Republic of Korea · study
Student Visa (D-2)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 7 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Visa for international students at Korean universities — includes part-time work rights and a post-graduation job-seeking extension.
- 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
In short
As of 8 July 2026, the Student Visa (D-2) for Republic of Korea is a sponsor-led South Korea immigration route. Sources: official Republic of Korea government pages, reviewed 8 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/south-korea/student-visa-korea#answer
What is the Student Visa (D-2) in Republic of Korea?
Student Visa (D-2) is a sponsor-led South Korea route. Indicative government fees are KRW 130,000; indicative processing time is 2–4 weeks; typical duration is Duration of programme; renewed annually. This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against National Institute for International Education (NIIED) on 18 April 2026.
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).
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
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.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
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.
- Official guidanceApplicantReview 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
- Official portalApplicantApply 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
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Frequently asked questions
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 much money do I need to show for a Korean student visa?+
You generally need to show financial resources of approximately USD 10,000 or equivalent for one year, though requirements vary by institution (verify on studyinkorea.go.kr). Insufficient financial evidence is a common reason student-visa applications are blocked.
How much is university tuition in Korea for international students?+
Tuition is moderate by international standards: roughly KRW 3–5 million per semester at national universities and KRW 4–8 million per semester at private universities. The Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS) is a fully funded option covering tuition, living costs, airfare, and Korean-language training.
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