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!
Why Choose Seoul National University (SNU)?
Seoul National University (SNU) is one of Asia’s top universities and among the most competitive universities in South Korea. With a low Seoul National University acceptance rate, early and focused preparation is essential for international students.
Asia’s Ivy League: The SKY Advantage
SNU is part of South Korea’s elite SKY universities (SNU, Korea University, Yonsei University), often called the Ivy League of Korea.
- QS World University Rankings 2026: #38 globally, #15 in Eastern Asia
- Times Higher Education 2026: #58 worldwide
Leading in Research and Innovation
SNU is a global hub for research and innovation, collaborating with top universities and industries.
- Over 30 research institutes and interdisciplinary labs
- Thousands of peer-reviewed research publications annually
- Seoul National University PhD scholarships support advanced research
Strong Alumni Network
SNU alumni hold leadership roles across government, law, business, and academia.
- Presidents of South Korea
- Supreme Court justices
- CEOs, diplomats, and global scholars
This network supports mentorship, careers, and global opportunities.
International Campus Experience
SNU offers a globally focused campus environment for international students.
- 800+ English-taught courses across disciplines
- Exchange partnerships with 240+ global universities
- Access to international internships and joint research programs
Top Seoul National University Scholarships for Indian Students
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.
1. Government-Funded Scholarships
Government scholarships are fully or partially funded by South Korea and are among the most generous for international students.
Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS)
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.
Scholarship Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 100% covered by the Korean government (up to 8 semesters) |
| Monthly Living Stipend | ₩1,133,330 per month (~₹69,705) for up to 8 semesters |
| Airfare | One-time round-trip economy-class flight tickets |
| Korean Language Training | 1 year of mandatory Korean language classes before degree program |
| Medical Insurance | Basic health insurance during stay in South Korea |
| Research Support | Additional funding for thesis printing and research (graduate students) |
Application Timeline
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Announcement | February |
| Recommendation & Evaluation | March – April |
| Final Results | June |
| Arrival in South Korea | Late August |
Eligibility Criteria (For Indian & International Students)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a non-Korean citizen |
| Academic Qualification | Bachelor’s or Master’s degree completed by arrival (for graduate programs) |
| Academic Performance | Strong academic record, typically 80% or above |
| Health Condition | Must be in good physical and mental health |
| Age Limit | Under 40 years (for graduate applicants) |
2. Undergraduate Scholarships
SNU offers scholarships specifically for international undergraduates, both before and after admission.
Overseas Koreans Scholarship
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.
Scholarship Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Full coverage for up to 8 semesters |
| Monthly Living Stipend | ₩900,000 per month (~₹55,354) for up to 8 semesters |
| Airfare | Round-trip economy-class flight tickets (entry & graduation) |
| Korean Language Training | Fee exemption at the Language Education Institute for 6 months |
| Medical Insurance | Basic health coverage throughout the study period |
Application Timeline
The application period typically opens once a year in February or March and remains open for approximately one month.
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be of Korean heritage but not hold Korean citizenship |
| Education Level | High school graduate (Undergraduate) or degree holder (Graduate) |
| Academic Performance | Strong academic record |
| Health | Must be in good physical and mental health |
Glo-Harmony Scholarship
These are 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.
Scholarship Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Full tuition exemption |
| Living Stipend | ₩600,000 per month (~₹36,903) |
| Duration | Up to 8 semesters (4 years) |
Application Timeline
The scholarship application is conducted twice a year, in January and July.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be from a country listed under the DAC list of ODA recipients |
| Admission Status | Must be an enrolled undergraduate student at Seoul National University (SNU) |
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
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.
Scholarship Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Seoul National University GKS Stipend | ₩500,000 per month (~₹30,752) |
| Duration | Approximately 12 months |
Application Timeline
Applications are typically accepted around February each year.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Student | Must be a self-financed student |
| Enrollment Year | Must be in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of study |
| Academic Performance | Minimum GPA of 80 or above (on a 100-point scale) |
3. Graduate Scholarships
There are several Seoul National University scholarships for Indian students to reduce financial pressure and support research, living costs, and tuition. Apply while submitting your graduate application to be considered for university- or government-funded scholarships.
SNU President Fellowship (SPF)
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.
Scholarship Benefits
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 100% tuition exemption |
| Monthly Stipend | ₩1,500,000 – ₩2,000,000 per month (~₹92,256 – ₹1,23,009) for 3–4 years |
| Airfare | Round-trip economy flight support |
| Korean Language Training | Evening Korean language classes during regular semesters |
| Health Insurance | Health insurance fee reimbursement |
Application Timeline
Applications are accepted every semester during the international admissions period.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Position | Must be a faculty member at a major university in a developing country and newly admitted to an SNU PhD program (no PhD held yet) |
| Nationality | Must be from a developing country |
Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP/GKS)
A fully funded scholarship from the Korean government for international master’s or PhD students.
Scholarship Benefits
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Full coverage up to 4 semesters (Master’s) and 6 semesters (PhD) |
| Monthly Stipend | ₩1,308,330 per month (~₹80,468) |
| Airfare | Round-trip economy-class tickets |
| Korean Language Training | 1-year Korean language program fee covered |
| Health Insurance | Basic health coverage included |
| Research Support | Additional funding for thesis and research expenses |
Application Timeline
Applications typically open in February each year.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | Master’s or PhD |
| Nationality | Must be a non-Korean citizen |
| Academic Record | Strong academic background |
Graduate Scholarship for Excellent Foreign Students (GSFS)
Offers full tuition and a stipend for an MS in South Korea for international students with academic excellence.
Scholarship Benefits
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 100% tuition exemption for up to 4 semesters |
| Monthly Stipend | ₩500,000 per month (~₹30,752) |
Application Timeline
Applications are accepted every semester during the international student admission period.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Non-Korean applicants from eligible countries with confirmed admission to SNU |
| Admission Status | Must be admitted to a college or school participating in the GSFS Program |
SNU Global Scholarships Ⅰ, Ⅱ
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.
Scholarship Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 1 semester covered |
| Living Allowance | ₩1,200,000 per month (~₹73,805) |
| Airfare | Economy class (freshmen only) |
| Korean Language Training | Optional 10-week evening course |
Application Timeline
Applications open in June and December, upon admission to SNU.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant Type | International graduate students at SNU |
| Work Experience | Minimum 1 year in the public sector (official proof required) |
| GPA Requirement | Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA each semester |
Silk Road Scholarship at Seoul National University
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).
Scholarship Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Full exemption for up to 4 semesters |
| Living Stipend | Up to ₩600,000 per month (~₹36,903) |
| Airfare | Round-trip economy-class flight |
| Language Training | Korean language tuition fee exemption |
Application Timeline
Applications are accepted during the Fall semester international admissions period.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be from a Silk Road region country |
| Degree Level | Graduate programs only |
| Field of Study | Humanities or social sciences (e.g., Korean studies, history) |
4. Private/Foundation Scholarships
Private and foundation scholarships at SNU support high-achieving students covering tuition and living expenses:
JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education
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.
Scholarship Benefits
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Loan-based scholarship |
| Maximum Amount | Up to ₹10 lakh |
| Disbursement | One-time payment before departure |
| Repayment | Starts after 3 years, repaid in 5 annual instalments |
| Additional Awards | Performance-based gift scholarships (if applicable) |
Application Timeline
Applications are open from January to mid-July each year.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Study Level | Master’s, PhD, or Postdoctoral |
| Academics | Minimum 60% in undergraduate studies |
| Admission Status | Applied to or admitted by a foreign university |
| Field of Study | All fields eligible |
| Age Limit | Usually under 45 years |
Tuition fee in Seoul National University for Indian Students
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.
| No. of Courses / Credits | Tuition Fee (KRW) | Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course (2 credits) | ₩1,200,000 | ~₹73,806 |
| 1 course (3 credits) | ₩1,800,000 | ~₹1,10,708 |
| 2 courses (4 credits) | ₩2,400,000 | ~₹1,47,611 |
| 2 courses (5 credits) | ₩2,790,000 | ~₹1,71,598 |
| 2–3 courses (up to 9 credits) | ₩3,348,000 | ~₹2,05,918 |
Living Costs in Seoul for Indians
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.
How to Apply for Seoul National University (SNU) Scholarships
You can apply for Seoul National University scholarships either during the admission process or after enrollment, depending on the scholarship type. Follow the steps below to apply correctly and on time.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for SNU Scholarships
Before applying, confirm that you meet the Seoul National University scholarship eligibility criteria, which vary by level of study, academic background, and language proficiency.
Eligibility Overview
| Criteria | Undergraduate Applicants | Graduate Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Class 12 completed or in final year | Bachelor’s (for Master’s) / Master’s (for PhD) |
| Minimum Grades | Recommended 80%+ | CGPA 3.0+/4.0 or 65–70%+ (Indian scale) |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL iBT 80+ / IELTS 6.0+ | TOEFL iBT 80+ / IELTS 6.0+ |
| Korean Proficiency | Not required; TOPIK 3+ helpful | Not required; TOPIK 3–4 recommended for Korean-taught programs |
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your documents early to avoid last-minute issues. Most SNU scholarship applications require the following:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Self-introduction essay
- Study plan
- Diploma and academic transcripts
- Two recommendation letters (teacher, principal, academic advisor, or authority)
- TOPIK certificate (if applicable)
- Personal medical report
- Passport copy or Korean Foreigner Registration Card
- Valid South Korean student visa
Note: Document requirements may vary by scholarship. Always check the official SNU scholarship notice.
Step 3: Submit Your Scholarship Application
The application method depends on the type of SNU scholarship you are applying for.
| Scholarship Type | How to Apply? |
|---|---|
| SNU Scholarships (Global Scholarship, GSFS, etc.) | Apply via the SNU Office of International Affairs (OIA) Portal |
| Overseas Koreans Scholarship | Submit documents to Korean diplomatic offices in your country |
| GKS – Embassy Track | Apply through the Korean Embassy in India (select SNU as a preference) |
| GKS – University Track | Apply directly to SNU; university recommends candidates to NIIED |
| Departmental Funding / RAships | Contact your department or academic advisor after admission |
Step 4: Follow the Application Timeline
Understanding deadlines is essential when learning how to apply for Seoul National University scholarships.
SNU Scholarship & Admission Timeline
| Intake | Semester Starts | Application Period |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Intake | March | September – October (previous year) |
| Fall Intake | September | February – March (same year) |
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q. Is it hard to get a scholarship at Seoul National University?
Ans. Yes, Seoul National University scholarships are competitive. Especially the fully funded ones like the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) or GSFS. However, with strong academics, a well-written study plan, and early preparation, Indian students have a fair chance. Thousands of international students receive support each year, so it’s definitely possible with the right effort.
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Q. What GPA do I need for SNU scholarships?
Ans. There’s no strict cutoff, but most scholarships recommend a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or 70-80% and above on the Indian scale. For more competitive programs, the higher your academic performance, the better your chances.
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Does SNU offer full scholarships?
Ans. Yes, several Seoul National University scholarships are fully funded. These cover full tuition fees, monthly living allowances, airfare, and even Korean language training. Popular full scholarships include GKS, SNU Global Scholarship (Type 1), and GSFS for graduate students.
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Q. What is the stipend for SNU GKS students?
Ans. GKS students at SNU receive a monthly living stipend of around ₩13,08,330 (~₹80,468). This is in addition to full tuition coverage, airfare, and basic health insurance.
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Q. Is SNU better than KAIST or Yonsei for scholarships?
Ans. All three are top universities in South Korea, but each has different strengths. SNU offers a wide range of scholarships across many fields, including humanities, sciences, and engineering. KAIST is more STEM-focused and research-driven, while Yonsei offers strong global exchange and dual degree opportunities. If you’re looking for broader options and fully funded scholarships, SNU is often considered the best choice for international students.
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