Seoul National University to recruit Vietnamese students for new international division

Seoul National University (SNU) has identified Vietnam as a priority market for recruiting students into its first international-only undergraduate division, set to commence operations in fall 2027. The initiative represents a significant expansion of the institution's global outreach strategy and signals growing competition among Asia's leading universities to attract international talent.

Alongside Vietnam, SNU is focusing recruitment efforts on mainland China, Taiwan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The selection of these markets reflects the university's strategic interest in East Asian and Central Asian regions, where strong academic talent pools and growing demand for quality higher education exist.

The new international division marks a departure from SNU's traditional undergraduate enrollment model, which has primarily served domestic South Korean students. By creating a dedicated pathway for international applicants, the university aims to diversify its student body and establish itself as a destination institution for Asia-Pacific learners.

Details regarding admission requirements, program structure and scholarship opportunities for the new division have not yet been finalized. SNU's move comes as universities across South Korea increasingly pursue internationalization strategies to enhance their competitive positioning in global higher education markets and generate additional revenue streams from international student tuition fees.