The Seoul National University (SNU) President Fellowship (SPF) is back for Spring 2026—and it’s offering a golden opportunity for teaching and instructional staff from developing countries to pursue their fully funded Ph.D. at South Korea’s top-ranked university.
This prestigious fellowship supports academic professionals who are currently working in universities in developing nations and aspire to enhance their expertise by completing doctoral research at SNU.
What is the SNU President Fellowship (SPF) Program?
The SPF is one of the most competitive and generous scholarships at Seoul National University. It is exclusively designed for individuals currently employed as teaching or instructional staff (such as lecturers, research professors, teaching assistants, etc.) in major universities in developing countries who do not already hold a Ph.D..
If you have a master’s degree or higher and you’re committed to returning to your home institution to continue teaching after earning your Ph.D., this program is tailor-made for you!
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, you must:
- Be a teaching/instructional staff member at a recognized university in a developing country.
- Not yet hold a Ph.D. degree.
- Possess at least a Master’s degree.
- Have already been admitted to a Ph.D. program at SNU for the Spring 2026 intake.
- Submit proof of employment and a statement from your university confirming your continued employment after graduation.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
Selected SPF Fellows will receive an exceptional funding package that includes:
- Full tuition coverage for six semesters
- Monthly stipend of KRW 1,500,000 to KRW 2,000,000 (approx. USD $1,100–$1,450) for 3–4 years
- Round-trip airfare (economy class)
- National Health Insurance
- Childcare support (if applicable)
- Free evening Korean language classes.
Required Documents for SNU Fellowship Application
Applicants must prepare:
- Completed SPF Application Form https://econ.snu.ac.kr/announcement/notice-graduate?bm=v&bbsidx=10548
- Certificate of Employment with specific institutional and position details
- Academic transcripts and graduation certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
- A letter of recommendation from your Dean or University President
Note: The official certificate must confirm your role, start date, and the university’s support for your return post-Ph.D.
Application Timeline (KST)
July 7 – July 10, 2025 (by 17:00 KST):
Submit your online application through the SNU Admissions Portal and check the SPF checkbox to apply for the fellowship.
By August 31, 2025: Email PDF copies of your required documents to: [email protected]. Also send original hard copies by post to:
Attn: Scholarship Coordinator
Office of International Affairs
Seoul National University, Bldg. 152, 1st Floor
1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
September 1 – September 4, 2025:
First-level screening of documents by the SPF team.
November 28, 2025 (after 5:00 PM):
Final SNU admission results will be announced.
Early January 2026 (TBA):
Shortlisted candidates will be notified for interview by the SPF Selection Committee.
Mid-January 2026 (TBA):
Interviews for selected applicants.
Late January 2026 (TBA):
Final list of SPF Fellows for Spring 2026 announced.