If you want to study in South Korea, you will need a student visa for South Korea. This will let you stay and study in South Korea. This article will discuss the South Korean student visa, its eligibility, visa requirements, documents needed, costs, and more. So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Types of South Korean Student Visa:
- D-2 visa for academic programs at South Korean universities.
- F-type or E-type visas are also acceptable for studying.
- Short-term visas like B-type or C-type are not suitable for academic programs.
- Eligibility Requirements for South Korea Student Visa:
- Genuine intention to study.
- Sufficient financial means.
- Intent to return home after a visit.
- Clean background and good character.
- Meeting health standards.
- Apply at the embassy or consulate of South Korea in your home country.
- Work Opportunities with Student Visa in South Korea:
- Part-time work is possible with a D-2 or D-4 visa after university permission.
- Typically, a 6-month waiting period before starting work.
- Obtain a work permit from the immigration office.
What Are The Types of South Korea Student Visa?
Before starting at any South Korean University, you need to get a student visa (D-2). You can get 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 USA, we have J1 and F1 visa types. On the other hand, in South Korea, other visas like F-type or E-type are also okay for studying.
However, short-term visas like B-type or C-type would not work because they do not allow you to join academic programs at a South Korean university.
What Are The Eligibility Requirements for a Student Visa for South Korea?
To go to the country on a visa, you must meet some requirements:
- You must genuinely want to travel there.
- You need enough money to pay for yourself and any family members who come with you.
- You must have good reasons to go back to your home country after your visit.
- You must have a clean record and be a good person.
- You need to be healthy enough for the authorities’ standards.
What Are The Documents Required For a South Korean Student Visa?
To apply for a visa to South Korea University, you will need some documents:
- Application form for the visa
- Your passport and a copy of the page with your photo
- A recent passport-size photo with a white background
- A Certificate of Admission from South Korea University’s International Education Team
- An application fee of around 60 to 90 USD
- Your ID card from your home country
- A Certificate of KU Business Registration if required by the International Education Team
- An Invitation Letter from NIIED if needed
- If applicable, a Certificate of Completion for Korean language training with attendance details
- If you are from certain countries, you will need a Tuberculosis Test Certificate
- Additional documents may be needed if you are from specific countries, like final academic credentials or financial statements
- Make sure to contact the South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country to see if there are any extra documents required.
Where To Get a Student Visa For South Korea?
If you are coming to study in South Korea, it’s important to get a student visa (D-2) before you arrive. You should go to the South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country to apply for it.
But if you are already in South Korea without the right visa, don’t worry. You can still apply for the student visa (D-2) as soon as you get here. Just make sure to 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) together.
Remember to visit the immigration website (HiKorea) to make an appointment before you go. If you apply late, you might have to pay a fine, and it is really hard to go to the Immigration Office after classes start.
So, it is best to avoid coming to South Korea with a different visa and try to get a student visa in your home country.
How to 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 get a Certificate of Admission (CoA).
- You will also need to show proof of your final academic credentials and your financial situation, like your bank account or any scholarships you have. These documents can take a while to get, so it’s a good idea to start early.
- You might also need to provide more documents as the process goes on. That is why it is smart to contact the South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country early on. They can tell you exactly what you need and help you get everything ready on time.
- Once your application is approved, the embassy or consulate will give you a D-2-2 visa, specifically for students at Korea University.
- If they give you the wrong type of visa, like D-2-1 or D-2-3, make sure to let them know so they can fix it.
- If you are new to Korea and already have a D-2 student visa from another university, you will still need to leave the country and apply for a new D-2 visa with the Certificate of Admission.
- You can do this at the South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country.
Where Can You Make The Application for a South Korea student visa?
If you live outside of South Korea and want to study there, you will need to go to the embassy or consulate of South Korea in your home country to apply for a student visa. You have to do this in person.
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 need permission from your university. Usually, you have to wait for 6 months before you can start working.
Then, ask your university for a letter allowing you to work. To work legally, you must also get a license from the immigration office.
Student Visa for South Korea Summary
| Criteria | Description |
| Visa Type | D-2 |
| Eligibility | Genuine study intent, sufficient funds, home ties, good character, health clearance |
| Documents | Visa application form, passport (copy of photo page), passport photo, Certificate of Admission, application fee, ID card, Certificate of KU Business Registration (if required), Invitation Letter (if needed), Certificate of Korean language training (if applicable), Tuberculosis Test Certificate (for certain countries), final academic credentials & 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 Certificate of Admission, prepare financial documents & final academic credentials, contact embassy/consulate for details, ensure correct visa type, apply and leave the country if transferring from another university D-2 visa |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it difficult to get a South Korean student visa?
If you want to study in South Korea, you will need a visa. But do not worry, it is not too hard. Just make sure you have all the right papers before you go.
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 for studying in universities around 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, the cost of accommodation can vary. If you choose to stay in university dorms, it will cost you between $384 and $1228 per semester. On the other hand, if you prefer living in an apartment, it can range from $340 to $442, depending on its size and location.
4. Is South Korea expensive for students?
The government does not control how much universities charge for tuition. Instead, each school decides its fees. Even the famous ones usually charge about the same amount. So, you will likely pay around US$5,800 to US$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. When you arrive, you can open an account, but you will have to do all your banking at the branch with a teller, which means you would not be able to use ATMs freely.
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 must get a student visa for South Korea.
Contrary to popular belief, South Korea is a safe and sound country. This gives you immense opportunities to grow in your personal as well as professional life.
There are lots of different programs in South Korea. This makes it a popular choice among students from all over the world.
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