Imagine joining Seoul National University as a fully funded PhD researcher with support tailored just for university faculty in developing countries. The SNU President Fellowship empowers teaching or instructional staff to pursue doctoral programs at Korea’s top-ranked university with substantial financial backing and professional development opportunities.↚
Advance Your Academic Career with the SNU President Fellowship Program for Spring 2026
About the Fellowship
The SPF is a prestigious initiative offered by Seoul National University. It’s designed exclusively for faculty members at universities in developing countries who do not already hold a PhD and have earned a master’s degree. Fellows begin their doctoral studies in Spring 2026. Priority is given to applicants from Asia, Africa, and South America working in fields such as engineering, public health, agriculture, developmental studies or Korean studies.Who Is Eligible
Applicants must currently serve as teaching or instructional staff—such as assistant professors, lecturers, research assistants—at a recognized university in a developing country, and must be newly admitted to SNU’s PhD program for Spring 2026. A master’s degree or higher is required. Employment records (such as a certificate of employment) noting intention to return after degree are mandatory.What the Fellowship Includes
Fellows receive full tuition coverage for up to six PhD semesters, a monthly stipend between KRW 1,500,000 and KRW 2,000,000 (approx USD 1,100–1,450) for three to four years, a round-trip economy airfare, national health insurance reimbursement, evening Korean language classes during semesters, and child care support where applicable. The award renews each year contingent on maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.↚
Required Documents
You should prepare the official SPF application form (including a study plan), certificate of employment (detailing position and institution), academic transcripts and graduation certificates from bachelor’s and master's degrees, a recommendation letter from your university’s Dean or President, and a short video presentation summarizing your research achievements and future goals (max five minutes). Preference is given to candidates with institutional endorsement for post-degree returnWhy Choose SPF at SNU
This fellowship offers a rare pathway for faculty from developing nations to attain a fully funded PhD at Korea’s top university while continuing academic work in their home institutions. The SNU President Fellowship fosters global research collaboration, leadership development, and scholarly visibility, helping elevate individual careers and institutional capacity.↚
Application Timeline
The SPF application period runs from July 7–10, 2025 (KST). During your online admission application to Seoul National University, check the “Application for Scholarship” box to indicate interest in SPF. After that, you must submit scanned and original application documents by August 31, 2025 to the SNU Office of International Affairs. Initial document screening occurs in early September, followed by admission results by November 28, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in January 2026, and final Fellowship recipients are announced later that month. Funding begins in Spring 2026.