Study in South Korea: D-2 Visa, GKS Scholarship, Universities & Costs (2026)

South Korea student visa snapshot (2026)

Why study in South Korea?

Six South Korean universities rank inside the QS World University Rankings top 100, led by Seoul National University, KAIST and POSTECH. Annual tuition for international undergraduates runs ₩5,000,000–14,000,000 — substantially lower than comparable programmes in the United States, UK or Australia.

South Korea is home to Samsung, LG, Hyundai, SK Hynix and a thriving startup ecosystem in Seoul's Gangnam and Pangyo Techno Valley districts. Graduates in engineering, computer science and business enter one of Asia's most dynamic job markets with clear post-study work pathways.

• Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) covers full tuition, a monthly stipend of ₩1,000,000, settlement allowance, medical insurance and round-trip airfare.
• Fast visa processing — typically two to four weeks once documents are complete.
• Growing number of English-taught programmes at KAIST, POSTECH, Yonsei (UIC) and Korea University (GKGS).
• Part-time work permitted up to 20 hours per week during term (unlimited during vacation) for D-2 visa holders after six months of study.
• Vibrant student life in Seoul, Busan and Daejeon with large Filipino, Indian, Vietnamese and Nepali communities.

South Korea student visa for Asian students

International students studying at a Korean university for more than 90 days require a D-2 Student Visa, issued by Korean embassies and consulates abroad. Your university provides a Certificate of Admission (standard admission letter) and a Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) or direct visa sponsorship depending on the institution.

Asian nationals apply at the Korean embassy or consulate in their home country. Unlike Japan, South Korea does not use a separate Certificate of Eligibility — your admission documents and financial proof go directly to the embassy with your visa application.

Processing is among the fastest in Asia: two to four weeks for most Asian applicants when documents are complete. Apply at least six weeks before your programme start date to allow for attestation and any supplementary requests.

South Korea D-2 visa requirements (2026)

Embassy officers verify your admission, financial capacity and genuine study intent. Weak sponsor documentation and inconsistent academic records are the most common reasons for delays — not academic merit.

• Certificate of Admission (입학허가서) from a recognised Korean university or graduate school.
• Proof of funds: USD 10,000 (approximately ₩13,000,000) in bank balance or a sponsor letter with sponsor's bank statements and income certificate.
• Valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your planned stay.
• Completed visa application form and passport-size photos meeting Korean specifications.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates from previous institutions.
• Language proficiency: TOPIK Level 3+ for Korean-taught programmes; IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL 71+ for English-taught programmes.
• Tuberculosis test result if applying from designated high-risk countries.
• Statement of Purpose outlining your study plan and post-graduation intentions.
• For GKS recipients: GKS award letter and NIIED confirmation documents.

South Korea D-2 visa application process

1. 1

   Secure admission from a Korean university

   Apply directly to universities or through the GKS embassy track. Confirm whether your programme requires TOPIK or accepts English proficiency scores. GKS embassy-recommended applicants apply through the Korean embassy (deadline typically September).

2. 2

   Gather financial proof (USD 10,000)

   Prepare bank statements showing USD 10,000 or equivalent held for at least one month. If using a sponsor, include a notarised sponsorship letter, sponsor's bank statements and income proof.

3. 3

   Obtain Certificate of Admission

   Your university issues the official admission letter after you accept your place and pay any required deposit. Some institutions also provide a CCVI number for streamlined embassy processing.

4. 4

   Apply at the Korean embassy or consulate

   Submit your passport, application form, admission letter, financial documents, academic records, photos and visa fee. Book an appointment online where required.

5. 5

   Receive D-2 visa and register in Korea

   Collect your visa sticker and travel to Korea. Register at a local immigration office within 90 days to receive your Alien Registration Card (ARC).

6. 6

   Apply for part-time work permission

   After six months of enrolment, apply for part-time work permission at immigration. D-2 holders may work up to 20 hours per week during semesters.

South Korea D-2 visa processing time for Asian applicants

Korean education system: universities and graduate schools

Korean universities (대학교) offer four-year bachelor's degrees, two-year master's programmes and three- to five-year doctorates. National universities such as SNU and Korea University charge lower tuition than private institutions like Yonsei and Sungkyunkwan (SKKU).

KAIST and POSTECH are science and technology-focused institutions with world-class research facilities and extensive English-taught graduate programmes — no Korean required for admission or daily study.

Korean language institutes (어학당) attached to major universities offer intensive TOPIK preparation on D-4 Language Training visas, with a pathway to convert to D-2 after reaching the required level.

Top universities in South Korea for international students

Popular courses to study in South Korea

Cost to study in South Korea: tuition by level

Cost of living in South Korea for international students

GKS scholarship and other funding

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), administered by NIIED, is South Korea's flagship award for international students. It covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance of ₩1,000,000, a settlement grant of ₩200,000, medical insurance, and round-trip airfare.

• Embassy track: apply through the Korean embassy in your home country (undergraduate and graduate; deadline typically September for the following March intake).
• University track: apply directly to participating universities which nominate GKS candidates (deadlines vary, often October–November).
• University tuition waivers: 30–100% reduction for high GPA international applicants at Yonsei, Korea University and SKKU.
• Korean Government Support Program for Foreign Exchange Students: partial tuition support for selected Asian partner countries.
• On-campus Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant positions for graduate students — typically ₩500,000–800,000/month.

TOPIK, English programmes and language preparation

Korean-taught programmes generally require TOPIK Level 3 or higher (Level 4–5 for competitive faculties). English-taught programmes at KAIST, POSTECH, Yonsei UIC and Korea University GKGS accept IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL 71+ without TOPIK.

Students without Korean can enter a university language institute on a D-4 visa, reach TOPIK Level 3 within one to two years, and convert to D-2 for degree study. This is a popular route for applicants from the Philippines, India and Vietnam.

Even on English-taught programmes, TOPIK Level 2–3 improves part-time job prospects and post-graduation employment. Free Korean classes are offered at most university international offices.

Work while studying and the D-10 job-seeker visa

D-2 visa holders may work part-time up to 20 hours per week during semesters and without hour limits during vacation periods — after six months of enrolment and with immigration permission. Common jobs include café service, tutoring and campus research assistant roles.

After graduation, the D-10 Job-Seeker Visa allows six months (extendable to one year) to search for skilled employment in Korea. Once hired, convert to an E-7 Specially Assigned Activities visa tied to your employer.

KAIST and SNU graduates are particularly sought after by Samsung, LG, Naver, Kakao and Korea's semiconductor industry. Internships during study dramatically improve D-10 conversion rates.