South Korea is an excellent study destination for international students. Besides learning about the Korean education system and studying at one of its universities, you’ll have the chance to explore its stunning scenery and local culture.
To begin your journey to this beautiful country, make sure you understand how to obtain a Student (D-2) visa for South Korea. You will generally need a D-2 visa if you enroll in a regular associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program. A D-2 stay may be granted for up to two years per issuance, with extensions available within the limits for your program.
In this article, you’ll learn which documents you may need for your student visa application. It is also important to understand the funds you may need for your studies and living expenses. Lastly, you’ll learn the main steps for applying for a student visa for South Korea.
Steps on Applying for a South Korean Student Visa
Step 1. Apply to an Educational Institution in South Korea
Before you can apply for a Korean student visa, you must be admitted to an eligible university or college in South Korea and receive a standard certificate of admission. Make sure to submit your study application by the institution’s deadline and follow its instructions carefully.
Step 2. Complete Your Visa Requirements
In addition to the general D-2 visa documents, the Korean diplomatic mission may require additional documents based on your nationality, country of residence, degree program, or personal circumstances. Requirements are not identical in every country, so check the official instructions issued by the embassy or consulate that will process your application.
To apply for a Student (D-2) visa, prepare the following general requirements:
| General Requirements for South Korean Student Visa |
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- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport and a copy of the passport’s biographical information page
- One passport-size photo taken within the last six months
- Copy of the educational institution’s business registration certificate or registration-number certificate
- Standard certificate of admission issued by the university president or dean
- Proof of your highest completed level of education
- Proof of financial ability
- Tuberculosis test certificate, if applicable
- Documents proving your family relationship if you submit a parent’s bank statement
- Applicable visa application fee
- Any additional documents required for your program, nationality, or place of application
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Original proof of your final academic credentials is generally required. In some cases, a copy of a degree or academic-credential verification report may be accepted if an authorized university official certifies it as a true copy. Documents issued overseas may also need an Apostille or consular authentication, and documents in another language may need an officially certified translation. Follow the instructions of the diplomatic mission handling your application.
Step 3. Submit Your Visa Application at the South Korean Embassy in Your Home Country
Submit your student visa application to the Korean embassy, consulate, or other diplomatic mission with jurisdiction over your application. You can use the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ list of Korean diplomatic missions to find the appropriate mission and its official website.
The mission’s website should explain its application procedure, appointment or submission method, accepted payment method, local fee, processing arrangements, and passport or visa-document return procedure. The Korean government’s Study in Korea portal lists the approximate fee for a single-entry visa permitting a stay of 91 days or more as US$60. However, the amount payable, exemptions, and payment method can vary by nationality and mission, so confirm the current fee before applying.
Step 4. Receive Your Visa
Visa processing times vary by diplomatic mission and the circumstances of each application. Processing may take longer if the mission requests additional documents or needs to conduct further verification. Apply well before your intended travel date and use the mission’s stated method or the Korea Visa Portal to check your application status when available.
Do not assume that expedited processing is available. Follow the mission’s instructions for receiving your passport, visa grant notice, or other confirmation of the result.
Step 5. Book Your Flight
Whenever possible, wait until your visa has been issued before purchasing a nonrefundable flight. You should also confirm your university’s arrival instructions and review the latest entry-health information before departure.
Current health-declaration requirements may depend on your recent travel history and the quarantine-management regions designated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Check the latest Q-CODE information and your airline’s requirements shortly before traveling.
Step 6. Arrive in South Korea
After arriving in South Korea, you must complete foreigner registration and obtain a Residence Card if you plan to stay for 90 days or longer. You must normally register at the competent immigration office within 90 days of entering the country. Your university may provide instructions or assist with group registration.
If your permitted period of stay does not cover your full study period, apply for an extension before it expires. Extension applications may generally be submitted beginning four months before the expiration date and must be filed with the competent immigration office or through an approved online process when available.
Keep in mind that your actual expenses will depend on your city, housing arrangement, lifestyle, and university. Check whether the campus is in a major metropolitan area or a smaller city when estimating your cost of living.
We hope that this article on getting a Korean student visa was helpful! To learn more about studying in this country, please check out the Study in South Korea Page. If you’re interested in studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
