Path to staying
- Study6 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 6 months
Overview
- Country
- South Korea
- Visa name
- D-4 Language Training Visa
- Local name
- D-4 어학연수 비자
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 6 months
- Max duration
- 24 months
- Renewable
- Yes
Visa for international students enrolled in Korean language programs at university-affiliated language institutes or government-approved language training institutions. Covers Korean language courses typically lasting 6 months to 2 years. Not for degree programs — use D-2 for academic study.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Full fee
- Tuition range
- $1,200 – $6,000/year
- Proof of funds
- $7,500/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
University language programs typically cost ₩1,300,000–₩1,800,000 per 10-week term (4 terms/year). Annual cost approximately ₩5,000,000–₩7,200,000 ($4,000–$5,500). Tuition varies by institution reputation and location.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 20 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Separate permit
D-4 visa holders cannot work during the first 6 months. After 6 months with 90%+ attendance, students may apply for part-time work permission: up to 10 hours/week without Korean proficiency, up to 20 hours/week with required proficiency, and up to 25 hours/week in some accredited or excellent-institution cases.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-10 Job Seeking Visa (from D-4) | Job seeker | 6 mo–12 mo | Any | No | No |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| None required for entry | Admission | Korean | — | No Korean language requirement for D-4 visa entry — the purpose is to learn Korean. Programs typically start from beginner level (Level 1). |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | Application | $45 | One time |
| Alien Registration Card (ARC) | Registration | $22 | One time |
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Processing
- 4-28 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.immigration.go.kr
- Health insurance
- Included
Notes and caveats
Most students use D-4 as a stepping stone to D-2 (degree program). Can change to D-2 status after achieving TOPIK Level 3+ and gaining university admission. D-10 job-seeking visa available after D-4 but limited to 1 year (vs 2 years for D-2 graduates). Work permission extremely limited.
Also in South Korea
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source