Seoul National University President Fellowship (SPF) Spring 2026 – Fully Funded PhD in South Korea
The Seoul National University (SNU) President Fellowship (SPF) Spring 2026 is a prestigious and fully funded PhD program designed for teaching and instructional staff from developing countries. The fellowship offers outstanding academic professionals a chance to pursue a doctoral degree at South Korea’s top-ranked university—Seoul National University.
This fellowship is ideal for educators and researchers who aim to return to their home institutions and contribute to academic development after completing their PhD studies.
About the SNU President Fellowship (SPF)
The SPF program is one of the most competitive scholarships offered by Seoul National University. It supports applicants who:
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Are currently employed at a recognized university in a developing country
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Do not already possess a PhD
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Hold at least a Master’s degree
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Are admitted to a PhD program at SNU for the Spring 2026 semester
The fellowship promotes educational advancement in developing nations by equipping scholars with high-level academic and research training.
Degree Level
Fields of Study
All academic disciplines offered at Seoul National University are eligible under this fellowship.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
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Full tuition coverage for up to six semesters
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Monthly stipend ranging from KRW 1,500,000 to KRW 2,000,000 (approx. USD 1,100–1,450)
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Round-trip airfare (economy class)
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National Health Insurance
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Childcare support (if applicable)
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Free Korean language evening classes
Eligible Nationalities
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the SPF program, applicants must:
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Be employed as teaching or instructional staff at a recognized university in a developing country
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Not already hold a PhD
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Possess at least a Master’s degree
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Be admitted to a PhD program at SNU for the Spring 2026 semester
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Submit a certificate of employment and a commitment letter from their home university confirming their return post-graduation
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
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Completed SPF Application Form (downloadable from the official website)
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Certificate of Employment with full details: institution name, department, position, date of appointment, etc.
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Academic transcripts and graduation certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
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Recommendation letter from the Dean or University President, stating institutional support for the applicant’s return
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Proof of application submission through the SNU Graduate Admissions Portal
Application Timeline – Spring 2026 (KST)
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Online Application Period | July 7 – July 10, 2025 (by 17:00 KST) |
| Document Submission Deadline | August 31, 2025 |
| Document Screening by SPF Committee | September 1 – 4, 2025 |
| SNU Graduate Admission Results | November 28, 2025 (after 17:00 KST) |
| Interview Notification | Early January 2026 (TBA) |
| Interview Process | Mid-January 2026 (TBA) |
| Final Selection Announcement | Late January 2026 (TBA) |
How to Apply
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Apply Online:
Complete the SNU graduate school application through the official admissions portal. Make sure to select the checkbox for the SPF program. -
Email and Post Documents:
Send scanned PDF copies of all required documents to [email protected] by August 31, 2025.
Post the original copies to: Attn: Scholarship Coordinator
Office of International Affairs
Seoul National University, Bldg. 152, 1st Floor
1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826
Republic of Korea
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is eligible to apply for the SPF Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to teaching or instructional staff at recognized universities in developing countries who do not hold a PhD and have at least a Master’s degree.
Q2: Can I apply if I’m not currently teaching at a university?
No. The SPF is exclusively for individuals currently employed as academic staff at a university in a developing country.
Q3: Is this fellowship available for Master’s degree programs?
No. The SPF is specifically for PhD programs at Seoul National University.
Q4: Do I need Korean language skills to be eligible?
No. Korean language proficiency is not required. Selected fellows will be provided with free Korean language classes after arrival.
Q5: Do I need to be admitted before applying for the SPF?
Yes. You must apply for and be admitted to an SNU PhD program for the Spring 2026 intake to be eligible for consideration.
