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Student Visa (D-2)

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.
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) ↗

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

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.

After approval: prepare for your next step

For Student Visa (D-2), use the actual decision and the issuing authority’s instructions to establish what has been granted. A successful application, permission to enter, permission to work and a residence document are not interchangeable.

  1. 1. Check the decision. Confirm the name, passport, status granted, start date and any next action. Resolve an error with the authority before relying on the document for travel or employment.
  2. 2. Establish the travel step. Read any entry window, activation, collection or in-country registration instruction. For an extension or change of status, do not assume leaving the country is required or safe while a further step remains pending.
  3. 3. Confirm what you may do. Coordinate enrolment and attendance with the institution. Check the actual work conditions before accepting a job or freelance work.
  4. 4. Organise the household. Check each accompanying person’s permission separately, then arrange healthcare, accommodation, access to money and the relevant local registrations. A tax number or bank account does not by itself prove a right to work.
  5. 5. Keep the ongoing conditions visible. Record the actual expiry, renewal process, permitted absences and any duty to report changes. An initial grant does not automatically establish permanent residence or citizenship.
Official Student Visa (D-2) instructionsBuild my moving plan for this routeMoving to South Korea

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

Matches these professions

Student

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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.

Need tailored advice?

We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.

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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: 18 April 2026

See the full evidence trail and methodology

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