Seoul National University Scholarships for Indian Students (2026-2027)

Studying at a world-class institution often feels like a distant dream when you calculate the mounting costs of tuition and housing abroad. For many Indian students, the financial barrier is the only thing standing between them and a degree from a top-tier global university. Currently, South Korea is home to over 200,000 international students, yet the competition for elite “SKY” universities remains fierce, with Seoul National University (SNU) ranking #31 globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. If you are worried about how to afford this prestige, Seoul National University Scholarships offer a definitive solution, providing fully funded pathways that cover everything from airfare to monthly stipends. This guide serves as your professional roadmap to securing these awards for the 2026-2027 cycle.

Why Choose Seoul National University (SNU)?

As a student looking at the global map, you want more than just a degree; you want a career launchpad. SNU is recognized as “Asia’s Ivy League” and is the most prestigious institution in South Korea.

• Global Prestige: SNU ranks #31 globally (QS 2025) and #58 worldwide in the Times Higher Education 2026 rankings.
• Academic Excellence: It offers over 800 English-taught courses across diverse disciplines.
• Research Powerhouse: With over 30 research institutes, SNU is a hub for innovation, especially in STEM and biotechnology.
• The SKY Advantage: Being part of the “SKY” universities (SNU, Korea University, Yonsei University) gives you access to a leadership network that includes South Korean presidents and global CEOs.

Seoul National University Scholarships 2026

To offset these costs, the SNU scholarship ecosystem is designed to reward merit and support students from diverse backgrounds.

1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – The Definitive Funding Pillar

Formerly known as KGSP, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is the most prestigious fully funded scholarship in South Korea, administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).

• Benefits: Covers 100% of tuition fees for the entire degree duration, round-trip economy airfare, and basic medical insurance.
• Stipend: Undergraduate GKS students receive approximately ₩900,000 (₹55,800) per month, while graduate students receive ₩1,308,330 (₹81,116).
• Settlement Allowance: A one-time settlement aid of ₩200,000 is typically provided upon arrival.
• Eligibility: Open to non-Korean citizens under age 25 (undergraduate) or 40 (graduate) with a cumulative GPA of 80% or higher from their previous institution.
• Timeline: The undergraduate application period typically runs from September to October, while the graduate period is February to March.

2. SNU President Fellowship (SPF)

This elite award targets faculty members from major universities in developing countries (including India) who plan to pursue a PhD at SNU.

• Benefits: Full tuition waiver for a maximum of 6 semesters.
• Monthly Stipend: ₩1,500,000 – ₩2,000,000 (₹93,000 – ₹1,24,000) for 3–4 years.
• Additional Support: Includes round-trip economy airfare, National Health Insurance fee reimbursement, and evening Korean language classes during regular semesters.
• Eligibility: Applicants must be faculty members without a PhD from a major university in a developing country and newly admitted to an SNU PhD program.
• Timeline: Applications are accepted every semester during the international admissions period; for 2026, this follows the July (for Spring) and March (for Fall) windows.

3. Graduate Scholarship for Excellent Foreign Students (GSFS)

A department-specific scholarship designed to attract high-achieving international graduates to specific colleges at SNU.

• Benefits: Full tuition exemption for up to 4 semesters.
• Monthly Stipend: A minimum of ₩500,000 (₹31,000) per month, though amounts may vary based on the recipient’s major.
• Eligibility: Non-Korean applicants from eligible regions (East, Southeast, and Central Asia) who are admitted to designated participating departments.
• Timeline: Applications are accepted every semester during the regular international student admission period.

4. Glo-Harmony Scholarship

Supported by the Samsung Foundation and other social enterprises, this is available for students from countries on the DAC list of ODA recipients, including India.

• Benefits: Full tuition exemption for up to 8 semesters for undergraduates.
• Monthly Stipend: ₩600,000 (₹37,200).
• Eligibility: Must be an enrolled international undergraduate student at SNU from a DAC-listed ODA recipient country.
• Timeline: Applications are conducted twice a year, typically in January and July.

5. SNU Global Scholarships I & II

These scholarships support outstanding international graduate students currently enrolled at SNU.

• Benefits (Type I): Full tuition coverage for one semester, a monthly living allowance of ₩1,200,000, and economy airfare (for freshmen only).
• Benefits (Type II): Full tuition coverage for one semester.
• Eligibility: International graduate students at SNU; Type I often includes a sub-category for public sector employees from developing countries with at least one year of experience.
• Timeline: Application periods generally occur in June and December.

6. Silk-Road Scholarship

Targeted at students from countries along the historical Silk Road who wish to pursue graduate studies in the humanities or social sciences.

• Benefits: Full tuition waiver for up to 4 semesters and a monthly study allowance of ₩600,000.
• Additional Support: Round-trip economy airfare and fee exemptions for two sessions of Korean language training.
• Eligibility: Graduate students from Silk-Road region countries (including India) majoring in fields like Korean language, history, culture, politics, or economics.
• Timeline: Application occurs during the Fall semester international admission period.

7. Overseas Koreans Scholarship

Specifically for overseas Korean students who wish to take undergraduate or graduate degrees at SNU.

• Benefits: Full tuition exemption for a maximum of 8 semesters (undergraduate) or 4 semesters (graduate), monthly living expenses of ₩900,000, and one round-trip economy flight.
• Additional Support: 6 months of Korean language training fee exemption and private health insurance.
• Eligibility: Overseas Koreans who do not hold Korean citizenship and have strong academic records.
• Timeline: The application period is typically once a year in February or March.

How to Get Into Seoul National University from India?

Securing admission is a holistic process. You cannot rely on grades alone; you need a strategic profile and precise documentation.

Step 1: Meet the Academic Benchmarks

For undergraduate admissions, SNU evaluates Indian Board results (CBSE, ISC, State Boards).

• Competitive Range: Successful Indian applicants usually score between 92% – 96%+ in their 12th Board exams.
• Standardized Tests: While not always mandatory, submitting an SAT score (1480–1560) or a high JEE Main/Advanced percentile can significantly bolster your application for the College of Engineering.

Step 2: Language Proficiency

You can choose between a Korean-taught track or an English-taught track.

• English Track: Requires TOEFL iBT (80+) or IELTS (6.0+).
• Korean Track: Requires a minimum of TOPIK Level 3, though Level 5 or 6 is recommended for academic success.

Step 3: Document Authentication (The Apostille Process)

A major administrative hurdle for Indian students is getting academic records authenticated.

• All transcripts, degree certificates, and nationality proofs must be Apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India. The “e-Sanad” platform is a critical resource for digital attestation.

Strategic Application Timeline for 2026- 27

The South Korean academic year officially begins in March. To successfully navigate the admission and scholarship cycles for the 2027 intake, Indian students must plan their Seoul National University Scholarship applications 18–24 months in advance. This lead time is essential for completing standardized tests (SAT/ACT/TOPIK) and authenticating documents through the MEA in India.

Critical Deadlines & Preparation Steps

• 18–24 Months Before: Start preparing for English (IELTS/TOEFL) or Korean (TOPIK) language exams.
• 12 Months Before: Finalize your Study Plan and Self-Introduction essay, as these are pivotal for competitive awards like the SNU President Fellowship or GKS.
• 6 Months Before: Begin the Apostille process for your academic transcripts and graduation certificates at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to meet strict submission deadlines.

Understanding Seoul National University Fees for Indian Students

One of the first questions I often hear is: “What is the Seoul national university fees in rupees?” While SNU is a national university and generally more affordable than private institutions in the US or UK, budgeting is still essential.

Tuition Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

Seoul national university fees are calculated based on credits. 

For specific professional tracks, such as medicine, the Seoul national university MBBS fees in rupees can be higher, often ranging between ₹1.5 Lakh to ₹3.2 Lakh per semester depending on specific lab fees and clinical rotations.

Student Perspective: Life in Seoul

As a student, you aren’t just studying; you are living in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

• Housing: On-campus housing at Gwanak-sa dormitory is highly recommended. It costs between ₩250,000 – ₩400,000 (₹15,500 – ₹24,800) per month.
• Dietary Needs: Finding vegetarian or Halal food on campus can be challenging. Many Indian students explore neighborhoods like Itaewon for Halal groceries or cook their own meals.
• Academic Rigor: SNU is incredibly competitive. To maintain your SNU scholarship, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.3.

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.

Conclusion: 

Securing a Seoul National University scholarship is more than just a financial win, it is an entry into the global elite. While the administrative process of Apostilles and high-stakes interviews can be daunting, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Ready to start your journey to South Korea’s #1 university? LeapScholar provides expert guidance, from shortlisting the right scholarships to reviewing your Statement of Purpose (SOP), ensuring you put your best foot forward for the 2026 intake.

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