Seoul National University brand identity

Seoul National University

Seoul, South Korea • Founded 1946 • QS 2027 #38

Updated May 2026 · Source: snu.ac.kr

Overview

Local Name: 서울대학교
Acronyms: SNU
Founded: 1946
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #38 Times Higher Education 2026 #58 = ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #87 CWTS Leiden 2025 #1077 SCImago 2026 #58
Motto: Veritas Lux Mea
Colours: Blue
Mascot: Zelkova Tree
Seoul National University central facility
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Established in 1946, the Seoul National University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Seoul (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants).

This institution also has a branch campus in Suwon. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Korea, Seoul National University (SNU) is a large-sized coeducational South Korean higher education institution.

Seoul National University (SNU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 78-year-old South Korean higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this South Korean higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. SNU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Find Seoul National University on the map and its contact channels below.

Address: 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu
Postal Code: 151-742
Phone: +82 (2) 880 4447
Fax: +82 (2) 880 4449
Social Media:

Academic Details

Seoul National University's key academic numbers — student body size, staffing, and accreditation context.

Recognition: Ministry of Education of Korea
Student Enrollment: 25,000-29,999
Academic Staff Range: 1,500-1,999
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)

Academic Structures

The academic units of Seoul National University are listed below.

Unit 24 items
  • College of Agriculture and Life Science
  • College of Business Administration
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Fine Arts
  • College of Human Ecology
  • College of Humanities
  • College of Law
  • College of Liberal Studies
  • College of Medicine
  • College of Music
  • College of Natural Sciences
  • College of Nursing
  • College of Pharmacy
  • College of Social Sciences
  • College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Graduate School of Business
  • Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology
  • Graduate School of Environmental Studies
  • Graduate School of International Studies
  • Graduate School of Public Administration
  • Graduate School of Public Health
  • School of Dentistry
  • School of Law

Programs Offered

Search and filter Seoul National University's available programmes by degree level.

116 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in South Korea

Bachelor's Degree 88 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Advanced Convergence Studies
Liberal Arts

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Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering
General Engineering

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Bachelor's Degree in Aesthetics
Health Sciences

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Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Economics and Rural Development
Economics

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Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology

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Bachelor's Degree in Applied Biological Chemistry
Biological Sciences

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Bachelor's Degree in Archaeology and Art History
Visual Arts

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Bachelor's Degree in Architecture
Architecture

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Bachelor's Degree in Asian Languages and Civilizations
Linguistics & Language Studies

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Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences
Biotechnology

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Showing 10 of 88.

Master's Degree 26 programmes

Master's Degree in Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
Earth Sciences & Geology

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Master's Degree in Agricultural and Life Genomics
Biotechnology

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Master's Degree in Archival Studies
Library Science

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Master's Degree in Art Education
Visual Arts

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Master's Degree in Artificial Intelligence
AI & Machine Learning

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Master's Degree in Bioengineering
Biotechnology

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Master's Degree in Bioinformatics
Biological Sciences

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Master's Degree in Brain Science
Natural Sciences

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Master's Degree in Classical Western Studies

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Master's Degree in Clinical Pharmacology
Pharmacy

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Showing 10 of 26.

Doctorate 2 programmes

Doctorate in Environmental Management
Business & Management

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Doctorate in Urban Planning
Business & Management

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How to apply to Seoul National University

What applying to Seoul National University involves, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Seoul National University

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Seoul National University offers 116 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Each programme at Seoul National University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Apply directly via Seoul National University's online portal at www.snu.ac.kr. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +82 (2) 880 4447. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Seoul National University

Below are key facts about Seoul National University, drawn directly from institutional records.

How old is Seoul National University?

The institution opened in 1946 (approximately 80 years ago).

Where is Seoul National University located?

Seoul National University is located in Seoul, South Korea.

Is Seoul National University public or private?

Seoul National University operates as a public institution.

What is the student enrolment at Seoul National University?

Student enrolment at Seoul National University is around 25,000-29,999.

Where does Seoul National University stand in university rankings?

It ranks QS 2027 #38.

How many faculties does Seoul National University have?

The institution comprises 24 academic units.

Is Seoul National University accredited?

Yes, Seoul National University is recognised by Ministry of Education of Korea.

Where can I learn more about Seoul National University?

You can find Seoul National University online at www.snu.ac.kr.

Members of Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)

Below: other Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) member institutions, alongside Seoul National University.

Faculties at nearby universities

Universities located near Seoul National University are listed below.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Other institutions in South Korea teaching Education & Teaching are listed below for comparison with Seoul National University.

Universities Compared with Seoul National University

The institutions below are of a similar academic scale to Seoul National University.

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