Path to staying
- Study24 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 12 months
- Permanent residencyafter 5 years
- Citizenshippossible
Overview
- Country
- South Korea
- Visa name
- D-2 Student Visa
- Local name
- D-2 유학 비자
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 24 months
- Max duration
- 48 months
- Renewable
- Yes
The primary student visa for international students enrolling in degree programs (associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral) at accredited Korean universities and colleges. Also covers students in specific research programs. D-2 has subcategories: D-2-1 (associate), D-2-2 (bachelor's), D-2-3 (master's), D-2-4 (doctoral), D-2-5 (research), D-2-6 (exchange), D-2-7 (degree with employment), D-2-8 (short-term).
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Full fee
- Tuition range
- $2,000 – $12,000/year
- Proof of funds
- $15,000/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
National/public universities: ₩2,000,000–₩5,000,000/yr ($1,500–$4,000). Private universities: ₩5,000,000–₩15,000,000/yr ($4,000–$12,000). Medical and engineering programs at private institutions may exceed this range. GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) covers full tuition for recipients.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 30 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Separate permit
D-2 undergraduate students can generally work up to 30 hours/week, while graduate students can generally work up to 35 hours/week. Lower caps apply where Korean proficiency, academic standing, or institution accreditation conditions are not met. Unlimited hours on weekends, public holidays, and during vacation. Must obtain part-time work permission from immigration and avoid restricted sectors.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-10 Job Seeking Visa | Job seeker | 6 mo–24 mo | Bachelors | No | No |
| E-7 Professional Employment Visa | Work permit | 12 mo–36 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | Yes |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) | Admission | Korean | Level 3 | TOPIK Level 3 minimum for most Korean-taught undergraduate programs. Level 4+ recommended. TOPIK 3+ also required for part-time work permit. English-taught programs do not require TOPIK. |
| TOEFL iBT / IELTS | Admission | English | — | Required for English-taught programs. TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 5.5+ is typical minimum. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee (Single Entry) | Application | $45 | One time |
| Visa Application Fee (Multiple Entry) | Application | $60 | One time |
| Alien Registration Card (ARC) | Registration | $22 | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and minor children on F-3 dependent visa.
- Spouse work
- Not allowed
- Conditions
- F-3 dependents cannot work without a separate work visa or work permit.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 5 years
- Citizenship
- Possible
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Processing
- 7-30 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.immigration.go.kr
- Health insurance
- Included
Notes and caveats
GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) provides full tuition, monthly stipend (₩900,000 undergrad / ₩1,000,000 grad), airfare, and health insurance. National Health Insurance enrollment is mandatory (₩50,000–₩80,000/month, partially subsidized). University accreditation level (Immigration Certification System) affects visa processing requirements.
Also in South Korea
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source