Visiting Fellow Program

The Visiting Fellow Program at Seoul National University (SNU) provides international researchers and students with opportunities to conduct research and academic activities at SNU under the guidance and support of SNU faculty members.
There are two categories of Visiting Fellows:
  • Visiting Scholars (E-3 Visa)
  • Visiting Student Researchers (D-2-5 Visa)
Duration

The research period is determined by the Host Professor and Host Unit based on the proposed research plan.
Extensions may be permitted subject to the relevant SNU administrative procedures and approval.

Eligibility
Visiting Scholars (E-3)
  • Faculty members or researchers affiliated with overseas universities or research institutions
  • Hold a doctoral degree, including an expected doctoral degree, or
  • Hold a master’s degree with relevant professional experience, subject to applicable eligibility requirements
  • Invited by an SNU faculty member
Additional eligibility requirements or exemptions may apply depending on the applicant’s academic background and qualifications.
Visiting Student Researchers
(D-2-5)
  • Students enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program at an overseas university or research institution
  • Have completed at least one semester at the overseas institution
  • Conduct short-term research with an SNU professor or research team
  • Have sufficient proficiency in English or Korean to participate in research activities, where required by the host unit
  • Invited by an SNU faculty member
Application Procedure
  • 1
    Contact an SNU faculty member and obtain agreement to host your research.
  • 2
    Complete the relevant internal procedures with the Host Unit (department, college, graduate school, research institute, etc.).
  • 3
    Prepare the required documents and submit them through the Host Unit to the OGA.
  • 4
    The OGA reviews the documents and proceeds with the relevant administrative and visa procedures.
  • 5
    Receive the official documents required for the visa application and apply for the appropriate visa.
  • 6
    Arrive at SNU and complete the required registration and orientation procedures.

Important: The OGA does not assign or match prospective Visiting Fellows with SNU faculty members or Host Units. Applicants must first establish a host relationship with an SNU faculty member.

Application Period

Applications should be submitted at least two months before the intended research start date to allow sufficient time for administrative processing and visa procedures.
Applicants are advised to contact their prospective Host Professor and Host Unit well in advance, as internal procedures may vary by unit.

Required Documents
The required documents may vary depending on the applicant’s category, nationality, academic background, research period, and visa requirements.
Visiting Scholars (E-3)
Required documents may include:
  • Visa Application Form
  • Passport copy (valid for at least six months)
  • Passport-size photograph
  • SNU institution’s business registration certificate
  • Employment Contract
  • Degree Certificate (Graduation certificate of a Master’s degree or higher with Apostille or Consular Authentication)
  • Certificate of Employment or Career Certificate (Not required for applicants holding a doctoral degree)
  • Visa Issuance Confirmation, where applicable
  • Other documents required to verify eligibility, where applicable
Visiting Student Researchers
(D-2-5)
Required documents may include:
  • Visa Application Form
  • Passport copy (valid for at least six months)
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Research Student Confirmation Form (외국인 연구생 확인서)
  • Degree Certificate (Graduation certificate of a Master’s degree or higher with Apostille or Consular Authentication)
  • Documents verifying financial capability (e.g., bank balance certificate, confirmation of research stipend payment)
  • SNU institution’s business registration certificate
  • Tuberculosis Medical Certificate, if applicable
  • Family relationship certificate, if applicable
  • Other documents required by SNU or the relevant immigration authority
Required documents may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, academic background, research period, and visa requirements.
Campus Usage Fee
CategoryHumanities & Social SciencesScience, Engineering & MedicineRemarks
Campus Usage FeeKRW 5,000/dayKRW 6,000/dayTotal Fee =
Number of Days of Stay × Daily Fee
  • The academic field is determined based on the department in which the Visiting Student Researcher is registered as an SNU graduate research student.
  • The number of days is based on the research period stated on the Foreign Research Student Confirmation (외국인 연구생 확인서) submitted for the D-2-5 visa application.
  • The campus usage fee must be paid in full before the research period begins.
  • For a stay of less than 30 days, a minimum fee of KRW 150,000 applies to Humanities & Social Sciences and KRW 200,000 applies to Science, Engineering & Medicine.
  • The campus usage fee is non-refundable if the research period is shortened, the research visit is cancelled or discontinued, or the visitor returns to their home country for personal reasons.
  • The OGA will provide individual payment instructions and a Flywire payment link to the applicant.
  • Any overseas remittance fees or other costs incurred during the payment process are the applicant’s responsibility.

※ The campus usage fee applies based on the visitor’s status of stay. Even if the invitee is a professor or researcher at an overseas institution, the fee applies if the person enters SNU as a Visiting Student Researcher (D-2-5).

Important Notes
  • Applicants must obtain agreement from an SNU Host Professor before proceeding with the application.
  • The OGA does not assign or match applicants with SNU professors or Host Units.
  • Applications should be submitted at least two months before the intended research start date.
  • The Host Unit is responsible for submitting the required documents to the OGA.
  • Required documents may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, academic background, research period, and visa requirements.
  • Applicants are responsible for complying with Korean immigration regulations throughout their stay.
  • For stays of more than 90 days, foreign nationals are generally required to complete foreigner registration in accordance with Korean immigration regulations.
  • Any change to the research period, including an extension, shortening, or early termination, should be reported to the Host Unit and OGA.
  • S-CARD can only be issued after the applicable campus usage service fee has been paid. S-CARD is valid only during the registered research period and cannot be used before the research period begins.