Seoul National University Acceptance Rate

Seoul National University (SNU) is one of the leading public universities in Korea. Located in Seoul, South Korea, the Seoul National University (SNU) has long served as the industry leader in higher education in Korea. 

SNU, formally founded in 1946, has played a crucial role in leading South Korea's academic development and has been the top-ranked university in South Korea for years. The university is placed at 31st position in the QS World University Ranking 2025. It offers degrees for undergraduates, postgraduates, and doctoral programs in various fields such as Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural sciences, Engineering, and Medical Science. 

Undoubtedly, the university offers students modern, state-of-the-art facilities and an academically enriched multicultural environment with students worldwide. Due to its vision and values, the university seeks and admits accomplished students and staff from around the globe to ensure a solid academic foundation and quality learning.

Seoul National University Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Seoul National University is highly competitive, reflecting its status as one of the most prestigious universities in Asia. The rate varies significantly depending on the program and level of study, with undergraduate programs generally having a lower acceptance rate than graduate programs. 

On average, the acceptance rate for undergraduate programs hovers around 15-20% (as per multiple unofficial sources), while graduate programs may see slightly higher rates.

Factors Affecting Acceptance Rate at SNU 

Several factors influence the acceptance rate at SNU, including:

• Academic Performance: High school GPA, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), and performance in relevant coursework play a crucial role.
• Entrance Exam Scores: SNU conducts its rigorous entrance examinations, which significantly determine the admissions process.
• Extracurricular Activities: Involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and other achievements can positively impact an applicant's chances.
• Letters of Recommendation: Strong recommendations from teachers, professors, or professionals who can attest to the applicant's abilities and character.
• Personal Statement and Interviews: A well-crafted personal statement and interview performance can provide a deeper insight into the applicant's motivations and fit for the program. 

Admission Requirements at Seoul National University

Applicants must meet specific academic and language proficiency requirements to be considered for admission at Seoul National University.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

• High School Diploma: Applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing a high school education.
• Standardized Test Scores: Submission of SAT, ACT, or other relevant standardized test scores.
• Korean Language Proficiency: For programs taught in Korean, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the Korean language, typically through the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK).
• Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation: Submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation.
• Entrance Exam: Successful performance in SNU's entrance examination.

Graduate Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree: A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Academic Transcripts: Submission of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) or English (TOEFL/IELTS), depending on the program’s language of instruction. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Two or more letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
• Research Proposal: For research-based programs, submission of a detailed research proposal.
• Interview: An interview may be required for certain programs.

Eligibility Criteria

The Seoul National University admission criteria for undergraduate and postgraduate courses vary based on which Class the international applicant falls into. There are two classes under which an applicant may apply – International Admissions I and International Admissions II. 

The admission requirements for International Admissions I undergraduate applicants are –

• Neither the applicant nor their parents should be Korean citizens.
• The applicant must have completed their High school graduation or an equivalent degree. 

The admission requirements for applicants that fall under International Admissions II for undergraduate courses are –

• The applicant holds Korean or any other foreign citizenship.
• The applicant completed their entire education outside of Korea (from elementary to high school). 

The Seoul National University admission requirements for postgraduate applicants under International Admissions I include –

• The applicant must have completed their graduation under a reputed institution. 
• Both the applicant and their parents must not have Korean citizenship. 

The admission criteria for postgraduate applicants under International Admissions II include –

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or higher educational degree from a reputed institution. 
• Applicants (despite having Korean or foreign citizenship) must have completed their education outside of Korea from elementary school to high school. 

Documents Required

The Seoul National University admission requirements include the submission of various documents by both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. For each category, the documentation requirements are further split into two categories based on –

• Whether the applicant has completed their high school education in Korea as of February 28th, 2024.
• Whether the applicant has completed their entire education before graduation outside of Korea.

The following are the required documents for students who meet the criteria for International Admissions I to the Seoul National University –

• Application Form 
• Personal Statement and Study Plan 
• Letter of Recommendation 
• Letter of Recommendation from Counselor 
• Proof of Language Proficiency
• Official Certificate of Enrolment for High School 
• Official Transcript for High School 
• Certificate of Nationality of the applicant 
• Certificate of Nationality of the applicant’s parents 
• Certificate of Parent-Child Relationship 
• Some optional documents may also be submitted, including Standardized Test Scores, Explanatory Statement, School Profile, Proof of Proficiency in a language other than English/Korean, and Supplementary Material 
• Applicants seeking admission to the College of Music or Fine Arts also need to submit their portfolio and a pledge 

The list of mandatory documents required of students who meet the International Admissions II criteria includes –

• Application Form 
• Personal Statement and Study Plan 
• Letter of Recommendation 
• Letter of Recommendation from Counselor
• Proof of Language Proficiency 
• Official Certificate of Enrolment for elementary, middle school, and high school 
• Official Transcript for elementary, middle school, and high school 
• Official High School Graduation Certificate 
• Certificate of Nationality of the applicant 
• Certificate of Fact on Entry and Exit, along with its Power of Attorney 
• Some optional documents can also be scanned and uploaded, such as Standardized Test Scores, Explanatory Statements, School Profile, Supplementary Material, and Proof of Language Proficiency other than Korean/English 
• Applicants applying to the College of Music or Fine Arts also need to submit their portfolio and a pledge 

The Seoul National University admission requirements for postgraduate applicants also involve similar categorical criteria. For postgraduate applicants that meet the criteria for International Admissions I, the following are the mandatory documents required –

• Application Form 
• Personal Statement and Study Plan 
• Two Letters of Recommendation 
• Proof of Language Proficiency in English or Korean 
• Certificate of Graduation, even if expected 
• Academic Transcript for Bachelor’s Program 
• Certificate of Applicant’s Nationality 
• Certificate of Parents’ Nationality 
• Certificate of Parent-Child Relationship 
• Some optional documents may also be uploaded, such as an Explanatory Statement, Language Proficiency Certificate for languages other than Korean or English, Supplementary Material, and Thesis 
• Department-specific documents may also be required, such as a pledge and portfolio for Music and Fine Arts, a portfolio and writing sample for Architectural Engineering, and an academic writing sample for College of Human Ecology 

Postgraduate applicants applying under International Admissions II need to submit the following necessary documents –

• Application Form 
• Personal Statement and Study Plan 
• Two Letters of Recommendation 
• Proof of Language Proficiency in Korean or English 
• Certificate of Graduation (expected) 
• Applicant’s Certificate of Nationality 
• Certificate of Entry and Exit 
• Some optional documents may include an Explanatory Statement, Proof of Language Proficiency other than English or Korean, Thesis, and Supplementary Material 
• Department-specific documents may include a portfolio and pledge for Fine Arts and Music, an academic writing sample for Child Development and Family Studies, and a portfolio and academic writing sample for Architectural Engineering 

Tests Required and Average Scores

The Seoul National University admission criteria include basic proficiency tests for Korean and English. The proficiency test for Korean is TOPIK, and applicants must pass at least Level 3 or 4 from university language centers across Korea. 

As for English-speaking applicants, they must pass TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL MyBest, and IELTS Academic English Language proficiency tests with a minimum score of 80 for TOEFL iBT, 269 for TEPS, and overall 6.0 for IELTS. 

Note that the University does not consider results for TOEFL ITP tests. 

Popular Courses at Seoul National University

Seoul National University offers a wide array of popular courses across various disciplines. Some of the most sought-after courses include:

• Business Administration: Renowned for its comprehensive curriculum and strong industry connections.
• Engineering: Offers cutting-edge programs in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, and Computer Engineering.
• Medicine: A leading program with a focus on research and clinical excellence.
• Law: Highly respected for its rigorous training and contribution to the legal field.
• International Relations: Attracts students interested in global affairs and diplomacy.
• Computer Science: Known for its innovative research and technology-driven approach.

How Seoul National University Evaluates Applicants

When deciding whom to admit, Seoul National University considers a number of factors such as the Grade Point Average or GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and personal achievement records. 

While reviewing applications, the admissions committee looks into the –

• Features of the attended institutions 
• Quality of achievements 
• Suitability of goals with the chosen subject 
• Proficiency in Korean and other languages 

Other than these, assessment tests and interviews may also be conducted depending on the policy of the department or college. 

Tips for Applying To Seoul National University

According to the QS Rankings 2025, Seoul National University ranks 31st among the best global universities. Given its track record for excellence and high performance, the acceptance rate of Seoul National University is significantly low. 

Compared to other Universities, the Seoul National University places greater importance on academic brilliance than non-academic qualities and achievements of the applicants. However, the application process offers numerous opportunities for applicants to shine before the reviewers. 

Given below are some valuable tips to help students secure a seat at the Seoul National University –

• Study hard and take up standardized tests. Usually, the combined scores of high school or undergraduate grades and standardized tests are considered to understand how successful a student can be. 
• A personal statement is a way to make a great impression on the reviewer. So, students shouldn’t forget to include why they love the subject they are applying for and the important moments that deepened their love for it. 
• Reach out to relevant teachers in advance for their letters of recommendation. Students should ensure the teachers or counselors chosen to know them well as a person. 
• Never shift the reviewer’s focus from what’s important to the trivial. Meaning, highlighting important milestones and achievements while keeping the content to the point and crisp. 
• Finally, proofread applications thoroughly, perhaps even from a friend or family member, before submitting them .

Application Deadlines for SNU

Timeline	Application Details
8th July, 2024	Commencement of online application for spring 2025 graduate international programs
8th July, 2024	Commencement of online application for spring 2025 undergraduate international programs
28th June, 2024	Fall international graduate admission decision announcement
28th June, 2024	Fall international undergraduate admission decision announcement
2nd May, 2024	Announcement of interviewee list for fall international admissions

Conclusion 

Seoul National University is a beacon of academic excellence, attracting top talent from South Korea and worldwide. With its rigorous admission process, diverse course offerings, and commitment to research and innovation, SNU continues to shape tomorrow's future leaders and thinkers.