Seoul National University vs The University of Tokyo: Complete Comparison 2026
Side-by-side look at Seoul National University and The University of Tokyo: QS 2026 ranks 38 vs 36. Acceptance, tuition, language tests, and typical IB/A-Level…
→ Seoul National University profile → The University of Tokyo profile
Summary comparison
Figures come from the GlobalAdmit dataset — always confirm on each university’s official admissions site.
| Metric | Seoul National University | The University of Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| QS rank 2026 | 38 | 36 |
| Location | 首爾，韓國, KR 🇰🇷 | 東京，日本, JP 🇯🇵 |
| Tier | top30 | top30 |
| Acceptance rate | — | — |
| Tuition (intl / yr) | — | — |
| Testing policy (US HS notes) | International admissions tracks differ (early/off regular); verify current brochure for English-taught versus Korean-medium programmes. | US high school evaluated with transcripts; PEAK and other English programmes publish separate requirements. |
| Standardised test (mid / range) | — | — |
| Language (summary) | — | — |
| IB typical | IB accepted where listed for international applicant pools; check faculty-specific minima. | IB Diploma used for international undergraduate tracks; Japanese-medium programmes typically require high JLPT or entran |
| A-Level typical | Foreign-school credentials evaluated per office guidelines; subject prerequisites vary by college. | A-levels assessed alongside English proficiency; science faculties set subject prerequisites. |
| Notable programmes | - ★韓國語文學 · - ★政治外交學 · - ★經濟學 · - ★數學 · - ★物理學 · - ★化學 | - ★法學 · - ★醫學科 · - ★機械工學 · - ★電氣電子工學 · - ★資訊工學 · - ★人文學 |
Strengths
Seoul National University
- Strong QS World University Rankings position (31–100 band).
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
The University of Tokyo
- Strong QS World University Rankings position (31–100 band).
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
Popular majors (overlap)
Where both profiles list the same popular major label (case-insensitive).
- - ★經濟學
- - ★數學
- - ★物理學
- - ★化學
Which is right for you?
If rankings are your north star
The University of Tokyo sits higher in QS 2026 (36 vs 38). That often correlates with research intensity and global name recognition — but Seoul National University can still win on programme fit, city, or cost.
If you are coming from IB / A-Levels / US high school
Compare the admission tabs on each profile: Seoul National University vs The University of Tokyo can invert depending on whether you are optimising for IB typical offers, A-level expectations, or US-style testing. Use the evaluator after you narrow your list.
Related comparisons
Curated high-traffic pairs — or use the picker on /compare for any two schools.