South Korea Student Visa – Requirements, Cost, Eligibility

If you want to study in South Korea, you need a student visa for South Korea. This allows you to stay and study in South Korea. This article discusses the South Korean student visa, its eligibility, visa requirements, required documents, costs and more. So let’s get started.

Key learning points

Types of South Korean Student Visas:
- D-2 visa for academic programs at South Korean universities.
- F or E visas are also acceptable for studying.
- Short-term visas such as B-type or C-type are not suitable for academic programs.

Eligibility conditions for a student visa for South Korea:
- Real intention to study.
- Sufficient financial resources.
- Intention to return home after a visit.
- Clean background and good character.
- Meeting health standards.

Apply for your application at the embassy or consulate of South Korea in your home country.
Work options with student visa in South Korea:
- Part-time work is possible with a D-2 or D-4 visa after approval from the university.
- There is normally a six-month waiting period before you start work.
- Apply for a work permit at the immigration office.

What are the types of student visas for South Korea?

Before you start at a South Korean university, you will need a student visa (D-2). You can obtain it from a South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country.

Just like any other country like the US, South Korea also has different visa types. In the US we have visa types J1 and F1. On the other hand, in South Korea, other visas, such as the F-type or E-type, are also fine for studying.

However, short-term visas such as the B-type or C-type would not work as they would not allow you to participate in academic programs at a South Korean university.

What are the eligibility requirements for a student visa for South Korea?

To enter the country with a visa, you must meet a number of requirements:

You really have to want to travel there.
You will need enough money to pay for yourself and any family members who come with you.
You must have good reasons to return to your home country after your visit.

You must have a clean criminal record and be a good person.
You must be healthy enough according to the authorities’ standards.

What are the documents required for a South Korean student visa?

To apply for a visa for the South Korean University you will need a number of documents:

Visa application form
Your passport and a copy of the page with your photo
A recent passport photo with a white background

An admission certificate from the international education team of the South Korean university
An application fee of approximately 60 to 90 USD
Your identity card from your home country

A certificate of KU business registration, if required by the international education team
An invitation letter from NIIED if necessary
If applicable, a certificate of completion for the Korean language training with attendance details

If you come from certain countries, you will need a tuberculosis test certificate
If you are from specific countries, additional documents may be required, such as final academic qualifications or financial statements
Be sure to contact the South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country to see if any additional documents are required.

Where can I get a student visa for South Korea?

If you come to study in South Korea, it is important that you apply for a student visa (D-2) before arrival. You must go to the South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country to apply for this.

But if you’re already in South Korea without the right visa, don’t worry. You can still apply for the student visa (D-2) once you arrive here. Make sure you do it quickly.

You will need to go to the Sejongno Immigration Office and apply for both the student visa and an Alien Registration Card (ARC).

Don’t forget to visit the immigration website (HiKorea) to make an appointment before you leave. If you register late, you may have to pay a fine, and it is very difficult to get to the immigration office after classes have started.

So it is best to avoid coming to South Korea on another visa and try to get a student visa in your home country.

How do I apply for a student visa in South Korea?

When you apply for a student visa (D-2), you will need some important documents.

First you will receive a Certificate of Admission (CoA).
You will also need to show proof of your final academic qualifications and your financial situation, such as your bank account or any scholarships you have. It may take some time to receive these documents, so it’s a good idea to start early.
You may also need to provide more documents as the process progresses. That is why it is smart to contact the South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country early. They can tell you exactly what you need and help you get everything done on time.

Once your application is approved, the embassy or consulate will issue you a D-2-2 visa specifically for students at Korea University.
If they give you the wrong type of visa, such as D-2-1 or D-2-3, make sure you let them know so they can resolve the issue.
If you are new to Korea and already have a D-2 student visa from another university, you still need to leave the country and apply for a new D-2 visa with the admission certificate.

You can do this at the South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country.

Where can you apply for a student visa for South Korea?

If you live outside South Korea and want to study there, you will need to go to the South Korea embassy or consulate in your home country to apply for a student visa. You must do this personally.

Can you work in South Korea as a student?

If you have a D-2 or D-4 visa and want to work part-time in South Korea, you will need permission from your university. You usually have to wait 6 months before you can start working.

Then ask your university for a letter allowing you to work. To work legally, you must also obtain a permit from the immigration office.

South Korea Student Visa Summary

Criteria	Description
Type of visa	D-2
Eligibility	Real study intention, sufficient money, ties with the family, good character, medical approval
Documents	Visa application form, Passport (copy of photo page), Passport size photo, Admission certificate, Application fee, Identity card, Certificate of KU Business Registration (if required), Invitation letter (if required), Certificate of Korean Language Training (if applicable), Tuberculosis Test Certificate (for certain countries), definitive academic references and financial statements (additional for specific countries)
Where to apply	South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country (preferred)
Alternative application (if already in South Korea)	Sejongno Immigration Office
How to apply	Obtain an admission certificate, prepare financial documents and final academic references, contact the embassy/consulate for more information, obtain the correct visa type, apply for and leave the country if you are transferring from a D-2 visa from another university

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it difficult to get a South Korean student visa?

If you want to study in South Korea, you need a visa. But don’t worry, it’s not that difficult. Make sure you have the correct paperwork before you leave.

2. What is the minimum bank balance for a South Korean student visa?

Make sure you have at least €15,000 in your bank account to study at universities in the National Capital Region and €13,000 for universities in the local region.

3. How much does it cost to live in South Korea as a student?

Depending on where you want to live, housing costs can vary. If you choose to stay in college dorms, it will cost you between $384 and $1,228 per semester. On the other hand, if you prefer to live in an apartment, this can range from €340 to €442 depending on size and location.

4. Is South Korea expensive for students?

The government has no control over how many universities charge tuition fees. Instead, each school sets its fees. Even the well-known ones usually charge about the same amount. So you’ll probably pay about $5,800 to $6,500 per semester.

5. Can I open a Korean bank account as a foreigner?

You can open a bank account at many South Korean banks, even if you are a foreigner. Most banks offer services in English and other languages, so you will feel comfortable. You can open an account upon arrival, but you must do all your banking in the branch at an ATM, which means you cannot freely use ATMs.

Conclusion

South Korea is one of the technologically advanced countries. It is known all over the world for its K-Pop.

Many students from all over the world aspire to study in South Korea. But to study in South Korea, you need a South Korea student visa.

Contrary to popular belief, South Korea is a safe and healthy country. This gives you enormous opportunities to grow, both in your personal and professional life.

There are many different programs in South Korea. This makes it a popular choice among students from all over the world.