Are you a faculty member at a university in a developing country without a PhD? Dreaming of pursuing a doctoral degree at one of Asia’s top institutions? The Seoul National University (SNU) President Fellowship (SPF) Program – Spring 2026 Intake offers an exceptional opportunity to receive a fully funded PhD in South Korea, designed exclusively for teaching and research faculty from developing nations.

From full tuition to generous monthly stipends and airfare, this fellowship is tailored to empower future academic leaders. Applications for fellowship are open till August 31, 2025 — so let’s dive into all the details you need to apply.

About Seoul National University

Ranked consistently among the Top 50 Universities Globally by QS and THE, Seoul National University (SNU) is the leading academic institution in South Korea. With a world-class faculty, cutting-edge research infrastructure, and a vibrant international student community, SNU offers an ideal environment for scholars aiming to grow as researchers and educators.

SNU President Fellowship 2026 Overview 

Fellowship Name	SNU President Fellowship Program (SPF) – Spring 2026
Host University	Seoul National University (SNU), South Korea
Degree Level	PhD (Doctoral)
Target Audience	Faculty members from developing countries
Funding Type	Fully Funded
Monthly Stipend	KRW 1,500,000 – KRW 2,000,000
Additional Benefits	Tuition, airfare, Korean classes, health insurance
Scholarship Document Submission	By August 31, 2025 (PDF + Hard Copy)
Program Start	Spring Semester 2026 (March 2026)

SNU President Fellowship 2026 Benefits

The SNU President Fellowship is one of the most comprehensive doctoral funding packages in Asia. Selected scholars will receive:

• Full tuition fee coverage for six semesters (3–4 years)
• Monthly stipend ranging from KRW 1,500,000 to KRW 2,000,000
• You’ll enjoy the perk of round-trip airfare (economy class) based on the GTS system
• Evening Korean language training classes during regular semesters
• National health insurance coverage
• Childcare support (based on recipient’s family situation)
• International academic networking opportunities

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the SNU President Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet both of the following:

• Be a teaching/instructional staff member at a recognized university in a developing country (as per OECD DAC List)
• Eligible positions include:

1. Professor
2. Associate Professor
3. Assistant Professor
4. Research Professor
5. Lecturer
6. Instructor
7. Teaching Assistant
8. Research Assistant

• Applicants may also be recent master’s graduates with at least 6 months of university-level teaching/research experience
• A Certificate of Employment must verify current employment and intention to retain position after PhD
• Be admitted to a PhD program at SNU for Spring 2026 semester
• Explore eligible graduate programs here: SNU Graduate Programs

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following:

• SPF Spring 2026 Application Form (including Study Plan)
• Certificate of Employment from the current university
• Bachelor’s and Master’s academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Letter of Recommendation from Dean or University President
• Proof that the home university supports post-PhD return of the applicant

Application Timeline (Spring 2026)

Event	Date
Scholarship Form PDF + Hard Copy Submission	By August 31, 2025
First Screening	September 1–4, 2025
Interview (for shortlisted)	Mid-January 2026
Final Result Announcement	January 2026
Semester Begins	Spring 2026 (March 2026)

🔗 PDF submission: [email protected]
🔗 Hard copy submission:
Attn: Scholarship Coordinator
Office of International Affairs, SNU
Bldg.152, 1st Floor, 1 Gwanak-ro,
Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea

Application Process

To apply:

• SNU Admissions Page
• You have to prepare SPF application + documents and submit them before the deadline hits
• Email the PDF copy to: [email protected] (use subject: SPF Spring 2026 – [Your Name])
• Dont forget to post the original hard-copy documents to the SNU Office of International Affairs
• Await screening and interview invitation in January 2026

Comparison with Other PhD Scholarships for Developing Country Faculty

Program	Country	Funding	Target Group	Deadline
SNU President Fellowship	South Korea	Full + stipend	Faculty from developing countries	Aug 31, 2025
DAAD EPOS PhD Program	Germany	Full + monthly stipend	Professionals from dev. countries	Oct–Nov 2025 (est.)
TWAS-CAS President’s PhD Fellowship	China	Full funding	Global South applicants	March 2026 (est.)
ADB–JSP PhD Scholarship	Multiple (Asia)	Full funding	Developing Asia & Pacific countries	April 2026 (est.)
New Zealand Manaaki PhD Scholarships	New Zealand	Full + living costs	Citizens of eligible developing nations	May 2026 (est.)

FAQs About SNU President Fellowship 2026

1. Who is eligible for the SNU President Fellowship 2026?
   Faculty members without a PhD, from developing countries, currently employed at a recognized university.
2. Can I apply without a job at a university?
   No. You must be currently employed in a teaching or research role at a university.
3. Do I need to apply for SNU admission separately?
   No. The online SPF application via SNU Admissions covers both.
4. Is the stipend enough for living in Seoul?
   Yes. The monthly stipend (KRW 1.5M–2M) is designed to cover basic living expenses.
5. Is knowledge of Korean language required?
   No. However, evening Korean classes are offered during the fellowship period.
6. Can I bring my family with me?
   Yes. Childcare support is available depending on your circumstances.
7. Are there any restrictions on eligible countries?
   Yes. You must be a national from OECD DAC countries to get this fellowship.
8. Can lecturers or teaching assistants apply?
   Yes, provided they meet the 6-month teaching/research experience requirement.
9. How many semesters does the tuition cover?
   The scholarship covers six semesters (up to 4 years) of tuition.
10. What happens after the PhD of Seoul National University President Fellowship 2026?
    You are expected to return to your university and continue your academic role.

If you’re a faculty member in a developing country aiming to pursue a world-class PhD in a supportive and fully funded environment, don’t miss this opportunity at Seoul National University. The SNU President Fellowship is your bridge to becoming a future academic leader in your field.

Applications open till August 31, 2025 — begin preparing now and take the next step in your academic journey. APPLY NOW.

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