QS World Ranking
#31
Acceptance Rate
15%
Annual Tuition (USD)
$6,000
On-Campus Housing
Available
QS Best Student City
#2
Seoul
Application Deadline
October 31
via Direct
Student Body
Total Enrollment
28,000
students
International Students
8%
US % data not publicly reported
Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.
Why This School
South Korea's most prestigious university in the heart of Seoul — Asia's rising global capital.
QS Subject Rankings 2025
Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject
Notes for US Students
Korea's most prestigious university. English programs available. Seoul is a top global city for culture and tech.
Admission Criteria
Key requirements for US students applying to Seoul National University (SNU)
Acceptance Rate
15%
Highly selective
Application System
Direct
Deadline
October 31
Instruction Language
Korean/English
School Type
Public
Annual Tuition
$6,000
Requirements Checklist for US Applicants
- Apply directly via SNU or via Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) by October
- SAT/ACT scores recommended
- TOPIK Level 3+ for Korean-language programs; TOEFL 80+ for English programs
- Official transcripts and graduation certificate
- Personal statement and essay
- GKS scholarship: additional application with recommendation letters and research plan
Class Size
Academic Calendar
Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.
Admission Details
- Language of Instruction
- Korean/English
- Estimated Annual Tuition
- ~$6,000 / year
- Application Deadline
- October 31
- Application System
- Direct
- School Type
- Public
- Acceptance Rate
- 15%
- QS Best Student City (Seoul)
- #2 globally
Programs Offered
Scholarships to Explore
- ✓KGSP (Korean Government Scholarship)
- ✓SNU Global Scholarship
Cost of Living — Seoul, South Korea
Low CostEstimated monthly total
$1,085
vs. avg US college student
43% cheaper
US avg ~$1,900/mo
Seoul is incredibly affordable for a world capital. Excellent public transit (T-money card). Korean street food is cheap and exceptional.
Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.
About Studying at Seoul National University (SNU) as a US Student
Seoul National University (SNU) is located in Seoul, South Korea and is ranked #31in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Engineering, Sciences, Medicine, Law, Business, and more. Instruction is offered in Korean/English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$6,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 15%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of October 31. Scholarships available include the KGSP (Korean Government Scholarship).