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International undergraduate admission (Global Talent Special Admission)
Seoul National University
Korea's leading national university, on the Gwanak campus in southern Seoul. International students are admitted by holistic document review, with no fixed quota, and pay some of the lowest tuition of any top Korean university.
Admission status
Spring 2027: applications closed Jul 9, 2026. Final results on Nov 20, 2026. Next intake: Fall 2027, schedule not yet announced. SNU opens earlier than most universities, so start preparing now.
Last verified Sep 23, 2026
Quick facts
- Campus
- Gwanak, Seoul
- Type
- National
- Intakes
- March and September
- Selection
- Holistic document review
- Quota
- None set
- Application fee
- KRW 70,000
- Tuition
- From KRW 2.44M / semester
- Score code
- 7972 (all tests)
Key dates for the Spring 2027 intake
| Step | Date (Korea time) | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Online application | Jul 6 to Jul 9, 2026, 5 PM | Apply and upload scans of every document; pay KRW 70,000 |
| Recommendation letter | Jul 6 to Jul 10, 2026, 5 PM | Your teacher submits it online; the request is emailed when you pay |
| Arts and PE tests | Sep 3, 2026 | Fine arts, music and physical education applicants, as notified |
| Online interview | Sep 18, 2026 | International Admissions II only, where needed |
| Preliminary admission | Oct 16, 2026 | Then post your original documents with apostille by Nov 3 |
| Final results | Nov 20, 2026 | Online |
| Registration | Dec 2026 to Feb 2027 | Tuition and visa steps |
| Korean test | Feb 2027 | Only for admitted students who are told to take it |
What this really means
SNU works the other way round from most universities: you upload scans only, and send originals by post after preliminary admission. There's nothing to mail in July. But the online window is just four days, and your teacher's recommendation is due one day later, so line up your recommender weeks in advance.
Two ways to apply
International Admissions I
For applicants whose parents are both foreign nationals. Graduates of high schools in Korea can also apply. This is the route for most international students.
International Admissions II
For overseas Koreans and others who completed their entire elementary to high school education abroad. Requires Korean entry and exit records and may include an online interview.
You can submit only one application. Choosing the wrong type can't be fixed after you pay, so check which one fits before you start.
Who can apply? (Admissions I)
Nationality
You and both parents must hold foreign citizenship, obtained before you started the equivalent of Korean high school. Anyone who held Korean citizenship must have given it up by the application deadline.
Education
A high school diploma, or graduation by Feb 28, 2027, from a school authorized by a government. The GED, homeschooling and cyber learning aren't accepted.
Language requirements
One proof of Korean or English, taken on or after Jul 9, 2024:
| Language | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Korean | TOPIK 3, or level 4 at a Korean university language center |
| English | TOEFL iBT 80 (4.0 on the new scale), IELTS Academic 6.0, or TEPS 269 |
| Other routes | A standardized test with a Korean or English result, or proof your whole high school curriculum was taught in Korean or English |
Good news on test rules
SNU accepts TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL Home Edition, IELTS One Skill Retake and IELTS Online, several of which other top universities reject. It does not accept TOEFL ITP or IELTS Indicator. Admitted students may be asked to sit SNU's own Korean test in February, and results can limit which courses you take.
SNU has no separate English track. Ask the department directly about English-taught courses before you apply.
What you'll write and upload
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Personal statement and study plan | Up to 4,000 bytes (about 800 English words): your motivation, preparation, goals at SNU and study plan |
| Teacher recommendation | Online only, up to 3,000 bytes (about 600 words), plus a ratings form |
| Transcripts and diploma | Every year of high school, even if you have final A-Level or IB results |
| Nationality and family documents | Passports for you and both parents, and proof of your relationship |
| Optional | SAT, ACT, AP, IB, A-Level (predicted scores allowed), school profile, and up to 10 activities or awards |
Don't include your parents' names or jobs in the essay or recommendation. Report TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, AP and ACT scores to SNU code 7972.
Tuition per semester (2026)
| College | KRW |
|---|---|
| Humanities, business, most social sciences | 2,442,000 |
| Natural sciences (most), SNU College liberal studies, nursing | 2,975,000 |
| Engineering | 2,998,000 |
| Fine arts / Music | 3,653,000 / 3,916,000 |
| School of Transdisciplinary Innovations | 3,700,000 |
| Pharmacy | 4,481,000 |
| Medicine (main program) | 5,038,000 |
Why this matters
Engineering at SNU costs about KRW 3 million a semester, less than half of Hanyang's engineering tuition. For families comparing total cost, Korea's most selective university is also one of its most affordable.
Is SNU a good fit for you?
A strong fit if you have an excellent academic record and a teacher who knows you well enough to write a strong recommendation.
Great value if cost matters: tuition is a fraction of private universities.
Think twice if you want a fully English degree: SNU has no English track, so check each department's courses.
Sources and verification
Seoul National University, 2027 Spring Undergraduate Admissions Guide for International Students (Korean and English editions), including the 2026 tuition table. Last verified Sep 23, 2026.
Requirements change every intake; always confirm in the official guideline before you apply. K-Admission is independent and not affiliated with Seoul National University.