Things you need to know before applying to Seoul National University as an international student - tips from a 3rd year Engineering student (2024)

I am a 3rd-year student at SNU majoring in CEE - Civil and Environmental Engineering. I’ve always wanted to study at a place with high-quality education, technological advancements, and safety. Korea became my top choice when I realized that I felt the closest to Asian cultures and lifestyles.

1. Studied and took standardized tests. I took them in June, but the results came out on the 45th day instead of the 13th, which was unusual. Due to this delay, I missed the application deadline to KAIST (Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) for the fall semester. By the way, KAIST was my first choice at that time. But it turned out just fine as I applied to SNU in the spring. My scores were:

   • IELTS - 7.5

   • SAT maths lvl 2 - 780/800

   • SAT physics - 710/800

2. Asked my teachers for recommendation letters in advance. I went to those with whom I have a good relationship, and who knew me well not only as a student but also as a person.

3. Learned how to write motivational letters. To be honest, I didn't spend too much time on it, mostly read a few tips. I was decently good at writing and understood how motivational letters should be written. They play a very important role.

4. Collected all the documents that were mentioned in the guide on university's website. They were:

   • copies of my and parents’ passports

   • birth certificate

   • transcripts

   • high school diploma

   • certificates & awards

5. I prepared everything in advance and sent it by mail. Make sure to account for the shipping time, as my documents to KAIST were late.

There are many scholarships in Korea, here are some examples:

• from state universities: stipend + tuition or tuition only. For example, SNU, GIST, KAIST, UNIST, etc.

• from private universities: discounts on tuition up to 100%, but rarely a stipend + tuition. Examples are Ehwa Women U., Yonsei U. , Korea U., etc.

• from private companies: Samsung, Daewoo, etc.

• from different organizations: Lee & Won Foundation, Yes24, etc.

• from various programs: KGS (formerly KGSP), OKF, etc.

I’ve applied for a scholarship from the SNU itself, which is given for either 1 year or all 4 years. As I filled out an online application form, there were two questions:

1. Do I want to apply for a scholarship?

2. Will I be able to study without a scholarship?

I answered "Yes" to both questions, and ended up getting a scholarship for freshman year only. I was afraid I would not be accepted if I answered "No" to the second question. However, my friend answered "Yes" and "No", and received a scholarship for all 4 years. Since then SNU has revised the application form and removed the 2nd question.

After the first year, each semester I apply for another scholarship from Engineering College, and get it to cover my tuition. Living expenses are covered by my own budget.

SNU is a very popular university, so I would like to bust a few common myths:

• Education is in Korean. No, not all subjects are in Korean. But the majority (80-90%) of specialized classes are in Korean.

• Education is in English. Only a few classes are in English. As international students, we are sometimes struggling to survive.

• SNU is only for nerds. Although SNU is considered one of the best universities in Korea, there are students who truly don’t care about their grades, although they are a minority. Students know how to chill: soju, games, relationships, karaoke, sports, etc. I haven't met a Korean student who is consumed by academics only.

  See Also

  Top 8 Universities in South Korea for International Students

• SNU is only for elites. You don't have to be born into a wealthy family to enter the SNU. This is a state university, therefore there are scholarships for both foreigners and Koreans. And tuition cost is very reasonable compared to prices in Kazakhstan.

• You can easily make Korean friends. It was very difficult for me in the first semester, as foreigners are usually avoided, especially if you don't know Korean. But there are always a few local students who will try to make friends with you and help you out from day one. Over time you learn the language, and other Koreans open up to you and start communicating. In the second semester, it was much easier!

👻
1 year ago
Thank you so much! Wish you all the best in your studies(:
🤍
@beamiemeStudent in Seoul
1 year ago
Thank you! You, too, have a great time!
😀
@muhammad55
1 year ago
Hi, can I get into SNU with IELTS 7.5 and topik 3, but I don't have SAT
😍
@areekapalijo
1 year ago
I hope I would be like you one day love you sister 💜💜💜
😄
@joway
10 months ago
Hi, this is really useful. Could you kindly answer a question that is confusing me: is it possible to study for an undergradute degree at SNU solely in English, or do you have to take some Korean courses? I've rung the uni and spoken to lots of people, but can't seem to geet a clear answer.
🐈‍⬛
@isu_
10 months ago
You can check on their school website that your major is taught by English or only Korean. It's up to the major. But ig you need to know Korean since you're living in Korea. Most of them don't speak English. You need to know korean to do part time job.
You can take Korean language class first then join the major. Learning language will take 1 or 2 years. It's up to you. Or you can just learn the language in your country and take the topik exam.
🐈‍⬛
@isu_
10 months ago
So, do I need to take SAT exam on maths and physics if I want to study Astrophysics? Is it ok to apply just with my high school grade?