Fully Funded PhD Opportunity at South Korea’s Top University
The Seoul National University (SNU) President Fellowship (SPF) offers a prestigious, fully funded PhD opportunity for current university teaching staff from developing countries. For Spring 2026, the program is now accepting applications for a limited number of highly qualified candidates who aim to build their academic and research careers at one of Asia’s top-ranked institutions.
What is the SNU President Fellowship (SPF)?
The SNU President Fellowship (SPF) is a competitive doctoral fellowship designed specifically for academic professionals employed at universities in developing countries. It enables lecturers, assistant professors, and other instructional staff to complete a PhD at Seoul National University while receiving full financial support.
Ideal for individuals planning to return to their home universities post-graduation, this fellowship strengthens both personal academic credentials and institutional capacity.
Degree Level
-
PhD (Doctoral)
Fields of Study
-
All PhD programs offered at Seoul National University are eligible under the SPF program.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful SPF Fellows will receive:
-
Full tuition coverage for up to 6 semesters
-
Monthly stipend of KRW 1,500,000 – KRW 2,000,000 (approx. USD $1,100–$1,450)
-
Round-trip airfare (economy class)
-
National Health Insurance
-
Childcare support (if applicable)
-
Free Korean language classes (optional evening sessions)
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
-
Be currently employed as teaching or instructional staff at a recognized university in a developing country
-
Not already hold a PhD
-
Hold at least a Master’s degree
-
Apply and be admitted to a PhD program at Seoul National University for Spring 2026
-
Submit a certificate of employment and a letter from their home university confirming continued employment after the PhD
Eligible Nationalities
-
Applicants from all developing countries are eligible to apply.
SPF Application Timeline (Spring 2026 Intake)
Date | Process |
---|---|
July 7 – July 10, 2025 | Submit online graduate application via SNU portal (select SPF checkbox) |
By August 31, 2025 | Email all documents in PDF and send originals via post |
September 1 – 4, 2025 | SPF Committee reviews applications |
November 28, 2025 | SNU Graduate Admissions Results announced |
Early January 2026 (TBA) | Shortlisted candidates notified for interview |
Mid-January 2026 (TBA) | Interviews conducted |
Late January 2026 (TBA) | Final list of SPF Fellows announced |
Apply Also
- UNS Indonesia Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Bachelor, Master’s & PhD Study in Asia
- BerGSAS-DAAD Germany Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded
Required Application Documents
-
Completed SPF Application Form
-
Certificate of Employment including university name, position, and start date
-
Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts and degree certificates
-
Recommendation letter from the Dean or University President (must state intent to return)
-
Proof of online application to SNU graduate program
All documents should be:
-
Emailed in PDF format to:
intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr
-
Mailed in original form to:
Final Thoughts
The SNU President Fellowship Spring 2026 is a gateway for academic professionals from developing countries to pursue a PhD at one of Asia’s most renowned universities. With generous financial support and a commitment to long-term academic collaboration, SNU empowers scholars to transform their institutions and communities.
Don’t miss your chance. Prepare your documents, apply early, and take the next step in your academic journey.
For complete details and to download the official application form, visit the SNU Office of International Affairs Scholarship Page.