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In recent years, studying in South Korea has attracted the attention of many international students. With a literacy rate of 97.3%, this country has prestigious universities such as Seoul National University, Korea University, and Younesi University. All international students who intend to continue their studies in South Korea must obtain a student visa appropriate to their circumstances. A variety of study visas are issued in South Korea for a variety of purposes.

What is a D-2 visa?

All international students who want to enter South Korea to complete their higher education need a D-2 visa. Holders of F, E, and A visas can enroll in a degree-seeking program at Korean universities. However, holders of B-type and C-type visas issued for short-term purposes cannot participate in any academic program.

What are the requirements of D-2 visas?

D-2 visas are divided into several subgroups:

  • Associated degree (D-2-1)
  • Bachelor’s degree (D-2-2):
  • Master’s degree (D-2-3)
  • Doctoral degree (D-2-4)
  • A research study (D-2-5)
  • Exchange student (D-2-6)

Holders of the following visas cannot change the status of their permission to a student visa:

  • Group Tourism (C-3-2)
  • Medical Tourism (C-3-3)
  • General Tourism (C-3-9)
  • Industrial Training (D-3)
  •  Non-Professional Employment (E-9)
  • Vessel Crew (E-10)
  • Miscellaneous (G-1) visas

Holders of these visas must first return to their home country and apply for a South Korea D-2 student visa.

In the following, our main focus is on the D-2-1 visa.

What are the requirements for D-2 visas?

Applicants for South Korea D-2 student visas must provide the following documents:

  • Admission certificate issued by a Korean university.
  • Proof of student’s financial situation: bank statement or scholarship, etc.
  • Visa application form
  • A passport with a copy of the first page
  • Applicant’s Photo
    • Photo dimensions should be 3.5 by 4.5 centimeters
    • Its background must be white.
    • It must have been taken in the last six months
  • Student visa fee payment
  • ID card of the country of residence
  • Documents demonstrating your family relations
  • Korean language certificate (if required)
  • Invitation Letter from the National Institute for International Education of Korea (NIIED) (if required)
  • Alien Registration Card
  • Business Registration Certificate from the relevant educational institution
  • Tuberculosis Test  Certificate: Citizens of the countries listed must submit this certificate
BangladeshCambodiaChinaEast TimorIndia
IndonesiaKyrgyzstanMalaysiaMongoliaMyanmar
NepalPakistanRussiaSri LankaThailand
PhilippinesLaosUzbekistanVietnam 
  • More documents: Citizens of these countries may be required to provide the following documents:
    • Final Academic Credentials
    • Financial statement
BangladeshChinaEgyptGhanaIndiaIndonesiaIran
KazakhstanKyrgyzstanMongoliaMyanmarNepalNigeriaPakistan
PeruPhilippinesSri LankaThailandUkraineUzbekistanVietnam

Students are advised to contact the consulate or embassy in their home country before applying for a South Korea D-2 student visa. In some cases, further documents may be needed.

You can move to South Korea as a bank manager today. All you need to do is read our article.

What is the process for applying for a South Korea D-2 student visa?

You must submit all of the mentioned documents to the nearest South Korean embassy and consulate in your home country. No appointment is required.

How much does it cost to apply for a student visa?

The visa application fee is 120,000 KRW, which must be paid by the applicant.

How long does it take to assess documents and issue the visa?

The processing time of documents depends on the workload of the embassy. But on average, it takes four working days to review the documents and decide on the South Korean D-2  student visa.

How long can a student visa holder stay in Korea?

The length of your stay in South Korea will depend on your studying program stated in the Admission Certificate.

Read our article and learn about immigration ways to South Korea as a college professor.

Can D-2 student visa holders work in South Korea?

Yes, they are allowed to work under certain conditions. Students can only work after completing their first semester.

Can student visa holders enter and leave South Korea during their stay?

South Korea D-2 student visas are only issued as a single entry. Students must petition for an Alien Registration Card within 30 days of arriving in South Korea. With this card, they can travel outside of Korea during their stay and then return to continue their studies. The Immigration Office issues the Alien Registration Card.

Become a CEO in South Korea by reading our guide.

Can Korean D-2 student visa holders bring their parents, spouse, or children to the country?

Holders of a Korean student visa can bring their spouse and children under 19 as dependents. They must apply for an F-3-1 visa.

Let’s sum up …

In this article, we explained the details of a South Korea D-2 student visa, including the application process, requirements, costs, and validity. On the Visa Library website, you can learn about other South Korean visas as well as ways to immigrate to other countries. In case you have some experience, please write it down in the comment section. Your comments let the readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences in comments is a great help for applicants.

FAQs

Is a TB test required for a Korean D2 visa?

It’s required for the countries listed in the article.

How long does it take to get the visa?

It’s up to the embassy and other factors but apply as early as possible.

Can you work while you study?

Yes, but get permission from the Global Services Center (GSC) and the immigration office to work outside the university.

What is the average income of an international student in Korea?

It’s about 8,000 – 12,000 won/h. Jobs that need Korean language fluency will also have a higher salary.

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42 Comments

  1. Akmal says:

    Holders of a Korean student visa can bring their spouse and children under 19 as a dependent. They must apply for an F-3-1 visa.

    How to apply F-3-1 visa and how much the cost?

    • Visalibrary team says:

      Your family can apply for an F-3-1 visa if they meet the eligibility criteria. However, they cannot apply online, and it’s obligatory to meet the embassy.
      The actual fee may alter. However, the processing fee is around 100,000 KRW to 30,000 KRW for a new Alien Registration Card and 3,000 KRW for delivery.

      • Arslan says:

        Hi.
        So it means D-2-3 visa holders can only bring their kids and wife and they can’t Bring their parents. Right?

        • Visalibrary team says:

          Hi there. Thanks for leaving a comment on our website. You cannot bring your family under a D-2-3 visa; however, parents of international students can accompany them to Korea under an F-1-13 visa, provided the student is studying in less than high school grade.

  2. Saransh says:

    1. Why final degree certificate is not mentioned in the rrequired document list, Is it not required like i have submitted original document to the university so what can be done?
    2. Should I apply via embassy or the vfs?

    • Visa Library says:

      Dear Saransh
      Thank you for your attention to the details of the article.
      You are kindly informed that the final degree is often required by the university not by the embassy however you would better add it to the supporting documents.
      Whether you should apply through the embassy or VFS is up to the country you reside in. Ask the embassy about it.

  3. Chichi bekee says:

    I would like to know when a student can bring their kids to Korea on a D2-3 visa. Is it possible to apply for it at once after obtaining my visa or must I arrive In Korea before bringing them. How long will it take for me to be eligible to bring my kids with me? Is there age limit for master degree in South Korea?

    • Visa Library says:

      Dear Chichi bekee
      Thank you for your question.
      There are different parts to your question.
      It does not seem there is an age limit for a MA degree in Korea. You need to search and find out what Korean university can you receive an application from and then apply for a visa. The requirement for each visa is different and you need to fulfill them.
      There is no guideline on when you can apply to bring your kids to the country but you would better secure your student visa first and then apply to bring your kids to the country.
      When you attend the embassy or meet the officials for your visa, ask about your children in detail.

  4. Reshma says:

    What is the financial requirement for this visa for Indian Students

    • Visa Library says:

      Dear Reshma
      Thank you for your comment
      You need to have enough funds for one year’s tuition plus the living costs for one year. You would better add 10 to 20% higher to the amount and provide that financial ability to the officials.

  5. maya says:

    I will need an D2-6 visa as an exchange student. is it possible to get there a few weeks before the semester starts? I cannot find this piece of information online…

    • B Rajabali says:

      Dear Maya
      When you receive your visa, the date you can enter the country is written on it. Normally, you can enter Korea about one month before your studies begin.

  6. Pank says:

    Hello for financial proof the second requirement says – Proof of student’s financial situation: bank statement or scholarship, and then in additional document for certain country it says Financial statement ..what is the difference?
    Do we have to submit a statement showing total amount in just one bank statement or it is ok to have bank statements of different bank totaling up to required amount?

    • B Rajabali says:

      Dear Pank
      Bank statements are just a trail of financial transactions (debits, credits) as it relates to those bank accounts.
      But Financial statements are a snapshot of the health of your business.
      If you have a business and you want to prove your financial ability through its income, you need a Financial statement.

  7. Pana says:

    Hello B Rajabali thank you for the response before.
    When applying for D2 visa do we have to apply online (e-visa) and then submit physical copy or would it be just physical copy application form submission. I went through portal but it seems complicated as to some visa apply online while others in-person..

    • B Rajabali says:

      When applying online, in most cases, you don’t need to submit a physical copy but have to submit to the Korean embassy if they ask.
      When you apply for courses longer than 90 days, you need to submit the physical documents in person to the embassy.

  8. suzen says:

    do students with full scholarship still need to submit financial statement? if so what should be the maximum amount required?

    • B Rajabali says:

      You can show it to ensure the officials that you can cover yourself. You do not have to show high amount, your savings that covers the cost of living for a few months could suffice.

  9. Pelin says:

    Hello ~Can i learn is there an age limit for D2 visa ? and how can i do Top-up in University like 3rd and 4rd grade of University only because ı’m graduated from 2years University in my home country ~Thank you.

    • B Rajabali says:

      If you manage to get admission from a Korean university and you are 18 years old, there shouldn’t be problem. You can also ask the Korean embassy about the age limit.

  10. Arpit gaur says:

    Hi,
    I am Arpit gaur, so how should I apply for D2 Visa of SOUTH KOREA on online website kindly guide me.

    • B Rajabali says:

      Apply to the Korean embassy in your home country.
      If you qualify for K-ETA, you can apply online for it.

  11. AFZAL MUHAMMAD says:

    dear sir, i got fully funded scholarship covering my tuition fee and living expenses and i still attached 1k usd financial statement. still my visa got denied by saying “your current family and income situation shows you wouldn’t return back within period?
    university is contacting with the embassy about it? can you please what should i do now? as university is saying me to make more funds and go for review.

    • B Rajabali says:

      It seems that you have not provided ties that you will return to your home country.
      Try to work on this. You can contact the university and ask help.

  12. may v says:

    Hello there, I am a student already living in Korea with a D-6 Visa. At the end of my semester, this June, I want to go on a trip to Japan and then fly back to Korean in time to take my original return flight home. Is this something I can do with an Alien Registration Card even though my visa states that it is a single entry?

    • B Rajabali says:

      When your visa is a single entry, it’s unlikely that you can leave japan. But contact the immigration officials and ensure of it.

  13. Adele Stock says:

    So helpful thank you so much 😊

  14. Md Golam Rabbani says:

    Can I visit a European country with my D-2 Visa? And what are the requirements?

  15. Ade Bisiola says:

    Hello, please I want to know if I can change from D2 to F-3. I’m here as a student, and my spouse is here on d-10, (he just finished his MSc). He got a job with no sponsorship, but he has submitted his appointment letter to the embassy. I will be done with my study in august, but I am required to go back to my country immediately, I want to know if I can change to F-3? since i cannot convert to d-10 .

    • Max says:

      Dear Ade Bisiola,
      When you are in South Korea, you can modify your visa status. Nevertheless, depending on your unique circumstances, the precise qualifying requirements and processes may differ.

      In your scenario, if your spouse has found work in South Korea and filed his appointment letter to the embassy, he may be qualified for an employment visa. You may be able to modify your visa status to F-3 as a dependant spouse if he is given a work visa.

  16. Bisiola Ade says:

    Hello, I want to ask if I can change my visa from D-2 to F-3, my husband is a D-10 Visa holder and he just got a job with no visa sponsorship, but he has submitted his employment certificate to the embassy. I will be done with my study in august, but I’m required to leave Korea immediately. So I want to change to F-3 so that I can remain in Korea with my husband. We have our marriage certificate.

    • Max says:

      Dear Bisiola Ade,
      In general, changing your visa status while in South Korea is feasible.

      You must satisfy the requirements for the F-3 visa category. It is for spouses of foreign nationals living in South Korea legally for more than 91 days. A legitimate marriage certificate, adequate financial resources to maintain oneself, and no criminal record are among the prerequisites.

  17. Kopa Mariam says:

    Hello, I will like to know

  18. Aarya says:

    Can high school graduates with D2 visa change to E6 visa without leaving South Korea before getting bachelor’s degree if they are sponsored by and trained by entertainment company?

    Or is it easier for S3 part time job visa to change to E6 visa before graduation in South Korea?
    Thank you.

    • Oliver says:

      it is possible to change from a D-2 visa to an E-6 visa in South Korea. However, the specific requirements and procedures for changing visa types may vary, so it’s important to consult with the appropriate authorities or immigration office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
      The easier option is up to your conditions.

  19. Rahnuma Chowdhury says:

    Can a D-2 holder bring their parents? Not visit visa. Can they stay with the students the whole 4 years?

    • Max says:

      From what we know, South Korea’s D-2 visa for international students doesn’t usually allow parents to be listed as dependents or to stay with the student for the whole time they are in school. The D-2 visa is for students who want to study, and it does not allow them to see their families.

      But it’s important to remember that laws and rules about immigration can change over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about visa rules and whether or not you can bring family members, including your parents, with you to South Korea, you should contact the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate or talk to the international student office at your university in South Korea. They can give you the most up-to-date information on visa options and any possible policy changes.

  20. Nicole says:

    Hello,
    I would like to know is there any other type of visa that is not mentioned when applying for university?
    I don’t have large amount of money in my bank account but I’ve seen a video on YouTube recently that shows foreign students who study and work at the same time and get transferred to their work place right after there classes. They say that they came to study in Korea because they couldn’t afford it in there home country so I assumed that there is a way to study there without having much money in advance.

    Thank you so much in advance.

    • Max says:

      You can look into the D-2-7 visa option if you want to study in South Korea without having to pay a lot of money up front. With this visa, international students can work part-time while they are in school, which helps them pay for their living costs. You can work up to 20 hours a week with the D-2-7 visa during the school year and full-time during breaks between semesters. To be eligible, you must be a student at a recognized South Korean university, go to class regularly, and make good academic progress. Make sure to get a work permit through the international student office at your university and follow South Korea’s labor laws, which include rules about the minimum wage. You can work and study at the same time to make going to school in South Korea more affordable. But it’s important to make sure you know the exact rules and requirements of the university you want to attend and the South Korean government, as they may be different. You should also talk to your university’s international student office to get personalized help with visa options and available financial aid.