South Korea is an excellent study destination for international students. Besides the quality education from its world-class universities, you’ll have the chance to explore its stunning sceneries and local culture.
To get started on your journey to this beautiful country, make sure you know how to get a student visa, or known as D-2, in South Korea. You will need this if you take a full-time degree, such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. With this, you can stay for up to two years.
In this article, you’ll learn what documents you need to prepare for your student visa application. It is also crucial to have an idea of how much money you need for your stay. Lastly, you’ll learn the steps on how to get a student visa in South Korea.
What documents do you need to apply for a student visa in South Korea?
To apply for a student visa (D-2), here are the documents you need to prepare:
- Visa application form
- Passport
- One copy of the passport ID page
- Passport size photo, taken within the last 6 months
- Photocopy of Business Registration Certificate of your destination educational institution
- Standard acceptance letter or certificate of admission from the educational institution
- Documentary proof of your highest level of education
- Proof of financial stability
When submitting your documentary proof of the highest educational level, you’ll need to provide the original copies. However, you can still submit copies of your diploma or other proof of degree if an authorized school officer verifies its authenticity.
How much money do you need for a South Korea Student Visa?
To secure a South Korean Student Visa, you’ll need to provide proof of financial stability. This means that you have existing funds to pay for at least one year’s tuition and living expenses. To give you an idea here’s are the tuition fees based on degree level and program:
- Associate degree: $1,500 to $7,300
- Undergraduate degree: $1,100 to $10,800
- Graduate degree: $1,100 to $20,900
Universities also charge application fees ranging from $60 to $150. Make sure to check the tuition fees with your destination school. You can also inquire if there are any scholarships to help you fund your education.
Besides tuition, you’ll also need to prove that you can fund your living expenses for at least one year. Here are some expenses you’ll need to consider when applying for a student visa in Korea:
- Dormitory: $420 to $1550 per semester
- Rent outside school: $300 per month and security deposit of $3,000 to $5,000
- Boarding house: $300 to $500 per month
- Food: $300 to $400 per month
- Medical insurance: $20 per month
- Transportation: $1 to $1.2 in buses, and $1.1 to $2.5 in subway
- Internet: $20 per month
Keep in mind that these fees depend on where you live. Check the location of the campus, whether it is in a metropolis or suburb, to determine the cost of living.
Check Also: Available Programs for International Students
Steps on Applying for a Student Visa in South Korea
1. Apply to an Educational Institution in South Korea
Before you can start your application for a Korean student visa, you’ll need to be accepted from a university or college in South Korea. In this case, you make sure to send your study application and give it your best shot to get the acceptance letter.
2. Complete your Visa Requirements
Besides the standard requirements for Korean student visa application, you might need to submit specific documents depending on your country of origin. For example, suppose you’re from China. In that case, you’ll need to submit a diploma issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education accredited certification center.
Meanwhile, suppose you’re from any of the following countries. In that case, you’ll need to choose from Option A, B, or C when submitting your proof of your highest level of education:
- China
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Bangladesh
- Vietnam
- Mongolia
- Thailand
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- India
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Iran
- Uzbekistan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Ukraine
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Egypt
- Peru
3. Submit Visa Application at the South Korean embassy in your home country
You can submit your student visa application at the Republic of Korea embassy in your home country. To learn more about embassy information, visit this link first. From there, you can choose your home country from the drop-down list for ROK Missions Overseas and click on Go. It will automatically direct you to the South Korean embassy website in your home country.
The embassy website will provide you information about visa applications. It is also where you can download the application form. Lastly, you can also check the website to know how much you’ll need to pay for the application fee for Korean student visa. You can also contact the embassy before your visit. Some embassies, like in the United States, require visa applicants to pre-book their appointment online.
4. Receive your Visa
The processing time for your visa application may depend on your home country. However, make sure to submit only completed requirements for a student visa in Korea. The processing period may take longer if you need to provide additional requirements or your documents need to be further verified.
But if you’re short on time, you might want to coordinate with the embassy to see if they can help you get it faster. Once they release it, make sure to collect your student visa personally.
5. Book Your Flight
Due to recent quarantine requirements before entering South Korea, you might need to arrive at least two weeks before the semester starts. In this case, you might need to book your flight before you receive your visa.
On the other hand, you can also book a flight as soon as you receive your visa. However, this option might cost you more.
6. Arrive in South Korea
Once you get to South Korea, you’ll need to apply for an Alien Registration Card if you’re planning to stay for over 90 days. You’ll have to complete this crucial step at the Immigration Office in South Korea within 90 days from your arrival. Additionally, the Immigration Office allows you to apply for a student visa extension if your current student visa does not cover your entire study duration.
I hope that this article on getting a Korean student visa was helpful! If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
