Quick Summary
Situated in Seoul, South Korea, Seoul National University is a public established in 1946. Ranked #31 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 28314 students including 7.5% from outside South Korea. Known for strengths in Engineering and Technology, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Management, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
SNU is the most prestigious university in South Korea, offering unmatched social status, academic rigor, and a gateway to the country's elite professional networks.
Subject Strengths
Engineering and TechnologyNatural SciencesSocial Sciences and ManagementModern LanguagesChemical EngineeringMaterials Science
Founded1946
TypePublic
Total Students28314
Intl Students7.5%
Faculty Ratio13.8
CampusMulti-campus (Gwanak, Yeon-geon, Pyeongchang)
Campus Size4.3 million square meters
Affiliated HospitalsSeoul National University Hospital (SNUH),Seoul National University Bundang Hospital,Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center
AccreditationMinistry of Education (Korea), AACSB (Business)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#31
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#62
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#94
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Graduate,Doctoral,Professional Degrees
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Institute for Basic Science,Big Data Institute,Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies,Institute for Peace and Unification Studies
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Education (Korea), AACSB (Business)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GREOptional (Recommended for Graduate Science/Engineering)
GMATOptional (Recommended for MBA)
SATOptional but recommended for international applicants
ACTOptional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · March
SPRINGApplication Deadline · August
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on high academic achievement in core subjects and demonstrate Korean language proficiency (TOPIK) even if applying for English tracks. A strong personal statement and study plan are critical for the holistic review process.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in South Korean Won
UG Tuition
₩7,000,000/yr
per year · KRW
Living Cost
₩16,000,000/yr
per year · KRW
PG Tuition
₩9,200,000/yr
per year · KRW
Application Fee
$65
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₩23,000,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · KRW
Scholarships AvailableSNU Global Scholarship,Global Korea Scholarship (GKS),Overseas Koreans Foundation Scholarship,Glo-Harmony Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$4,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Graduate,Doctoral,Professional Degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science and Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Business Administration | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Mechanical Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| International Relations | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$42,000
Average Salary After Graduation
71%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and SK Group.
Industry Connections
Highly integrated with major South Korean conglomerates (Chaebols) and government research agencies.
Notable Alumni
Ban Ki-moon (Former UN Secretary-General),Bang Si-hyuk (Founder of HYBE/Big Hit Music),Lee Nak-yon (Former Prime Minister of South Korea),Sundaar Pichai (Father of, but not Sundar himself - correction: Lee Jae-yong of Samsung is an alum)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Gwanak Gymnasium,Swimming Pool,Tennis Courts,Baseball Field
Student Clubs
300
Library Resources
Over 5 million volumes across the Central Library and 8 branch libraries.
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available