Seoul National University Acceptance Rate: Complete Overview

Latest Update: Seoul National University has officially released the final admission results for its 2025 Full-Time MBA program on May 16, 2025. Additionally, the university announced the interviewee list for Fall 2025 International Undergraduate Admissions II on May 2, 2025.

Seoul National University (SNU) stands as South Korea’s most prestigious and competitive higher education institution. As of 2025, the Seoul National University acceptance rate is estimated to be around 15–20%, with slightly more flexibility for international applicants, whose rate is close to 17%. This reflects the university's selective approach to maintaining academic excellence and global reputation.

SNU receives thousands of international applications each year and admits only the top candidates based on academic performance, language proficiency, and program-specific requirements. Understanding the admission rate and requirements for Seoul National University is essential if you're aiming to study in South Korea’s capital at one of Asia’s top-ranked institutions.

In this blog, you'll learn about the latest acceptance statistics, eligibility criteria, required documents, and tips to improve your chances of admission in 2025.

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

Seoul National University Acceptance Rate

Seoul National University (SNU) is known for its rigorous admissions process, reflecting its status as South Korea’s top university. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, research, and global engagement, SNU attracts thousands of applicants each year, making it one of the most competitive universities in the country. The Seoul National University acceptance rate ranges between 15-20%, highlighting its selective nature.

Comparison with Other Top Universities in South Korea

• Yonsei University: While Yonsei has an overall acceptance rate of 18%, the rate for international students is much lower, between 0.5-1%, making it extremely difficult for foreign applicants.
• Korea University: Even more competitive, Korea University has an acceptance rate of approximately 8%, reflecting its rigorous admission standards.

Despite its competitive admissions, SNU welcomes talented international students and offers various programs to support global applicants. Understanding the acceptance trends and admission criteria can help prospective students strengthen their applications.

Factors Affecting Acceptance Rate at SNU

Seoul National University follows a rigorous admissions approach, considering various factors beyond just academic performance. Below are the key elements that influence the Seoul National University acceptance rate:

1. Academic Performance

• A strong high school GPA is crucial, especially for students applying to competitive programs.
• Standardized test scores such as the SAT, ACT, IB, or A-Levels (for international students) are considered.
• Performance in subject-specific coursework (such as Mathematics for engineering programs or Science for medical fields) plays a major role.
• Consistency in academic records and a challenging course load can improve an applicant’s profile.

2. Entrance Exam Scores

• SNU conducts rigorous entrance exams, particularly for domestic students and some international applicants.
• These exams assess a student’s knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in relevant subjects.
• High scores in these exams significantly improve admission chances, especially in highly sought-after programs.

3. Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Roles

• SNU values students who demonstrate leadership and initiative beyond academics.
• Participation in student clubs, sports teams, Olympiads, competitions, and volunteering can strengthen an application.
• Leadership positions such as student council president, club leader, or team captain are advantageous.
• Research projects, internships, or participation in global conferences can showcase academic curiosity and passion.

4. Letters of Recommendation

• Applicants must submit recommendation letters from teachers, professors, or mentors who can vouch for their abilities and character.
• Strong recommendations should highlight the applicant’s academic potential, leadership, and work ethic.
• Recommendations from recognized professionals or university alumni can be an added advantage.

5. Personal Statement and Interviews

• A well-written personal statement should reflect an applicant’s motivation, career goals, and reason for choosing SNU.
• It should also highlight unique experiences, skills, and aspirations that set the applicant apart.
• Some programs require interviews, where applicants must demonstrate their critical thinking skills, passion, and ability to contribute to the university community.
• Confidence, clarity, and preparation play a key role in the interview process.

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

Admission Requirements at Seoul National University

Seoul National University (SNU) has a highly competitive admissions process that requires applicants to meet specific academic, document, and test requirements. Below are the key admission criteria that influence the Seoul National University Acceptance Rate:

1. Eligibility Criteria

Seoul National University (SNU) offers two distinct tracks for international admissions: International Admissions Ⅰ and International Admissions Ⅱ. These tracks determine an applicant’s eligibility based on their nationality and educational background.

International Admissions Ⅰ

• This track is for applicants who do not hold Korean citizenship, and both of their parents must also be non-Korean citizens.
• The applicant must be a high school graduate or have an equivalent level of education.
• This is the primary track for most international students who have completed their education outside Korea and wish to pursue undergraduate or graduate programs at SNU.

International Admissions Ⅱ

• This track is for applicants who hold Korean citizenship or foreign citizenship.
• The applicant must have completed all of their primary and secondary education (from the first year of elementary school to high school graduation) outside of Korea.
• This includes international marriage migrants who have naturalized as Koreans and students who have studied exclusively abroad.
• This track ensures that students who have spent their entire academic life outside Korea are evaluated fairly, considering their unique educational backgrounds.

Undergraduate Applicants

• Must have completed high school education or be in the final year of high school.
• Applicants should have an excellent academic record and competitive GPA.
• Strong performance in relevant subjects (e.g., Mathematics for STEM programs, Humanities for Social Science programs).

Postgraduate Applicants

• For a Master’s program, applicants must have a recognized undergraduate degree.
• For a Doctoral program, applicants must have a recognized Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Research background and experience may be required, especially for Ph.D. programs.

2. Documents Required

The required documents for Seoul National University (SNU) vary depending on the applicant’s eligibility track under International Admissions Ⅰ or International Admissions Ⅱ, as well as their academic level (undergraduate or postgraduate). Below is a detailed breakdown of the necessary and optional documents for each category.

General Documents

• Completed Application Form (available on SNU’s official website).
• High school or university transcripts (translated into English or Korean, if applicable).
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) – detailing academic background, career goals, and motivation for applying.
• Letters of Recommendation – usually two to three from teachers, professors, or professionals.

Undergraduate Applicants

Documents Required for International Admissions Ⅰ Applicants

Students applying under International Admissions Ⅰ (both the applicant and their parents are non-Korean citizens) must submit the following documents:

• Application Form
• Personal Statement and Study Plan
• Letter of Recommendation
• Letter of Recommendation from a Counselor
• Proof of Language Proficiency (TOPIK, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
• Official Certificate of Enrollment for High School
• Official High School Transcript
• Certificate of Nationality of the Applicant
• Certificate of Nationality of the Applicant’s Parents
• Certificate of Parent-Child Relationship

Optional Documents:

• Standardized Test Scores (SAT, ACT, IB, AP, etc.)
• Explanatory Statement (if applicable)
• School Profile
• Proof of Proficiency in a Language Other than Korean or English
• Supplementary Materials (certificates, awards, research papers, etc.)

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants to the College of Music or Fine Arts must submit a portfolio and a pledge.

Documents Required for International Admissions Ⅱ Applicants

Students applying under International Admissions Ⅱ (who have completed their entire primary and secondary education outside of Korea) must provide:

• Application Form
• Personal Statement and Study Plan
• Letter of Recommendation
• Letter of Recommendation from a Counselor
• Proof of Language Proficiency
• Official Certificates of Enrollment for Elementary, Middle School, and High School
• Official Transcripts 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)

Optional Documents:

• Standardized Test Scores (SAT, ACT, IB, AP, etc.)
• Explanatory Statement
• School Profile
• Proof of Language Proficiency in a language other than Korean/English
• Supplementary Materials

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants to the College of Music or Fine Arts must submit a portfolio and a pledge.

Also Read: Medical Colleges in South Korea for International Students

Postgraduate Applicants

Documents Required for International Admissions Ⅰ Postgraduate Applicants

Applicants seeking admission to Master’s or Ph.D. programs under International AdmissionsⅠ must submit:

• Application Form
• Personal Statement and Study Plan
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Proof of Language Proficiency (English or Korean)
• Certificate of Graduation (or Certificate of Expected Graduation)
• Academic Transcript for Bachelor’s Program (and Master’s Program for Ph.D. applicants)
• Certificate of Applicant’s Nationality
• Certificate of Parents’ Nationality
• Certificate of Parent-Child Relationship

Optional Documents:

• Explanatory Statement
• Language Proficiency Certificate for languages other than Korean or English
• Supplementary Material (certificates, awards, research work, etc.)
• Thesis (if applicable)

Department-Specific Requirements:

• Music and Fine Arts: Portfolio and pledge
• Architectural Engineering: Portfolio and writing sample
• College of Human Ecology: Academic writing sample

Documents Required for International Admissions Ⅱ Postgraduate Applicants

Applicants applying under International Admissions Ⅱ need to submit the following documents:

• Application Form
• Personal Statement and Study Plan
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Proof of Language Proficiency (Korean or English)
• Certificate of Graduation (or Certificate of Expected Graduation)
• Applicant’s Certificate of Nationality
• Certificate of Entry and Exit

Optional Documents:

• Explanatory Statement
• Proof of Language Proficiency in a language other than English or Korean
• Thesis (if applicable)
• Supplementary Material

Department-Specific Requirements:

• Fine Arts and Music: Portfolio and pledge
• Child Development and Family Studies: Academic writing sample
• Architectural Engineering: Portfolio and academic writing sample

3. Tests Required and Average Scores

Language Proficiency Tests

• TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) – Minimum Level 3 or 4 (varies by program).
• TOEFL (iBT) – Minimum 80-100 (depending on program requirements).
• IELTS – Minimum 6.5 - 7.0 for English-taught programs.

Standardized Tests (If Applicable)

• SAT/ACT – Required for some undergraduate programs. Competitive SAT scores are 1400+, and ACT scores are 30+.
• GRE/GMAT – Required for some postgraduate programs, especially Business and Engineering. Competitive GRE scores are 310+, and GMAT scores are 600+.

Read More: MBBS in South Korea for Indian Students

Popular Courses at Seoul National University

Seoul National University (SNU) offers a diverse range of academic programs across multiple disciplines. Some programs are more competitive than others due to high demand and limited seats. Below are the most sought-after courses at SNU:

1. Engineering and Technology

• Popular Majors: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering.
• Why It’s Popular: SNU’s College of Engineering is globally recognized for its cutting-edge research, strong industry connections, and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive, with an estimated acceptance rate of 10-15% for international students.

2. Medicine and Life Sciences

• Popular Majors: Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Nursing, Biotechnology.
• Why It’s Popular: SNU’s medical programs are among the best in Asia, offering world-class faculty, research opportunities, and affiliations with top hospitals.
• Acceptance Rate: Extremely low, with an acceptance rate of below 5%, making it one of the hardest programs to enter.

3. Business and Economics

• Popular Majors: Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, International Business.
• Why It’s Popular: SNU’s Business School is highly ranked, with global partnerships, exchange programs, and strong job placement rates.
• Acceptance Rate: Competitive, with an estimated acceptance rate of 12-18%.

4. Humanities and Social Sciences

• Popular Majors: Political Science, Law, Psychology, Sociology, Linguistics, History, Philosophy.
• Why It’s Popular: SNU’s prestigious reputation in liberal arts and social sciences attracts students interested in research, government roles, and international relations.
• Acceptance Rate: Moderate to competitive, with rates ranging from 15-20%, depending on the specific program.

5. Natural Sciences and Mathematics

• Popular Majors: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Environmental Science, Astronomy.
• Why It’s Popular: SNU is a leader in STEM research, offering cutting-edge labs, research projects, and collaboration with global institutions.
• Acceptance Rate: Competitive, with an estimated acceptance rate of 12-16%.

6. Fine Arts and Music

• Popular Majors: Visual Arts, Painting, Sculpture, Design, Music Performance, Composition.
• Why It’s Popular: SNU’s College of Fine Arts is highly regarded in Asia, offering students access to top artists, exhibitions, and global performance opportunities.
• Acceptance Rate: Varies by department but can be as low as 5-10%, particularly for performance-based programs.

How Acceptance Rates Vary Across Courses

• Medicine and Engineering have the lowest acceptance rates due to high demand and limited seats.
• Humanities and Social Sciences tend to have slightly higher acceptance rates but remain competitive.
• Business and Economics are selective due to strong career opportunities.
• Fine Arts and Music have highly competitive admission processes that often require portfolio submissions or auditions.

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

How Seoul National University Evaluates Applicants

Seoul National University (SNU) follows a structured admissions process, considering multiple factors to assess applicants' academic potential, personal achievements, and overall fit for the university.

• Academic Records & Test Scores: High school GPA, standardized tests (SAT, ACT, IB, AP), and language proficiency (TOPIK, TOEFL, IELTS).
• Extracurricular Activities: Leadership roles, competitions, community service, and research projects.
• Personal Statement & Interviews: Motivation, goals, and fit for the program are crucial.
• Letters of Recommendation: Strong endorsements from teachers or mentors.
• International Student Considerations: Educational background, language proficiency, and adaptability to Korean academic life.

Also Read: GKS Scholarship (KGSP) 2024 - Eligibility, Deadline to apply

Tips for Applying to Seoul National University

With the Seoul National University Acceptance Rate ranging between 15-20% for international students, gaining admission is highly competitive. To stand out, applicants must have a strong academic background, impressive extracurricular achievements, and a well-prepared application. Below are key tips to enhance your chances of getting into SNU.

• Maintain Strong Academics: Aim for a high GPA and competitive test scores (SAT, ACT, IB, or equivalent).
• Excel in Extracurricular Activities: Leadership roles, research projects, and volunteer work enhance your profile.
• Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Clearly express your goals, motivations, and why SNU is the right fit for you.
• Secure Strong Recommendation Letters: Choose teachers or mentors who can highlight your strengths and potential.
• Improve Language Proficiency: Attain high scores in TOPIK (for Korean-taught programs) or TOEFL/IELTS (for English-taught programs).
• Prepare for Interviews (if applicable): Practice answering questions about your academic interests and future plans.

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