The state-run Seoul National University has provided scholarships to 332 students from China, Mongolia, Vietnam and several other developing countries to help them start study at the university next month, a university spokesman said Sunday.

The scholarships for each student of up to 25 million won (US$22,055) per year, including tuition fees, living expenses and air fare, are part of the university's project to train students from developing countries to be professors in their home countries.

Out of the total, 71 are doctorate students, 188 master's degree students and 73 undergraduate students.

The university said its has undergone the process for the selection of the students since June, adding it will begin another process in September to choose students who will begin studying in the first semester of next year.

"It is the first time that Seoul National University staff has gone abroad to recruit students," the spokesman said. "We hope to get more excellent students in the next semester as we've launched publicity activities abroad." (Yonhap)