South Korea is an increasingly popular study destination for international students, with more than 200,000 currently enjoying its unique culture, quality education and relatively low tuition fees. It all makes for a very attractive prospect, but one that will require some effort – especially when it comes to gaining permission to enter the country. To make things more simple, we've put together a guide to applying for a Korean student visa.
Types of student visa in South Korea
D-2 Visa
This visa is for any student enrolling on a bachelor's, master's or PhD programme at a higher education institution in Korea. It can also be used by exchange students and those attending summer schools in the country.
The D-2 Visa allows you to stay in Korea for up to two years. If your course is due to last longer than that, you will need to renew it before it expires. This should not be too much to worry about – you should still be entitled to the visa, and your university's international office may prepare you for getting it extended.
If you intend to study in Korea for less than 90 days – for example, at a summer school – you must apply for a specific category of D-2 visa. The D-2-8 visa differs slightly from the longer-term version in that less documentation is required to apply.
D-4 Visa
This visa is for anyone undertaking training or research with a university or research institute. So, if you are one of the many people entering Korea to enrol on a university-run language course, it is the option for you.
The D-4 Visa lasts for six months, at which point it can be renewed, providing that you remain eligible to have one. The visa can be renewed again after 12 and 18 months, but no further. Therefore, the longest amount of time you can spend in Korea on a D-4 Visa is two years.
To apply for either student visa, you will need to be accepted onto an educational course. Learn how to make that happen as we explain how to apply to study in South Korea.
Where to apply
Applications for Korean student visas must be made in person, at the South Korean embassy or consulate in your country. This allows the people processing your application to see you and physical copies of your documentation. Although you can fill out part of the application online, you must print this and bring it with you for assessment.
Once you are studying in Korea, you will be able to extend your visa from within the country. Additionally, you may be able to apply to stay there after your course finishes. In that case, you might want to read our guide to finding a graduate career in South Korea.
What you will need to apply
As you might expect, applying for a Korean student visa requires organisation. You will need to put a few things together to complete the process, including:
- Application form
- Proof of admission or enrolment
- Most recent educational certificate
- Valid passport and separate passport photo (must be taken within the last six months)
- Proof of financial security (e.g. personal bank statements, sponsors' bank statements, or details of loans/scholarships)
- Documents proving your family relations (only required for students from 21 countries including India, Pakistan and Nigeria)
- Business registration certificate of your university
Although you may be required to provide other documents or complete other tasks, those listed above are among the most common requirements. It is also important to remember that your application form and documents will need to be in the English or Korean language. If they are not, they must be translated by a verified translator.
If you would like to learn more about how university will work in the country once you get there, read our guide to the South Korean higher education system.
Application fees
Both the D-2 and D-4 visas have an application fee that will typically be between USD 40 and USD 90. The longer you intend to stay, the higher your fee will be. Multiple entry visas, which allow you to leave and return to Korea more than once, are the most expensive. Fees may also vary according to your nationality, and are updated every six months to reflect exchange rates.
Want to know about what you'll pay while studying in the country? Take a look at our guide to the cost of living in South Korea for international students.
How long does it take to get a visa?
It can take anywhere from two weeks to two months for your visa application to be processed. The amount of time can vary depending on your country of origin, whether there are any complications with your application, and when you apply. January to March and June to August are considered to be the busiest times for processing.
Can I stay after graduating?
International students who graduate in South Korea can apply to stay and work in the country on a D-10 Visa. Currently, this can last for up to two years, but the limit will soon be extended to three years. In addition, while only certain areas of employment offer eligibility, more will soon be accepted.
These changes are part of South Korea's aim to attract 100,000 skilled and professional workers from elsewhere by 2027. This also includes the introduction of a Top-Tier visa that will grant more rights to graduates of high-tech fields, and the opportunity for "outstanding science and technology graduates" to apply for residency.
If this article has helped you feel more sure about your study plans, you might want to read our guide to student accommodation in Korea. Alternatively, if you're still wondering whether the country is right for you, you could consider our top reasons to study in Korea.
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