Astronomy

Astronomy at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive and rigorous academic program designed to cultivate students' understanding of the universe through theoretical foundations and practical research experiences. The curriculum emphasizes the development of strong analytical and problem-solving skills, enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully to the fields of astrophysics, space science, and observational astronomy. Students are exposed to a wide range of subjects, including celestial mechanics, astrophysical fluid dynamics, stellar and galactic astronomy, cosmology, and instrumentation techniques. The program integrates modern computational skills with traditional observational methods, equipping students to analyze complex astronomical data and conduct independent research. Students have access to state-of-the-art astronomical observatories, laboratories, and libraries, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and discovery. The faculty comprises leading experts in various domains of astronomy and astrophysics, providing mentorship and guidance through seminars, workshops, and research projects. The program encourages participation in national and international collaborations, internships, and conferences, ensuring that students are well-prepared for careers in academia, research institutes, government agencies, and private enterprises related to space and astrophysical research. Graduates will possess a solid foundation in physics and mathematics, alongside specialized knowledge of astronomical phenomena, preparing them to address fundamental questions about the origin, evolution, and structure of the universe. By integrating theoretical coursework, practical laboratory sessions, and cutting-edge research opportunities, the Astronomy program at Seoul National University aims to cultivate innovative scientists capable of advancing our understanding of the cosmos and contributing to technological advancements in space exploration and observation.

• Techniques in Astronomical Observation

• Radio Astronomy

• Astrophysics 

• Astronomical Spectroscopy and Lab.

• Solar Physics 

• Stellar Atmosphere

• Interstellar Matter 

• Astronomical Instrumentation and Lab.

• Interstellar Gas Dynamics

• Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology

• Stellar Structure and Evolution

• Astronomical Magnetohydrodynamics

• Stellar Dynamics and Gravitation

• Topics in Observational Astronomy

• Topics in Astronomical Spectroscopy

• Topics in Extragalactic Astronomy

• Seminar in Astrophysics

• Research in Theoretical Astronomy 

• Topics in Current Astronomy

• Topics in Radio Astronomy

• Topics in Cosmology

• Topics in Solar Physics

• Topics in Physics of Interstellar Medium

• Reading and Research 

1. Online
   application
2. 
   proof
   of
   Korean
   
   proficiency
   is
   required;
   
   
   
   
   1)
   Korean
   Proficiency:
   TOPIK
   level
   3
   or
   higher
   
   
   
   
   2)
   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)

International Student Scholarship

• GPA requirement: 3.0 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)

Lecture/Research Scholarship

• GPA requirement: 3.3 GPA or higher (average of the previous semester; excluding new students)
• Eligibility: Graduate student recommended by the advising professor; an annual income of less than KRW 12 million
• Working condition: 10 or more hours a week (40 hours/month)
• Responsibility: Assist the lectures by the professor, general electives and research; help students with their course; manage assignments; manage laboratory; fulfill administrative duties for the undergraduate course, etc.
• Funding: Current student: Fully funded tuition and fees and monthly scholarship;

  Research student: Monthly scholarship

• Termination: If on leave of absence, disciplinary action or determined to be unqualified for other reasons

Core TA Scholarship

• Eligibility: Returning graduate student and research student
• Funding: Type A – Tuition (partially funded) and monthly research aid / Type B  – Half of the monthly research aid
• Duration: 1st semester : March – August (6 months) /

  2nd semester: September – February of the following year (6 months)

• Responsibility: Attend the assigned lecture; supervise discussion; check assignments; focus on Laboratory

  sessions/Experiment/Practice courses; assist practice, etc.

SNU Foundation Scholarship

• GPA requirement: 3.3 GPA or higher (average of the previous semester)
• Funding: Tuition and fees (partially or fully funded)
• Feature: Scholarship funded by some 200 funds created by Seoul National University Foundation

The following is the scholarship programs offered for graduate applicants. Students may apply for the programs before or during the admission application period. The annual announcement will be posted on this websitehttp://en.snu.ac.kr/apply/info.

Graduate Scholarship for Excellent Foreign Students (GSFS)

Eligibility

• Asian students, excluding Japanese and Chinese nationals, who wish to study one of the designated graduate programs
  * The programs eligible for this scholarship are subject to change, and different by applicants’ nationalities. The eligible programs list is announced every semester.

Number of Recipients

• Approximately 20

Subsidies

• Tuition fee: full tuition exemption for a maximum of 4 semesters
• Living expenses: 500,000 KRW per month (different according to recipients’ majors)

Application Period

• During admission period for international students every semester

Selection Procedure

• Applicants who submit admission application to SNU’s Office of Admissions ⇒ applicants submit scholarship application to SNU’s Office of International Affairs ⇒ Selection made by respective Colleges/Schools based on the admission documents ⇒ decision noticed

Contact

• SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-2519, intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr

Silk-Road Scholarship

Eligibility

• Applicants from the countries in the ‘Silk-Road’ area who want to study humanities or social sciences, including Korean language, history, culture, politics, and economics

Number of Recipients

• About 5 new graduate students

Subsidies

• Tuition fee: full tuition fee exemption for a maximum of 4 semesters
• Living expenses: maximum of 600,000 KRW per month for 4 semesters
• Airfare: maximum of 1 million KRW for one economy round trip
• Korean language training fee: fee exemption at the Language Education Institute

Application Period

• During admission period for international students every Fall semester

Selection Procedure

• Applicants who submit admission application to SNU’s Office of Admissions ⇒ applicants submit scholarship application to SNU’s Office of International Affairs ⇒ Selection made by respective Colleges/Schools based on the admission documents ⇒ decision noticed

Contact

• SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-2519, intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr

Overseas Koreans Scholarship

Eligibility

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

Subsidies

• Full tuition exemption
• Living expenses: 800,000 KRW per month for 4 semesters
• Insurance fees: approximately 30,000 per month
• Settlement expenses aid upon initial arrival: 500,000 KRW (one-time payment)
• Airfare for one economy round trip
• Language training expenses: for 2 semesters

Application Period

• March and September

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

Contact

• SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-2519, intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr

Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

Eligibility

• International students applying for SNU’s graduate programs

Number of Recipients

• 325

Subsidies

• Full tuition fee: tuition exemption for 4 semesters for master’s program and 6 semesters for Ph. D program
• Living expenses: 900,000 KRW per month
• Airfare: one economy round trip
• Korean language training fee: for 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, research fund, thesis printing fees, settlement and returning expenses

Application Period

• February

Selection Procedure

※ Applicants choose one of the following application methods.

• University Recommendation Program: applicants submit applications to SNU’s Office of Admission ⇒ the National Institute for International Education make the selection
• Embassy Recommendation Program: applications submit applications to Korean Embassies in their countries ⇒ the National Institute for International Education make the selection

Contact

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

The Astronomy program at Seoul National University offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental and advanced aspects of astronomy and astrophysics. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and computational methods necessary for understanding celestial phenomena. Students gain theoretical knowledge about the universe, including the formation and evolution of stars, galaxies, and cosmic structures, as well as observational techniques used to study these objects. The program emphasizes practical skills through laboratory work and observational projects, often utilizing the university's state-of-the-art telescopes and research facilities. Students have opportunities to participate in active research projects, contributing to current scientific inquiries and developments in the field. The faculty includes renowned experts in astronomy and astrophysics, offering mentorship and guidance to nurture students into capable researchers. Seoul National University also collaborates with international institutions, providing students access to global research networks and conferences. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue careers in scientific research, academia, or related industries such as aerospace and data analysis. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and curiosity about the universe, fostering a new generation of astronomers who can contribute to the advancement of space science and exploration.