Social Welfare

The Department of Social Welfare at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary undergraduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex social issues and improve the well-being of individuals and communities. The curriculum integrates various fields such as psychology, sociology, economics, public health, and policy studies to provide a well-rounded understanding of social problems and the methods to solve them. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, ethical considerations, and practical skills through coursework, field practice, and research projects. The program aims to cultivate social workers, policy analysts, community development specialists, and researchers who are committed to fostering social justice and equity. Faculty members are renowned experts in social welfare, and they guide students through theoretical foundations and practical applications of intervention techniques, social research, and program evaluation. Students gain hands-on experience via internships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups, providing them with real-world insights and professional networks. The department also emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and global perspectives, preparing graduates to work effectively in diverse environments and international contexts. Graduates of the Social Welfare program are equipped to pursue careers in various settings, including social service agencies, healthcare institutions, educational organizations, government departments, and international NGOs. They can also continue their education through graduate studies in social work, public administration, psychology, or related fields. The program aims to foster compassionate and competent social welfare professionals who can contribute to building a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive society.

• Social Work Practice Models and Skills
• Social Welfare Statistics 1
• Studies on the Welfare State
• Advanced Filed Work in Social Welfare
• Social Welfare Statistics 2
• Theories of Social Welfare Policy
• Social Psychology and Social Welfare
• Social Services for the Disabled
• Topics in Social Welfare Policy
• Public Health and Medical Welfare
• Theories of Social Security System
• Advanced Social Research Data Analysis
• Social Welfare, Economic Growth, and Income Inequality
• Methodology in Clinical Social Work
• Evaluation  and Analysis of Social Service Programs
• Advanced Topics in Social Welfare Service
• Studies in Social Work Fields
• Advanced Topics in Clinical Social Work
• Seminar in Social Welfare Policy
• Analysis of Social Welfare Practice
• Studies on Social Policies
• Seminar on Social Welfare Policies in Response to Population Aging
• Seminar on Psychiatric Social Work
• Social Development of the World
• Theories of Ecological Welfare
• Theories of Human Development in Social Work
• Stidy of Loss and Grief in Human Life
• Reading and Research
• Theories in Welfare State Strategies

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

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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 Social Welfare program at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address social issues and improve the well-being of individuals and communities. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating social sciences, policy analysis, psychology, and community development to prepare graduates for diverse roles in social service agencies, government institutions, NGOs, and research organizations. Students engage in both theoretical studies and practical experiences, including internships and field work, to ensure they are well-equipped to handle real-world challenges. The coursework covers essential topics such as social policy, counseling techniques, community development, human rights, and ethics in social work. The program also aims to foster critical thinking, cultural competence, and leadership skills, enabling students to advocate effectively for vulnerable populations and contribute to social justice initiatives. Faculty members in the program are distinguished professionals and researchers committed to advancing social welfare practices and policies through innovative research and community engagement. Admission into the program is competitive, requiring applicants to demonstrate a strong academic background, motivation for social service, and relevant experiences. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue careers in public and private sectors, including social work practice, policy formulation, research, and leadership roles in various social organizations. The program adheres to national and international standards for social work education, ensuring that students receive a globally recognized qualification that empowers them to make impactful contributions to society. Constant curriculum updates and collaborations with local and international social welfare organizations ensure the program remains relevant and aligned with current trends and challenges in the field of social welfare.