Seoul National University President Fellowship 2026 in South Korea

The Seoul National University (SNU) President Fellowship (SPF) is a prestigious fully funded doctoral fellowship designed for university lecturers, instructors, and researchers from developing countries. The fellowship supports qualified academic professionals who wish to pursue a PhD at Seoul National University while strengthening higher education and research capacity in their home countries.

Unlike many doctoral scholarships that primarily target recent graduates, the SNU President Fellowship focuses on experienced university educators. Successful applicants receive comprehensive financial support, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, Korean language training, and additional benefits throughout their doctoral studies.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: South Korea
• Host University: Seoul National University
• Scholarship Name: Seoul National University President Fellowship (SPF)
• Degree Level: PhD
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Eligible Nationalities: Applicants from Developing Countries
• Monthly Stipend: KRW 1,500,000–2,000,000
• Application Period: 6 July – 9 July
• Application Mode: Online

Successful applicants will receive:

• Full tuition fee coverage for up to six semesters
• Monthly living stipend of KRW 1,500,000–2,000,000
• Funding for approximately 3–4 years, depending on the program
• One round-trip economy-class international airfare
• Korean language training during regular semesters
• National Health Insurance coverage (subject to eligibility)
• Childcare support where applicable
• Opportunity to study at one of Asia's leading universities

The fellowship is available for:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Applicants must secure admission to an eligible PhD program at Seoul National University before receiving the fellowship.

The fellowship is available for eligible PhD programs offered by Seoul National University across various academic disciplines.

The fellowship is open to applicants from developing countries.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a teaching or instructional staff member at a recognized university in a developing country.
• Hold a Master's degree or higher from an accredited institution.
• Must not already possess a PhD degree.
• Obtain admission to an eligible Seoul National University PhD program.
• Demonstrate university-level teaching or research experience.

Eligible academic positions include:

• Professor
• Associate Professor
• Assistant Professor
• Research Professor
• Lecturer
• Instructor
• Teaching Assistant
• Research Assistant
• Equivalent academic appointments involving teaching or research

Applicants expected to complete their Master's degree may also apply if they have already completed at least six months of university-level teaching or research employment.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed online application
• Master's degree certificate or expected graduation documents
• Academic transcripts
• Employment verification from the university
• Proof of admission to an eligible SNU PhD program
• Passport copy
• Any additional documents required by Seoul National University

Application Process

To apply for the fellowship:

1. Apply for admission to an eligible PhD program at Seoul National University.
2. Complete the online fellowship application during the official application period.
3. Upload all required academic and employment documents.
4. Submit the application before the closing date.
5. Wait for the admission and fellowship selection results.

Since the fellowship is integrated with the university admission process, applicants must complete both the PhD admission and fellowship application within the official application period.

Why Apply for the SNU President Fellowship?

The Seoul National University President Fellowship provides university educators with an opportunity to earn a fully funded PhD while enhancing their teaching and research expertise. Fellows benefit from generous financial support, international academic exposure, Korean language training, and the opportunity to contribute to higher education development in their home countries after graduation.