul National University can depend on grades and research goals. It’s open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

This is the SNU scholarships for international students from developing countries listed on the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) List of ODA Recipients. Countries such as India, Nepal, Kenya, Bangladesh, and others are eligible for specific scholarship schemes

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) SNU track supports self-financed international students already studying at SNU. GKS is among the most well-known study in South Korea scholarships for Indians students.

There are several Seoul National University scholarships for Indian students to reduce financial pressure and support research, living costs, and tuition. The Seoul National University master’s scholarship helps reduce tuition costs for graduate study. Apply while submitting your graduate application to be considered for university- or government-funded scholarships.

The SNU President Fellowship Program supports faculty members from developing countries who plan to pursue a PhD at Seoul National University.  It offers full fee coverage and financial support throughout the study period.

A fully funded scholarship from the Korean government for international master’s or PhD students. 

Offers full tuition and a stipend for an MS in South Korea for international students with academic excellence.

These Seoul National University Scholarships support outstanding international graduate students currently enrolled at SNU. Students should track the Seoul National University scholarship deadline 2026 to avoid missing out.

The Silk-Road Scholarship is designed to support students from countries along the historical Silk Road, like India, China, Europe, and others, who want to pursue graduate studies in the humanities or social sciences at Seoul National University (SNU). 

Private and foundation scholarships at SNU support high-achieving students covering tuition and living expenses:

Established in 1892, the JN Tata Endowment is one of India’s oldest and most respected loan scholarship programs for higher education abroad. It provides financial assistance to Indian students pursuing Master’s, Ph.D., or Postdoctoral studies at international universities.

You must apply for Seoul National University scholarships either during your admission process or after enrollment, depending on the application type. Here’s how to do it, step by step. 

Before anything else, make sure you qualify. Seoul National University scholarship eligibility depends on your level of study, academic performance, nationality, and language proficiency.

Gather all required documents ahead of time. These usually include:

• Completed application form
• Self-introduction essay 
• Study plan
• Copy of school diploma
• Copy of school academic transcripts
• Two recommendation letters from teachers, the principal, the academic advisor, or the relevant authority
• TOPIK certificate
• Personal medical report
• Copy of passport or copy of the Korean foreigner registration card
• South Korean Student Visa

Each scholarship may have specific document requirements. Always double-check the scholarship page or official notice.

The application process depends on the scholarship type:

Some scholarships require separate applications; others are automatic based on your admissions file. You can plan once you know Seoul National University’s tuition fees for Indian students.

Check deadlines when learning how to apply for Seoul National University scholarship funds. Timelines can vary slightly, so always check the latest updates:

Seoul National University scholarships are a golden opportunity for Indian students who want a world-class education without the financial burden. From full tuition coverage to monthly living support, SNU offers a wide range of options whether you’re applying as an undergraduate or graduate student.

Need expert help with shortlisting scholarships or preparing your application? Leap Scholar can support you with personalised guidance from test prep to application review, so you don’t miss your shot at studying at SNU.