Vietnamese applicants · Republic of Korea
Student Visa (D-2) for Vietnamese citizens
Visa for international students at Korean universities — includes part-time work rights and a post-graduation job-seeking extension.
This page covers the Student Visa (D-2) specifically for Vietnamese applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Vietnam. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 2–4 weeks.
- Government fees
- KRW 130,000.
- Typical duration
- Duration of programme; renewed annually.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: a Republic of Korea consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
Tourist-entry rules for Vietnamese nationals are set by National Institute for International Education (NIIED) and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The Student Visa (D-2) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
Visa overview
The D-2 visa is for international students enrolled in degree programmes at Korean universities (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral). Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term (with permission from the immigration office) and without hour limits during holidays. After graduation, students can apply for a D-10 job-seeking visa (up to 6 months, extendable to 1 year) to find employment and transition to an E-7 or other work visa. Korean universities are increasingly international — programmes taught in English are available at most major universities. Tuition fees are moderate by international standards (approximately KRW 3–5 million/semester at national universities, KRW 4–8 million at private universities).
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Acceptance at a Korean university for a full degree programme (D-2) or Korean-language programme (D-4-1 for language courses at university-affiliated institutes).National Institute for International Education (NIIED) / Study in Korea portal, Ministry of Education ↗
- ✓Financial resources: approximately USD 10,000 or equivalent for 1 year (verify on studyinkorea.go.kr — requirements vary by institution).
- ✓Health insurance (most universities require enrolment in the Korean National Health Insurance Service after registration).National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), Republic of Korea ↗
Common blockers
- !Insufficient financial evidence.
- !Institution not on the certified-university list (Korean immigration maintains a list of certified institutions eligible to host international students).Ministry of Education / Ministry of Justice (via Study in Korea / NIIED) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Acceptance letter from the university.National Institute for International Education (NIIED) ↗
- ·Bank statements proving financial capacity.National Institute for International Education (NIIED) ↗
- ·Academic transcripts and degree certificates from previous education.National Institute for International Education (NIIED) ↗
- ·Passport.National Institute for International Education (NIIED) ↗
Application pathway
Secure admission
Apply through the university's international-admissions office or through studyinkorea.go.kr. Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS/KGSP) offers fully funded scholarships for outstanding international applicants.
Apply for D-2 visa at Korean consulate
Submit the visa application with acceptance letter and financial evidence.
Study and work part-time
After obtaining permission from the immigration office, work up to 20 hours/week during term. Internships at Korean companies are also possible.
Apply for D-10 job-seeking visa after graduation
After graduation, apply for a D-10 visa (up to 6 months, extendable to 1 year) to seek employment. Transition to E-7 or another work visa when you find a qualifying position.
Other Republic of Korea routes covered for Vietnamese applicants
E-7 Designated Activities Visa
Work visa for foreign professionals in specialised occupations — Korea's primary employer-sponsored route for skilled workers.
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
Visa for foreign nationals investing in or managing a Korean corporation — requires minimum investment and creates a pathway to long-term residence.
Not sure Republic of Korea is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer study routes that Vietnamese nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Vietnamese citizens eligible for the Student Visa (D-2)?+
Eligibility for the Student Visa (D-2) is set by National Institute for International Education (NIIED) and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Vietnamese applicants typically file the Student Visa (D-2)?+
a Republic of Korea consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by National Institute for International Education (NIIED) — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Vietnamese applicants need a tourist visa for Republic of Korea as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for Vietnamese nationals are set by National Institute for International Education (NIIED) and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The Student Visa (D-2) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
Can I work while studying in Korea?+
Yes, after obtaining part-time work permission from the immigration office. During term: up to 20 hours/week. During holidays: no hour restriction. The permission is granted at the immigration office after arrival — apply with your ARC (Alien Registration Card). Some restrictions apply: D-2 students in their first semester may face additional limitations.
Is there a post-study work visa in Korea?+
Yes. Graduates can apply for a D-10 job-seeking visa, which allows up to 6 months (extendable to 1 year) to seek employment in Korea. During D-10, you can attend interviews and do short-term work (up to 3 months with a specific employer). When you find a qualifying position, apply for an E-7 or other appropriate work visa.
Are there scholarships for international students in Korea?+
Yes. The Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS, formerly KGSP) is a fully funded scholarship covering tuition, living costs, airfare, and Korean-language training. It is administered by NIIED and is highly competitive. Many individual universities also offer their own scholarships for international students — check with the institution directly.