SNU President Fellowship
The Seoul National University President Fellowship (SPF) is SNU's most prestigious fully-funded PhD scholarship for international scholars. It targets a specific profile — current university lecturers / instructional staff from developing countries who hold a Master's degree but not yet a PhD. Sri Lankan academics from public and recognised private universities qualify. Awards cover tuition, a generous monthly stipend, international airfare, health insurance, childcare support, and free Korean language classes for 3 to 4 years.
Seoul National University
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
Fully Funded + Stipend
Duration
3-4 Year PhD
Includes
Airfare, Health, Childcare
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
University Faculty
Must be a current teaching or instructional staff member at a major university in a developing country (Sri Lankan public and recognised private universities qualify). A formal letter from your university confirming your faculty position is required.
Master's Degree, No PhD
Must hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution by the SNU admission date, AND must NOT already hold a PhD or be enrolled in a PhD elsewhere. The fellowship is specifically for first-time doctoral students.
SNU PhD Admission
You must apply for and be admitted to an SNU PhD programme as a newly admitted student for the upcoming Spring semester. Existing SNU students cannot transfer onto SPF.
Developing Country Citizen
Must be a citizen and resident of a developing country at the time of application (Sri Lanka qualifies under the SNU eligibility list). Dual nationals holding Korean citizenship are not eligible.
account_tree Application Process
Submit SNU graduate application
Apply for the SNU PhD programme via the SNU online portal (typically opens early July for Spring intake). On the form, tick the "SPF candidate" checkbox. PhD admission and SPF are evaluated together.
Submit SPF supporting documents
By the published August deadline, email and post the SPF document set: faculty employment confirmation letter, study/research plan, two recommendation letters (one from your home university), Master's transcripts, and English proficiency proof (TOEFL iBT 88+ or IELTS 6.5+).
First-round SPF committee screening
The SPF Committee shortlists candidates in early September. Shortlisted applicants are forwarded to SNU graduate admissions for the standard PhD review.
Final selection & interview
SNU graduate admission results in late November. Shortlisted SPF finalists are interviewed in January, and final awardees are notified before the March Spring semester start.
Why Seoul National University?
SNU is South Korea's top-ranked university, located in Seoul's Gwanak district. SPF is uniquely designed to strengthen academic ties between SNU and universities in developing countries — alumni return home as senior faculty.
#31
QS World Ranking 2026
3-4 yrs
Full Funding Duration
KRW 1.5-2M
Monthly Stipend
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