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South Korea Visa Requirements for international students

Visa Requirements for Students in South Korea

Visa requirements for students that want to study in South Korea are different for students depending on their citizenship. Select you country below, learn about the relevant regulations and find the embassies and consulates in your country!

South Korea is one of the leading countries in Asia for higher education and more foreign students are moving to pursue higher degrees in the country. Many students also come in for exchange studies, professional studies, or to learn the Korean language.

The country has a very high literacy percentage almost two-third of their population obtaining at least bachelor education. To study abroad in South Korea as a foreigner you must obtain a student visa depending on the type of training or program that they wish to obtain in the country.

Typically students who wish to study full-time degree programs (bachelor's, masters, Ph.D.) will have to apply for a student D-2 visa. While students who wish to come in and study the Korean language will have to apply for a general trainee D-4 visa.

The visa application procedures and documents required for visa issuance is subject to change from time to time by the Korean government, however, all the latest information about visa-related matters are duly communicated by the South Korean consulate or embassy in the applicant’s home country or where they last completed an academic program.

1.Step: Select your Country

Type 1 Applicants (student D-2 visa)

These are individuals who wish to come and pursue a higher degree program in any of Korea’s higher institutions. Short term professional courses, research work, or exchange programs do not fall under this category. A student D-2 visa lasts generally for 2 years and it is for students who want to take programs at the bachelor, masters, and postgraduate levels in South Korea.

Type 1 Visa Application Requirement to South Korea

  • International passport
  • Visa application form or form 34
  • The official acceptance letter from a Korean university
  • Bank statement of the sponsor (detailing capable financial standing for the duration of the student’s program)
  • Passport photographs (2x2)
  • The official copy of transcripts (high school, bachelors or masters ) 
  • Copy of diploma or certificate from previous education
  • Travel itinerary
  • Visa application fee


Type 2 Applicants (general D-4 trainee visa)

This visa type is for foreign students who wish to come into South Korea to study the Korean language at any recognized institution in the country. The duration of this visa is for two years and it can be obtained at the South Korean consulate or embassy in the applicant’s home country or where they last completed an academic program.

Type 2 Application Visa Requirements

  • Visa application form or form 21, completed and signed
  • Copy of international passport
  • Passport photographs
  • Proof of payment of program fees
  • Proof of finance (bank statements, bank credit, loans, scholarship documents, etc)
  • Document showing family relations 
  • Copy of diploma or certificate from previous education

Find programs offered in following Degrees within South Korea and apply for free!

South Korea Information

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(Bachelor's, Master's & PhD)

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