Seoul National University South Korea President Fellowship Spring 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Seoul National University (SNU) President Fellowship (SPF) is back for Spring 2026 - and it’s offering a golden opportunity for university teaching and instructional staff from developing countries to pursue a fully funded Ph.D. at South Korea’s highest-ranked university.

This prestigious fellowship supports current academic professionals who are employed in developing nations and aspire to strengthen their expertise through doctoral research at SNU.

What is the SNU President Fellowship (SPF) Program?

The SNU President Fellowship (SPF) is one of the most competitive and generous funding opportunities available at Seoul National University. It is designed exclusively for individuals who are currently working as teaching or instructional staff (e.g., lecturers, research faculty, teaching assistants) in recognized universities in developing countries and do not yet hold a Ph.D..

If you hold a Master’s degree or higher and intend to return to your institution to continue teaching after earning your Ph.D., this fellowship is made for you.

Successful applicants will receive a fully funded PhD package, including:

1. Full tuition coverage for up to six semesters
2. Monthly stipend of KRW 1,500,000 to KRW 2,000,000 (approx. USD $1,100–$1,450) for 3 to 4 years
3. Round-trip airfare (economy class)
4. National Health Insurance
5. Childcare support (if applicable)
6. Free Korean language classes (evening)

Open to applicants of all nationalities.

To qualify for the SPF program, applicants must:

1. Be currently employed as teaching or instructional staff at a recognized university in a developing country
2. Not already hold a Ph.D. degree
3. Possess at least a Master’s degree
4. Be admitted to a doctoral program at SNU for the Spring 2026 intake
5. Submit a certificate of employment and a letter from their university confirming continued employment after graduation

Required Documents for SNU Fellowship Application

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Completed SPF Application Form
2. Download Form and Full Notice
3. Certificate of Employment detailing university name, president/director, department, position, and start date
4. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree transcripts and graduation certificates
5. A recommendation letter from your Dean or University President, clearly supporting your post-graduation return to the institution

SPF Spring 2026 Application Timeline (KST)

July 7 – July 10, 2025 (by 17:00 KST):

1. Submit your online graduate application via the SNU Admissions Portal, and check the SPF checkbox to be considered for the fellowship.

By August 31, 2025:

1. Email PDF versions of all required documents to [email protected], and post original documents to:
2. Attn: Scholarship Coordinator
3. Office of International Affairs
4. Seoul National University, Bldg. 152, 1st Floor
5. 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea

September 1 – September 4, 2025:

1. First-level screening of documents by the SPF committee.

November 28, 2025 (after 5:00 PM):

1. Final SNU graduate admission results announced.

Early January 2026 (TBA):

1. Shortlisted candidates will be notified for interview by the SPF Selection Committee.

Mid-January 2026 (TBA):

1. Interviews conducted with selected applicants.

Late January 2026 (TBA):

1. Announcement of the final list of SPF Fellows for Spring 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply for SPF if I’m not currently working as university faculty?

No, the SPF program is specifically for individuals employed at universities in developing countries as teaching or instructional staff.

Q2: Is the scholarship available for Master's programs?

No, this fellowship is only available for doctoral (Ph.D.) programs. Applicants must already hold a Master’s degree.

Q3: Do I need to know Korean to apply?

No, Korean language proficiency is not required for application. However, Korean language classes will be provided after selection.