Social Welfare

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English Korean
Foreign:$ 1.9 k / Semester(s) Deadline: Feb 1, 2026
60 place StudyQA ranking:13553 Duration:8 semestrs

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Program Description: The Bachelor of Social Welfare at Seoul National University offers students a comprehensive education aimed at understanding and addressing social issues through professional practice and academic knowledge. The program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and theoretical foundations necessary to contribute effectively to the welfare and well-being of diverse populations within society. Throughout the course, students will explore various aspects of social work, including community development, social policy analysis, counseling techniques, and ethical considerations in social welfare practice. The curriculum integrates both classroom instruction and practical field experiences, enabling students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios under the supervision of experienced professionals. Emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach, the program encourages students to develop critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication skills that are essential for working with individuals, families, and communities facing social challenges. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in social service agencies, non-governmental organizations, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and governmental departments dedicated to social welfare. They may also pursue advanced studies in social work or related fields, contributing to policy development and research initiatives. The program fosters a collaborative learning environment where students engage in internships, community service projects, and research activities that complement their academic pursuits. Supported by Seoul National University’s distinguished faculty members, students gain access to cutting-edge resources and networks within the social welfare sector, ensuring they are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to society. Committed to promoting social justice and equity, the program aims to cultivate compassionate professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life for all members of society, especially the most vulnerable populations.

  • Happiness and Social Welfare
  • Understanding Welfare States
  • Contemporary Society and Social Welfare
  • International Development Cooperation and Social Welfare
  • Introduction to Social Welfare
  • Social Scientific Understanding of the Welfare State
  • Social Welfare Administration
  • Social Welfare Research
  • Studies on Poverty
  • Human Behavior and Social Environment
  • Social Problems
  • History of Social Welfare
  • Ethnics and Philosophy in Social Welfare
  • Theories of Welfare State
  • Social Security
  • Social Welfare Policy
  • Welfare for the Aged
  • Community Welfare and Development
  • Welfare for the Disabled
  • Field Work in Social Welfare
  • Social Welfare Practice Theories
  • Skills and Techniques for Social Welfare Practice
  • Social Work in Mental Health
  • Data Analysis for Social Welfare
  • Topics in Social Welfare
  • Social Welfare and Law
  • Social Services for Women
  • Industrial Social Welfare
  1. Online application
  2. Either proof of Korean or English proficiency is required;     1) Korean Proficiency: TOPIK level 3 or higher     2) English Proficiency: TOEFL (PBT 550, CBT 213, iBT 80), TEPS 551, IELTS 5.5 or higher     3) Other official documents indicating proof of language proficiency (ie. SNU Korean Language Center Level 4 or higher)
  3. Personal Statement and Study Plan
  4. Letter of Recommendation
  5. Counselor Reference
  6. Official High School Transcript and Graduation Certificate
  7. A Copy of the Applicant’s Passport
  8. Certificate of Facts concerning the Entry and Exit
  9. Portfolio, Records of Achievement, etc.
  10. Agreement for Verification of Academic Record

If you wish to apply for the scholarship program, please fill out the scholarship application form every semester. Application period:

  • During November(1st semester)
  • During May(2nd semester)

New  Student (Merit scholarship)

  • Funding: Fully funded or partially funded (admission fee + tuition 10%)
  • Eligibility: New undergraduate student (Full fund – 2 by college (excluding science and engineering);

Partial fund – selected within the 30% of the registered students)

Current Student (Merit scholarship)

  • GPA requirement: Completed more than one semester; 3.6 GPA or higher (average of all semesters)
  • Funding: Fully funded
  • Eligibility: Undergraduate student (selected from the allotted pool)

International Student Scholarship:

  • GPA requirement: 2.4 GPA or higher (average of the previous semester)
  • Funding: Tuition and fees (partial or fully funded)
  • Eligibility: International student in the government-funded (government-invited) scholarship, international

    student (self-funded), Korean student living overseas and studying in Korea (undergraduate and graduate course)

SNU Foundation Scholarship:

  • GPA requirement: 2.7 GPA or higher (average of the previous semester)
  • Funding: Tuition and fees (partial or fully funded)
  • Feature: Scholarship funded by some 200 funds created by Seoul National University Foundation
  •  

The following is the scholarship programs offered for undergraduate applicants. Students may apply for the programs before or during the admission application period. Applicants may find program details via this website http://en.snu.ac.kr/apply/info or supporting organizations.

Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

Eligibility

  • International applicants who wish to apply for 4-year undergraduate programs of SNU.
  • * Those who wish to study in the programs longer than 4 years – such as medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and architecture – cannot apply for this scholarship.

Number of Recipients

  • Approximately 20~40 every year

Subsidies

  • Full tuition fee: tuition exemption for 8 semesters
  • Living expenses: 800,000 KRW per month
  • Airfare: one economy round trip
  • Korean language training fee: one year
    * Korean language training is mandatory and when the student does not achieve TOPIK grade 3 within a year, she/he is not eligible to enter the degree program.
  • Others: medical insurance, settlement and returning expenses

Application Period

  • September

Selection Procedure

  • Applicants submit applications for this program to Korean embassies in their countries ⇒ the embassies make the first selection ⇒ the National Institute for International Education make the final selection

Contact

  • SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-6971, sck590@snu.ac.kr

Reference

  • NIIED: http://www.studyinkorea.go.kr (English version) ⇒ GKS ⇒ Introduction to the projects ⇒ Korean Government Scholarship Program
  • 2016 KGSP Guideline Download

Overseas Koreans Scholarship

Eligibility

  • Overseas Korean students who wish to take undergraduate degrees at SNU

Number of Recipients

  • Approximately 5 students

Subsidies

  • Full tuition exemption for a maximum of 8 semesters
  • Living expenses: 800,000 KRW per month
  • Airfare for one economy round trip
  • Korean language training fee: fee exemption at the Language Education Institute for 8 months
  • Medical insurance fees

Application Period

  • March

Selection Procedure

  • Applicants submit applications to Korean embassies in their countries ⇒ the embassies make the first selection ⇒ the Overseas Koreans Foundation make the second selection

Contacts

  • SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-2519, intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr
  • Overseas Koreans Foundation: 82-2-3415-0174, ljh@okf.or.kr
    * The latest announcement on this scholarship can be found only via the foundation’s website.

Reference

  • Overseas Koreans Foundation: http://scholarship.korean.net (Korean)

The Social Welfare program at Seoul National University offers comprehensive education and training designed to prepare students for professional roles in social services, community development, and policy-making related to social welfare. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications to equip students with the skills necessary to address diverse social issues, including poverty, aging, disability, and family crises. Students gain a deep understanding of social systems, welfare policies, and ethical considerations relevant to social work practice.

The program includes coursework in social work methods, social policy analysis, mental health, community organization, and research methodology. Practical experience is integrated through internships, fieldwork, and community engagement initiatives, enabling students to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings. Faculty members are experts in social welfare, with research interests spanning public policy, social services, and human rights, providing students with mentorship and opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research.

Admission to the program is competitive, with requirements including academic excellence and relevant experience or motivation for working in social welfare. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare institutions, and international agencies focused on social development. The program also offers pathways for advanced studies and research for students interested in academia or policy analysis.

Seoul National University’s Social Welfare program is committed to fostering socially responsible professionals capable of making meaningful contributions to society. It emphasizes multicultural understanding, ethical practice, and innovative approaches to solving social problems. The university’s extensive network and partnerships facilitate job placement and collaborative research, enhancing graduates' career prospects.

Overall, the program aims to develop well-rounded social welfare practitioners who can think critically, act compassionately, and implement sustainable solutions tailored to complex social issues. Graduates are expected to influence policy, advocate for vulnerable populations, and contribute to building more equitable and inclusive communities. The program is recognized for its academic rigor, practical training, and dedication to social betterment, making it a leading choice for students pursuing careers dedicated to social justice and human welfare.

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