Ranked 38th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, Seoul National University was founded in 1946 as Korea’s first national university. SNU’s official facts page reports more than 30,000 enrolled degree students as of April 2025. The university currently has 16 colleges, one Graduate School with 106 programs, and 11 professional graduate schools. Its campus network includes Gwanak and Yeongeon in Seoul, as well as sites in Suwon, Pyeongchang, and Siheung. Students also have access to libraries, study spaces, student centers, and other learning facilities.
Seoul National University supports international learning through student exchange and Korean language programs. Course language varies by class. Students should be prepared to study in Korean, but English-taught courses are listed across many colleges and departments. Because course availability changes by semester and program, applicants should check SNU’s course registration system and contact their intended department about English-taught options.
In this article, we explain the main steps in Seoul National University’s admissions process and provide tips for preparing a strong application.
Admissions Process at Seoul National University
Requirements and timelines vary according to the admissions category, degree level, intended program, and semester of entry. Applicants should always follow the admissions guide for their specific intake. The following steps summarize the general process, but undergraduate and graduate requirements differ.
Step 1. Prepare Documents for Online Application
Preparing the necessary documents may take longer than expected, so applicants should begin early and make a checklist. Core materials generally include an online application form, a personal statement and study plan, recommendation letters, proof of English or Korean language proficiency, academic records, a valid passport or other nationality documents, and family-relationship documents required for the applicant’s admissions category. Undergraduate applicants submit one recommendation letter, while graduate applicants submit two letters from two recommenders.
Undergraduate applicants must submit an official high school transcript and a graduation or expected-graduation certificate. Applicants to master’s or combined master’s and doctoral programs must submit their bachelor’s degree credentials and transcript. Doctoral applicants must also submit their master’s degree credentials and transcript. Documents originally issued in a language other than Korean or English must be accompanied by a notarized Korean or English translation. Certain academic documents may also require an Apostille or authentication by a Korean embassy or consulate, as explained in the applicable admissions guide.
Applicants to selected arts and music programs must submit portfolios, while some departments may require writing samples, theses, performance materials, interviews, examinations, or other supplementary documents. Undergraduate applicants may also submit permitted optional standardized test results, such as national high school graduation or university entrance examination scores. Standardized tests that demonstrate Korean or English ability may also be accepted as language-proficiency evidence.
Step 2. Pay the Application Fee and Submit References for Recommendation Letters
The application fee is KRW 70,000 for undergraduate international admissions and KRW 90,000 for graduate international admissions. Payment completes the online application and generates an application number. After payment, SNU’s system automatically emails the designated recommender or recommenders with instructions and a link to the recommendation website. Undergraduate applicants need one recommendation letter, while graduate applicants need two. Recommendation letters must be submitted through the designated online system.
For Fall admission, online applications are accepted in March typically. Application dates change for each intake, so applicants must check the current admissions announcement rather than assuming that the same dates apply every year.
Step 3. Submit the Original and Hard copies of the Documents
After reviewing the online applications and uploaded documents, SNU announces preliminary admission decisions. Preliminarily admitted applicants must submit the original versions of the documents they uploaded by the stated deadline. Undergraduate applicants are instructed to submit these documents by post, while graduate applicants may be instructed to submit them by post or in person. Failure to submit all required original documents by the deadline may result in the preliminary admission decision being revoked.
Step 4. Decide and Enroll after the Announcement of the Final Admission Decisions
Preliminary and final admission decisions are announced through SNU’s online admissions system. Applicants must enter their date of birth and application number to view their decision on the university’s admissions website.
After receiving final admission, students must follow the university’s admitted-student guide for tuition invoice issuance and payment, Korean visa issuance, and other registration procedures. Requirements and deadlines are provided with the final admission announcement.
Tips to Get Into Seoul National University
Admission to Seoul National University is competitive, and no particular strategy can guarantee acceptance. However, the following tips can help applicants present their qualifications clearly and prepare an application that follows SNU’s evaluation criteria.
Tip 1. Provide Details about your Social Activities
The university states that it evaluates applicants’ academic strengths, suitability for the intended field, language proficiency, and academic and extracurricular activities based on the submitted documents. Applicants should include relevant and verifiable sports, arts, community-service, or leadership activities that demonstrate their preparation and contributions.
Tip 2. Have the Motivation to Live and Study in South Korea
SNU’s undergraduate personal statement asks applicants to explain their motivation for their intended course, preparation and relevant academic achievements, goals at SNU, study plan, and personal characteristics. Applicants should clearly explain why studying at SNU and in South Korea supports their academic goals. Living and studying in South Korea may involve language and cultural adjustment, so the application should show realistic preparation. Genuine experience with the Korean language or Korea-related academic and cultural activities may support this explanation.
Tip 3. Mention any Research or Project you Conducted in Previous Studies
Relevant research, academic projects, or community projects can demonstrate preparation for the intended field. Some graduate departments require a thesis, academic writing sample, published paper, or conference paper, while undergraduate applicants may discuss relevant academic achievements in their personal statement. Applicants should explain the purpose of each activity, their individual contribution, and the results rather than simply listing project titles.
Admission to Seoul National University can provide valuable academic and professional opportunities, but preparing an application requires careful work. SNU evaluates each application comprehensively based on the submitted materials. Following the current admissions guide, preparing documents early, and presenting qualifications clearly can strengthen an application, although no strategy guarantees admission. Applicants should also review Seoul National University Scholarships when planning how to finance their studies abroad.
We hope this article on how to get into Seoul National University, including its admissions process and application tips, is helpful. If you are interested, check out these available courses for international students! Visit our Study in Korea page for more articles about studying in South Korea.
