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Vietnamese applicants · Republic of Korea

Student Visa (D-2) for Vietnamese citizens

By · Last reviewed:

Source check: all 7 official citations reconfirmed 13 September 2026

Visa for international students at Korean universities — includes part-time work rights and a post-graduation job-seeking extension.

Requires sponsorshipDoes not lead to permanent residencyDuration of programme; renewed annually.

This page covers the Student Visa (D-2) specifically for Vietnamese applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Vietnam. The route's general criteria are summarised below, but the current corridor-specific filing, visa-issuance, and entry position above can still determine whether the route is usable.

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
Reviewed National Institute for International Education (NIIED) ↗

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 change periodically and are separate from the Student Visa (D-2). Check the destination government's current entry guidance before travel.

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

Common blockers

Typical evidence

Application pathway

  1. 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.

  2. Apply for D-2 visa at Korean consulate

    Submit the visa application with acceptance letter and financial evidence.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

Plan the practical side of your stay

Once you have checked the official route, you can prepare for day-to-day life in South Korea. These optional services are separate from the application and do not establish visa eligibility.

Official application links

Where to actually go next

Government links only

These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.

  1. Official guidanceApplicant
    Review Study in Korea admission guidance ↗

    Use the official study portal to find Korean university admission and scholarship pathways before the D-2 visa filing.

    National Institute for International Education · verified

  2. Official portalApplicant
    Apply through Korea Visa Portal ↗

    Use the official visa portal or Korean consulate process to submit the D-2 student visa application.

    Korea Visa Portal / Ministry of Justice · verified

Other Republic of Korea routes covered for Vietnamese applicants

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). Vietnamese applicants must meet the general route criteria plus any nationality- or location-specific intake requirements described in the current corridor guidance above.

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 change periodically and are separate from the Student Visa (D-2). Check the destination government's current entry guidance before travel.

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.

How we verified this

We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.

Primary source: National Institute for International Education (NIIED)

Last checked: 8 July 2026

See the full evidence trail and methodology

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