Applications are now open for the Seoul National University (SNU) President Fellowship (SPF) for Spring 2026—a fully funded PhD scholarship aimed at exceptional teaching and academic professionals from developing countries. This prestigious program offers a unique opportunity to pursue doctoral studies at South Korea’s top-ranked institution, Seoul National University, while gaining world-class research training.
The fellowship is designed for scholars who intend to return to their home institutions after completing their PhD to foster academic excellence and institutional development.
The SPF is one of SNU’s most competitive and generous fellowship programs. It supports outstanding faculty and instructional staff currently working at universities in developing nations who are committed to academic growth in their home countries.
Key Criteria for Applicants:
Currently employed at a recognized university in a developing country
Hold at least a Master’s degree
Do not already possess a PhD
Successfully admitted to a PhD program at SNU for Spring 2026
Degree Level: Doctoral (PhD)
Institution: Seoul National University
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Program Start Date: Spring 2026
Fields of Study: Open to all academic disciplines offered by SNU
Selected SPF Fellows will receive:
Full tuition waiver (up to 6 semesters)
Monthly stipend of KRW 1,500,000 – KRW 2,000,000 (approx. USD 1,100–1,450)
Round-trip airfare (economy class)
National Health Insurance coverage
Childcare support (if applicable)
Free evening Korean language classes
The fellowship is open to citizens of developing countries (as defined by international development organizations) who are:
Full-time academic staff (teaching or instructional) at a university
Master’s degree holders seeking PhD-level education
Committed to returning to their home institution after completing their studies
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
Completed SPF Application Form (available on the official SNU website)
Certificate of Employment detailing your institution, department, position, and date of appointment
Academic transcripts and certificates for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
Recommendation letter from your Dean or University President, confirming institutional support for your return post-PhD
Proof of PhD application submission via the SNU Graduate Admissions Portal
Application Phase | Dates |
---|---|
Online Application Period | July 7 – July 10, 2025 (by 17:00) |
Document Submission Deadline | August 31, 2025 |
Document Review (SPF Committee) | September 1 – 4, 2025 |
Graduate Admission Results | November 28, 2025 (after 17:00) |
Interview Notification | Early January 2026 (TBA) |
Interview Period | Mid-January 2026 (TBA) |
Final Selection Announcement | Late January 2026 (TBA) |
Visit the official SNU Graduate Admissions Portal and complete your application for the PhD program.
Select the checkbox indicating your interest in the SPF Program.
Email scanned PDF versions of all required documents to:
📧 intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr
(Deadline: August 31, 2025)
Post original documents to:
📫 Attn: Scholarship Coordinator
Office of International Affairs
Seoul National University
Building 152, 1st Floor
1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826
Republic of Korea
Q1: Who is eligible to apply?
Academic staff at universities in developing countries who hold a Master’s degree and do not have a PhD.
Q2: Can applicants not currently employed at a university apply?
No. Employment as teaching or instructional staff at a university is mandatory.
Q3: Is the SPF available for Master’s programs?
No. It is strictly for PhD programs.
Q4: Do I need to speak Korean?
No. Korean language proficiency is not required. Free language classes are offered after arrival.
Q5: Do I need to be admitted before applying for the SPF?
Yes. You must first be admitted to a PhD program at SNU for Spring 2026 to qualify.
For full details and access to the application forms, visit:
🔗 Seoul National University Official Website (or specific SPF page if available)
The SNU President Fellowship is more than a scholarship—it’s a commitment to global academic collaboration. If you are a passionate educator aiming to make a difference in your home country, don’t miss this life-changing opportunity.