🛂 Student visa — South Korea

Who needs this visa?

International students enrolling in regular degree programmes in Korea generally need a D-2 visa. Study in Korea, run by Korea's National Institute for International Education, explains that students in regular academic programmes need the D-2 visa, while non-degree Korean language or training programmes usually use D-4.

Main documents

For the D-2 visa, Study in Korea lists documents such as passport copy, recent photo, educational institution registration certificate, standard admission letter, proof of highest education level, tuberculosis test result if applicable, and proof of family relationship if parents' bank statements are used.

Application process

The process usually starts with admission to a Korean university. The university may issue a standard admission letter and may help with visa issuance documentation. The student then applies through the Korean embassy, consulate, or visa centre responsible for their country of residence. After arrival, students normally need to register for a residence card within the required period.

Working while studying

Work is possible but regulated. Study in Korea explains that international students on D-2 or D-4 status need Korean language proficiency and permission from the local immigration office before working part-time. This means students should not assume they can work automatically after arrival.

After graduation

Korea's common post-study pathway is changing from D-2 to D-10 job-seeker status or to a work status such as E-7 if the student has a qualifying job. Study in Korea states that people legally residing in Korea with D-2 or D-10 status may move toward employment categories such as E-1 to E-7 if the job and qualification requirements are met. University guidance referring to the Immigration Services Agency describes the post-graduation Designated Activities/job-hunting type route as a 6-month period in some cases, depending on category and supporting documents.

Best for

South Korea is best for students who are serious about Korean language learning, tech, engineering, robotics, business, and Korean studies. GKS can be excellent, but students should plan carefully because work rights are more regulated than in many European countries.

Frequently asked questions

This is starter guidance and changes often — always confirm on the official source before applying.