Program

What is the SNU International Summer Program (ISP)?

SNU International Summer Program (ISP) presents a unique opportunity for students to experience academic life at Seoul National University, Korea’s most prestigious university and one of the leading universities in the world. SNU International Summer Program (ISP)’s intensive five-week summer program taught by distinguished SNU and visiting faculty members offers its participants the chance to learn in depth from experts on Korea and East Asia, as well as a range of topics from the disciplines of Economics and Business Management to History, Politics, Sociology, Engineering and Natural Sciences, and Arts. The SNU International Summer Program (ISP) also provides courses on Korean language and traditional arts for students wishing acquire or advance their Korean language abilities while immersing Korea’s contemporary and traditional culture.

When and where does the program take place?

SNU International Summer Program (ISP) is held at Seoul National University’s Gwanak campus in Seoul, South Korea. The Academic Calendar for the 2023 SNU International Summer Program (ISP) is as follows:

Date (Year 2023) Event
January 9 Beginning of Application Period
April 4 Early-bird registration deadline
May 9 Deadline for Applications & Course Registration
May 12 Deadline for Program Fee Payment
June 26-27 Dormitory Check-in
June 27 Opening Ceremony
June 28 & 29 Orientation
July 26 Last Day of Classes & Final Exam
July 28 Closing Ceremony
July 29 Dormitory Check-out

What are the eligibility requirements? What courses are offered?

What courses are offered?

Over 40 regular and internship courses taught in English

What extracurricular activities outside of courses are available?

Customized field-trips to regional cities, festivals, and “local-recommended” spots (admission fees may apply). A multitude of activities such as sports events, games, K-pop dance, movie nights, and more (free of cost).

Will I be able to transfer the academic credits earned at SNU International Summer Program (ISP) to my home institution?

Most courses at SNU International Summer Program (ISP) award students with SNU academic credits upon completion of the course. Most universities allow credit transfer, however, students must check with their department or academic adviser before registering at SNU International Summer Program (ISP). We strongly recommended that you receive pre-approval in advance, as credit transfer is highly dependent on which course you take at SNU International Summer Program (ISP) and how it fits into your degree program. Also, universities in certain countries, such as the United Kingdom, do not allow credit transfer from outside institutions.

How much does it cost?

All fees should be paid in either Korean won (KRW) or US dollar (USD) via wire-transfer.
Various scholarships are available (please refer to the "Scholarship").

Application Fee KRW USD Remarks
Mandatory Tuition 200,000 180 Application fee
1,200,000 1,080 1 course (2 credits)
1,800,000 1,620 1 course (3 credits)
2,400,000 2,160 2 courses (4 credits)
3,000,000 2,700 2 courses (5 credits)
3,600,000 3,400 2-3 courses (up to 9 credits)
Optional Field Trip 300,000 260
On Campus Housing 900,000 510,000 800 450 Dormitory Lodging
(Meal plan not included)
390,000 350 International Summer Program (ISP) Administration Fees
(Mandatory)

* 7% of the tuition discount will be offered for taking more than 5 credits.
* 20% of the tuition discount will be offered for an early-registration (by April 4).

**Course Materials: The tuition covers most of the cost for course materials, however, certain courses may require you to purchase text books in addition to the materials provided in class. Due to copyright issues, students are responsible for purchasing books if it is a requirement for the course.
*** Meals: The tuition or housing fees do not include the cost for meals. SNU’s campus hosts many cafeterias that offer meals at a low cost (KRW 1,700~6,000). SNU International Summer Program (ISP) students are eligible for the student meal cost with their student ID card issued by SNU International Summer Program (ISP).

Is financial assistance available?

SNU International Summer Program (ISP) offers a variety of scholarships:

What is the housing offered by SNU International Summer Program (ISP) (SNU on-campus dormitory) like?

The SNU Dormitory is located in SNU’s Gwanak campus and is within walking distance from classrooms, the library, and cafeterias. All dormitory rooms are double-occupancy, and each room is shared by SNU International Summer Program (ISP) students. The rooms are fully equipped with a private washroom and shower, air-conditioner, beds, closets, and desks/chairs as well as a shared mini-refrigerator. SNU International Summer Program (ISP) will be providing bedding and pillows free of charge.
In the dormitory building, there are laundry rooms with washing and drying machines where students can do their laundry free of charge (detergent not provided), and on each floor, there is a shared common room with a microwave and a single-burner portable induction stove.
* Dormitory housing is not guaranteed for all students as there are limited spots available. Rooms are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis to students who register during the course/housing registration period in May. Roommates will be allotted randomly, but students who wish to occupy a room together can have this arranged by arriving together at the dormitory.

What is the housing offered by SNU International Summer Program (ISP) (Off-campus studio) like?

SNU International Summer Program (ISP) provides an off-campus housing service. Off-campus housing is located within 1-3km from SNU’s Gwanak campus. SNU’s free shuttle buses and city buses can be used for transportation, or students may walk to the campus. The studios are fully furnished with a bed, closet, desk, and are equipped with a bathroom, a small kitchen, and a washer.
* Off- campus housing is not guaranteed for all students as there are limited spots available. Rooms are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Do I need to get a visa to attend the program?

Students need to consult with the Embassy of Korea in their country to determine if a visa is required and apply for an entry visa if needed. Many countries have a visa exemption agreement with Korea which allows entering and staying in Korea for up to 90 days. If you are from a country that has such a 90-day visa exemption agreement, it is possible to attend SNU International Summer Program (ISP) without acquiring a visa. For students from countries without or with only a 30~60-day visa exemption agreement, SNU International Summer Program (ISP) will provide the documentation needed to apply for a visa.

To check your country's visa exemption status visit http://sgp.mofa.go.kr/english/as/sgp/visa/issuance/index.jsp

How do I apply?

Visit the SNU International Summer Program (ISP) website for application instructions and learn more about the application process. SNU International Summer Program (ISP) only accepts online applications through the SNU International Summer Program (ISP) website at https://summer.snu.ac.kr.

Applications for 2023 open on January 9, 2023. Updated information on the course offerings and extra-curricular program will also be available at this time.

How can I find out more information?

Please refer to the SNU International Summer Program (ISP) website at https://summer.snu.ac.kr for more details. Information about course offerings and extra-curricular activities will be provided in January.

For any inquiries regarding the program, please email summer@snu.ac.kr or telephone +82-2-880-4449.