Seoul National University Acceptance Rate: A Complete Guide for Applicants

Seoul National University (SNU), South Korea's most prestigious institution of higher education, is noted for its academic quality, research and creativity. SNU will keep its momentum, with rankings in the top 40 worldwide (QS World University Rankings, 2025) and is still the go-to study abroad institution for students hoping to study in South Korea. 

 However, the process is highly competitive, and as the SNU acceptance rate is a topic of great significance for domestic and international students, the 5-10 % acceptance rate for local students and 15-20% for international students makes SNU a desired destination equivalent in acceptance to be comparable to an Ivy League university. 

Understanding of these acceptance rates alongside the admission criteria will offer aspiring students the best practical approach to prepare for the challenging yet rewarding academic opportunity that SNU provides for international students in Asia. 

Explore study options in South Korea with upGrad and take the first step towards a world-class education! 

What is the overall acceptance rate of Seoul National University?

Seoul National University (SNU) is regarded as the most selective higher education institution in South Korea. Although the university does not publish official acceptance rates, multiple academic sources and admission reports suggest that the overall acceptance rate is around 10%–15%, making it highly competitive. This figure reflects both undergraduate and graduate programs combined, with some courses being even more selective than others. The low acceptance rate demonstrates SNU’s global reputation for excellence and the large volume of applications it receives each year from both Korean and international students. 

What is the average acceptance rate for SNU across all programs?

The average acceptance rate at Seoul National University is estimated to be 10%–15% across all programs. However, this number varies significantly depending on the faculty and level of study.  

Undergraduate programs, especially in high-demand areas such as Medicine, Engineering, and Business, typically have a much lower acceptance rate compared to less competitive majors. Graduate programs are equally challenging, as many require research experience, a strong academic background, and recommendations from faculty.  

Since SNU is South Korea’s flagship national university, the demand for admission remains consistently high. For international students, admission is equally competitive but follows a separate track, where applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and language proficiency to be considered.  

Overall, SNU’s acceptance rate reflects its position among the top universities in Asia and the world. 

How does the acceptance rate vary for domestic vs. international applicants?

Admission competitiveness differs slightly between domestic and international applicants. Domestic students face extremely tough competition due to South Korea’s highly competitive education system, with top-performing high school students from across the nation applying to SNU.  

For them, acceptance can be as low as 5–10% in certain faculties. On the other hand, international students apply through the International Admissions Track, which has a somewhat higher acceptance window but still remains selective.  

Estimates suggest the acceptance rate for international applicants is around 15%–20%, depending on the program and applicant pool. 

Comparison of SNU Acceptance Rates 

Applicant Type	Estimated Acceptance Rate	Key Factors Considered
Domestic Students	5–10% (varies by faculty)	National exam performance, GPA, extracurriculars, recommendation letters
International Students	15–20% (program-specific)	Academic records, language proficiency (TOPIK/English), essays & statements

Is SNU harder to get into compared to other top Korean universities?

Indeed, Seoul National University is recognized as the most difficult university to gain admission to in South Korea. It is the top university in the highly prized "SKY" universities (Seoul National, Korea University, and Yonsei University).  

The acceptance rates for Korea, and Yonsei University are generally thought of as 20%–30% acceptance rates but for Seoul National University is on the low side of  10%–15% except for programs such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering which would run much lower acceptance rates than the university's overall average.   

In recent years applicants to Seoul National University have an enormous selection of selectivity since, and these students are typically some of the best students in both the national and internationally, greatly impacting acceptance rates.   

As a globally recognized university, applicants to Seoul National University will come from countries all over the world. 

Also Read: Study in South Korea in 2024 - Top Universities, Admissions & More 

What are the program-specific acceptance rates at SNU? 

The acceptance rate at Seoul National University changes significantly depending on program level and discipline. The undergraduate programs tend to have the most competitive acceptance rate, and the professional fields, such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering, will always have the highest competition.  

Acceptance rates for graduate and Ph.D. programs will also require the same rigorous selection process as undergraduate programs, although if applicants have strong academic records, thesis proposals, and recommendations from faculty, the acceptance chances are higher.  

 Assessing acceptance rates at program levels will help provide prospective applicants with a more realistic appraisal of their chances of being accepted and crafting a program-specific application. 

What is the acceptance rate for undergraduate programs? 

Undergraduate admissions at SNU are arguably the most difficult in South Korea. For domestic students, the acceptance rate is somewhere in the 5–10% range, which says a lot when considering the number of competing high school graduates in their home region. 

International students who apply under the International Admissions Track are estimated to have a slightly better chance and are competing with each other at a rate of perhaps 15–20%.  

Key Points for Undergraduate Admissions: 

• Domestic acceptance rate: 5–10% 
• International acceptance rate: 15–20% 
• Heavily competitive fields: Medicine, Law, Engineering 
• Less competitive: Humanities, Social Sciences 

How selective are graduate and PhD admissions at SNU? 

Of course, program acceptance rates depend on the faculty, certain programs such as Medicine or Law will have dramatically fewer candidates admitted for more candidates competing for admission, while social sciences or humanities areas of study may be comparatively easier fields of study. 

Graduate Admissions Snapshot: 

• Master’s programs: 10–15% (domestic), 15–25% (international) 
• PhD programs: Selective, requiring strong research background 
• Competitive programs: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Business 

Which programs at SNU are the most competitive (e.g., Medicine, Law, Engineering)? 

SNU’s most competitive programs are in Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Business Administration, which are highly sought after by both domestic and international students. Medicine and Law, in particular, admit a very limited number of students, pushing acceptance rates to below 5% for locals and around 10–12% for internationals. Engineering and Business Administration programs are also selective due to their international recognition and career prospects. 

Most Competitive Programs at SNU (Estimated Acceptance Rates): 

Program	Domestic Acceptance Rate	International Acceptance Rate
Medicine	3–5%	8–12%
Law	4–6%	10–12%
Engineering	5–8%	12–15%
Business Admin.	6–9%	12–14%

Which programs have relatively higher acceptance rates? 

While many of SNU’s faculties are highly selective, some programs offer comparatively higher acceptance rates, particularly in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Agriculture, and Natural Sciences. These areas typically attract fewer applicants than professional schools, giving international students a better chance of admission. For example, programs in History, Philosophy, or Agricultural Studies may see acceptance rates ranging from 18–25% for internationals, while domestic students face tighter competition, around 8–12%. 

Programs with Higher Acceptance Rates: 

• Humanities (History, Literature, Philosophy) 
• Social Sciences (Sociology, Political Science) 
• Agriculture & Life Sciences 
• Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) 

What factors influence admission chances at SNU? 

Admission to Seoul National University is determined primarily by academic readiness (transcripts), but other elements, such as language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or TOPIK), personal history (assessments of personal achievements), and the type of admission pathway (early admission, special admission tracks) are factors within how SNU defines a candidate's profile.  

Academic readiness: GPA, and standardized test scores are the basis for admission decisions and it will be added to by persuasive recommendation letters, essays, and extracurricular participation. For international applicant, they will also assessed for English proficiency (by IELTS, TOEFL) or proficiency in Korean (by TOPIK) as well.  

Also, by completing admission through an early round or special admission track may offer you a slight boost to your chance of admission, depending on the academic program you applied to.  

What GPA or academic grades are needed for admission? 

To be considered for admission to SNU is an academically elite institution, applicants could be expected to show a high level of academic performance. For undergraduate academic programs, domestic applicants should be in the top 1 or 2 percent of their high school class, and international students are generally at least a 3.7-4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.  

Graduate students will be evaluated by their GPA and past institution's academic rigor (a weighting of the coursework completed), and SNU's standard GPA range of admitted students is generally 3.5 GPA or higher.  

GPA Snapshot for SNU Admissions: 

• Undergraduate: Top 1–2% (domestic) / 3.7–4.0 GPA (international) 
• Graduate: 3.5+ GPA, with strong academic background 
• Competitive fields (Medicine, Law, Engineering): Higher GPA expectations 

Do English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL) or Korean Proficiency (TOPIK) affect acceptance? 

Definitely. Language proficiency is one of the most critical factors for admission for international students. Since many of SNU’s programs are in Korean, applicants may need to submit a TOPIK score (usually at least Level 5) to show their competence in Korean. 

 There are also some graduate and undergraduate programs that have English-taught classes, for these  you will likely need a TOEFL iBT (90+) or IELTS (6.5–7.0). Again, language scores alone will not make an applicant a candidate for admission, but weak scores can sometimes be a  significant barrier to being admitted. 

Language Requirements Overview: 

Program Type	Requirement (Typical)
Korean-taught courses	TOPIK Level 5–6
English-taught courses	TOEFL iBT 90+ / IELTS 6.5+

How important are extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in admissions? 

Beyond academics, SNU considers how well-rounded an applicant is. Extracurricular achievements such as leadership roles, community service, research projects, or participation in international competitions demonstrate initiative and distinguish candidates with similar grades.  

Personal essays and statements of purpose allow students to highlight their motivations, goals, and unique perspectives, an essential factor for international applicants. Strong recommendation letters from teachers or professors add credibility by vouching for an applicant’s academic ability and character.  

Key Non-Academic Factors Considered: 

• Leadership & community involvement 
• Research or project experience 
• Motivational essays/personal statements 
• Recommendation letters from credible sources 

Does applying through early admission or special tracks improve acceptance chances? 

For some programs, applying via early admission tracks or special routes will raise an applicant's chances of getting in slightly, depending on the program. For domestic students, early decision routes are popular and competitive but indicate priority consideration.  

In the case of international applicants, SNU has International Admissions Track I and II for students who finished secondary or tertiary level education outside of Korea, which may be even less competitive than the general admissions routes.  

Even some international applicants have a route to admission through scholarships or talent-based tracks (arts, sports, or research-focused programs). 

Application Tracks at SNU: 

• Regular Admissions (domestic & international) – most competitive 
• Early Admissions (domestic) – priority but tougher competition 
• International Track I & II – designed for overseas applicants 
• Special Admissions – arts, sports, research-based pathways 

How do SNU’s acceptance rates compare globally? 

Seoul National University (SNU) is the highest-ranking university in South Korea and also one of the lowest acceptance rate universities in the world. It is generally estimated that SNU has an acceptance rate overall between 10–15%, making it among the most selective universities in Asia, as well as comparable to the world's top schools.  

Internally in South Korea, SNU is highly competitive with Yonsei and Korea University among other universities (the SKY schools), with slightly more prestige and harder to gain acceptance.  

That being said, internationally, it is similarly competitive with elite universities in Asia (like Tokyo and Peking University) while considered on the level of Harvard or Oxford compared to the world . 

How does SNU’s acceptance rate compare with SKY universities (Yonsei, Korea University)? 

In South Korea, the three universities SNU, Yonsei University and Korea University are dubbed the SKY universities, which are recognized to form the most prestigious group of universities in the nation.  

Usually, SNU trends with the lowest acceptance rate among the three (typically 10–15% overall), while Yonsei and Korea University have acceptance rates with reasonably similar rates which are closer to 15-20% depending on the program.  

Comparison Table – Acceptance Rates (Estimated): 

University	Approx. Acceptance Rate	Prestige Level (Domestic)
Seoul National (SNU)	10–15% (some programs <7%)	Highest
Yonsei University	15–20%	High
Korea University	15–20%	High

Is SNU more selective than other Asian universities like Tokyo University or Peking University? 

SNU is one of the most selective universities in Asia, although comparisons can vary depending on the faculty. The University of Tokyo and Peking University have amongst the most selective acceptances in the world, and generally close to that of SNU.  

For example, it appears that the University of Tokyo has a undergraduate acceptance rate of 20–25%, while Peking University is closer to 10% or less for some faculties, especially amongst the Science and Humanities faculties.  

SNU offer acceptance rates somewhere between these two, though for the most competitive programs it is likely Peking is similar. All three universities are "national flagships" in their respective countries, but SNU is particularly striking in terms of its acceptance rate along with its international reputation, which allows SNU to compete directly with the best universities of Asia. 

How does SNU’s selectivity compare with top global universities like Harvard or Oxford? 

Globally, Seoul National University is highly competitive but not as exclusive as ultra-elite Western universities. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of around 3–4%, while Oxford University admits about 15–17% of applicants depending on the course. In comparison, SNU’s 10–15% acceptance range places it closer to Oxford in overall selectivity but still above Harvard’s extreme competitiveness.  

However, the academic rigor required to enter SNU, particularly for domestic students, is on par with global Ivy League standards due to South Korea’s intense education system. For international applicants, SNU may appear slightly more accessible than Harvard but equally challenging in terms of preparation and holistic evaluation. 

Global Comparison Snapshot: 

University	Acceptance Rate (Approx.)	Competitiveness
Harvard University	3–4%	Extremely High
Oxford University	15–17%	Very High
Seoul National Univ (SNU)	10–15%	Very High

Have SNU acceptance rates changed in recent years? 

Acceptance rates at Seoul National University also appeared to have seen slight fluctuations in recent years as a result of changing student demand, government policies, and international mobility.  

The university's acceptance rate still remains highly selective, with continuing substantial demand from international applicants and international popularity for specific programs of study having a mild effect on acceptance trends overall.  

For domestic students, competition remains extremely robust, whereas for international students, the number of international student applications continues to steadily increase and the admission process is now more selective than five years ago. 

What are the trends in acceptance rates for international students over the past 5 years? 

In the past five years, Seoul National University has seen a growth trend in international applications as the university has gained a global reputation, along with the expansion of English-taught programs. About 2019-2020, the acceptance rate for international students was thought to be in the range of 20-25%, since far fewer candidates applied.  

However, by 2024-2025, increased demand has reduced this to 15-20%, depending on the program. While SNU is still more open to accepting international students over domestic student applicants, this is certainly tighter than global at the time as evidenced by the statistically lower acceptance rates.  

Year	Approx. Acceptance Rate	Notes
2019	20–25%	Lower demand, more openings
2021	18–22%	COVID-19 affected applications
2023	16–20%	Increased global demand
2025	15–20%	More applicants, tighter selection

Has competition increased for specific programs in recent times? 

Yes, some programs at SNU have become more competitive in recent years. Faculties such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Business have attracted greater numbers of applications due to their excellent domestic career prospects and global reputation. 

Medicine and Law can record acceptance rates that are sometimes as low as 5-7%. Acceptance rates from less competitive departments often reach 15% or higher. Likewise, Engineering and Business have gained large numbers of international students and narrowed acceptance timelines.  

The drive in applicants is linked to global rankings; research superiority; and ties to industries rendering these programs exponentially more desirable.  

H3: What impact have government policies and global student demand had on acceptance rates? 

Government policies and global trends in student enrollment also affect the SNU acceptance rate. The Korean government has embraced internationalization in the area of higher education by increasing scholarships and hosting more English-taught programs, which have spurred a greater number of applicants from abroad, yielding a more selective international pool of admissions.  

Globally, the rising demand for the top Asian universities (including SNU) has caused more competitive admission rates, particularly from students in India, China, and Southeast Asia. Government policies that favor STEM education and research fields have steered an increasing number of applicants toward those academic faculties, which have increased competition for all applicants.  

Post-pandemic recovery has rebounded international student mobility and many students chose Korea as an alternative for studying in the USA or UK. Therefore, the overall acceptance rates are still selective, but the ratio of applicants has created a more competitive and selective applicant. 

How can applicants improve their chances of admission at SNU? 

To gain admission to Seoul National University requires more than top grades, it requires an application that is well-rounded and thoughtfully constructed and submitted.  

Domestic and international applicants face stiff competition for SNU acceptance, making it increasingly important that applicants exhibit academic excellence, language proficiency, and other unique characteristics.  

International students should emphasize their global experiences, flexibility, and motivation to succeed in South Korea, both academically and personally. Besides academics, the effective use of essays, reference letters, and research experience can vastly improve SNU acceptance rates. 

What application strategies help international students stand out? 

International students may improve their SNU application by developing a profile that expresses both academic rigor and cultural adaptability.  

First, unless an applicant has exceptional connections or experience, continued poor grades in relevant coursework is simply unacceptable, especially for competitive programs like Engineering, Medicine, or Business.  

Additionally, admission officers appreciate diversity in their candidate pool; therefore, students should emphasize any unique experiences such as cross-country or cross-cultural projects, international competitions, or volunteer experiences.  

An optional personal statement, whether formal or informal, that includes desired career goals or what influenced the decision to study at SNU, is an essential supplement to the application process. Finally, students must fully prepare to submit the required language proficiency tests, and TOPIK or TOEFL/IELTS; the language tests weigh heavily in the acceptance process. 

How important is learning Korean for increasing admission and scholarship chances? 

While several of the programs at SNU are conducted in English, the ability to speak Korean provides an obvious advantage. TOEFL scores may not be required for admission and if the admission to your program is competitive, makes your application stronger.  

Also, many scholarships, especially from the Korean Government or those through university partnerships, may require at least basic Korean language skills. More than just the admissions process, Korean language skills help international students to adjust to everyday life, seek out part-time work opportunities, and engage in extracurricular activities.  

Additionally, for graduate and research-based programs, being able to converse in Korean is often necessary to participate in labs, projects, or internships. In conclusion, Korean language skills can formally be optional, but can be perceived as demonstrating interest to integrate into the culture - and improve your chances for admission and scholarship opportunities. 

What role do recommendation letters and personal statements play? 

Recommendation letters and personal statements serve as critical qualitative components of the application. Since SNU receives thousands of applications with high academic scores, these documents help admissions officers evaluate the applicant’s character, motivation, and potential beyond grades.  

A strong recommendation letter from a professor or mentor can highlight academic achievements, leadership, and research abilities, lending credibility to the applicant’s profile.  

Meanwhile, the personal statement allows students to express their long-term goals, reasons for selecting SNU, and how they align with their chosen program. Applicants should avoid generic content and instead provide clear examples of past experiences, challenges overcome, and future aspirations.  

Can strong research experience or publications boost graduate admission chances? 

Yes, research experience plays a major role in graduate and PhD admissions at Seoul National University. Applicants with prior research projects, publications, or participation in academic conferences demonstrate the ability to contribute meaningfully to their chosen field.  

For programs in Sciences, Engineering, or Medicine, published papers or co-authorship in journals can significantly enhance the application’s competitiveness. Moreover, graduate applicants who highlight research alignment with SNU faculty members stand out, as professors often look for students whose work complements their own projects.  

Even for programs without heavy research components, prior academic work signals critical thinking, perseverance, and academic maturity.  

What are the acceptance rates for scholarships and financial aid at SNU? 

Seoul National University offers first-rate education and also offers numerous scholarships to highly qualified students. For most international applicants, scholarships tend to be very important for offsetting both tuition and living expenses in Seoul, especially since life in Seoul can be expensive.  

Like admissions, scholarships are based on merit and fairly competitive, and some are also meant to assist students based on financial need or eligibility. Each scholarship has different acceptance ratings based on the agency providing the support (SNU, Korean government, external organization).  

Also Read: Study in Korea for Free: Top Scholarships in South Korea 

What percentage of international students receive scholarships at SNU? 

According to official SNU information, many international students receive some type of scholarship from SNU or an external sources. For example, for graduate students, the SNU President Fellowship (SPF) and SNU Global Scholarship provide a large bulk of scholarships, and some undergraduate students may receive partial tuition waivers. 

 Across all graduate programs, 30-40% of international students receive some form of scholarship to offset tuition, living expenses or both. The percentage may vary year-to-year or program-to-program based on available funding and the competitive pool of applicants.  

Typically, those candidates who have a great academic record, strong recommendation letters, and exemplified leadership characteristics will have a better likelihood of receiving financial aid. 

Are scholarship acceptance rates different from admission acceptance rates? 

Yes, scholarship acceptance rates differ from admission acceptance rates. Admission to SNU is highly competitive, but gaining admission does not guarantee financial aid.   

While the acceptance rate for international admissions may be around 15–20%, the scholarship acceptance rate is often lower, as fewer awards are available relative to the number of admitted students.  

For example, scholarships like the SNU Global Scholarship or Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) accept only a limited number of recipients per year. This means that although many applicants succeed in securing admission, only a select group qualifies for full or partial financial aid.  

Therefore, students are encouraged to apply widely, to both SNU-administered scholarships and external funding sources, to increase their chances of receiving financial support. 

Which scholarships are the most competitive at SNU? 

Some scholarships at SNU are especially competitive due to their benefits and prestige. Among them: 

• SNU President Fellowship (SPF): Designed for outstanding PhD candidates, particularly from developing countries. It offers full tuition coverage and a living stipend, making it one of the most competitive awards. 
• SNU Global Scholarship (GS): Open to both graduate and undergraduate students, covering tuition, living expenses, and airfare in certain cases. The demand for this scholarship makes it highly selective. 
• Korean Government Scholarship (GKS): Though not administered solely by SNU, this national-level scholarship is extremely competitive and covers full tuition, living costs, airfare, and research expenses. 
• Graduate Teaching/Research Assistantships: Many graduate students compete for these positions since they provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for academic work. 

Because of the limited slots and high applicant numbers, these scholarships may have acceptance rates in the single digits, particularly for prestigious programs. 

Conclusion 

Seoul National University stands as one of the most competitive institutions in Asia, with its acceptance rate reflecting the university’s rigorous standards and global reputation.  

While domestic applicants face extremely low admission chances, international students also encounter strong competition across undergraduate, graduate, and scholarship programs.  

Factors such as academic excellence, language proficiency, personal statements, and research potential all play a decisive role in shaping outcomes. 

Ultimately, understanding the nuances of the Seoul National University acceptance rate helps students set realistic goals and make informed decisions about pursuing higher education in South Korea. 

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