Why study in Korea?

• Home to top-ranking universities of the world
• Cost-effective study options
• Several scholarship programs waive 30-100% of tuition fees
• Easy post-study work measures
• High employment rate

 

Korea Student Visa (D-2 Visa)

Korea has emerged as a top destination for foreign students willing to study abroad. The country offers the D-2 Student visa for students willing to migrate and study in Korea for a full-time, long-term degree course or exchange program. The visa allows you to migrate and stay in the country if you enroll in a degree course or exchange program for more than 90 days. The D-2 Student visa is a single-entry visa which is valid for 3 months. The visa can be renewed after the completion of every study program provided that you enrol for another exchange program or degree course in Korea.

 

Benefits of a Korea Student Visa

Korea welcomes foreign students who are willing to enroll themselves in Korean universities for various study programs. There are numerous benefits of applying for the Korea Student Visa (D-2 Visa). Some of the major ones are listed below:

 

• Avail excellent quality education
• Easy way to get a post-study work permit
• Several employment opportunities are available
• Work part-time along with your study program
• Be a part of the world's best universities

 

Top Universities in Korea

Korea ranked in the top 50 QS Rankings in 2024 and is known for world-class education options. The table below has the list of top universities in Korea:

QS Ranking in 2024	Korean Universities
41	Seoul National University
56	Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
76	Yonsei University
79	Korea University
100	Pohang University of Science and Technology
145	Sungkyunkwan University
164	Hanyang University
266	Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology
307	Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
328	Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
332	Kyung Hee University
436	Sejong University
494	Chung-Ang University
498	Ewha Woman’s University
509	Sogang University
520	Kyungpook National University
575	Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

 

Top Courses to Study in Korea

Korea has some excellent study programs that will make you a perfect fit for the global job market. The table below has the list of top courses offered by Korean universities and educational institutes:

Course	Average Tuition Fee (USD per year)
Electronics and Electrical Engineering	4,500
Business Administration	6,000
Life Sciences	4,000
Korean Language and Literature	3,500
Political Science and International Relations	4,000

 

Free Korean Language Education

The table below lists the names of University-affiliated Korean language institutes in the country:

Korea University Korean Language Center	SKKU Sungkyun Language Institute
Konkuk University Korean Education Department	Seogang Korean Language Education Center
Kyung Hee University Institute of International Education	Seoul National University Language Education Institute
Dongguk University International Language Institute	Yonsei University Korean Language Institute
Sookmyung Global Language Institute	Ehwa Language Center
Soongshil University Office of International Affairs	Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Center for Korean Language and Culture
Hansung University Language Education Center	Hanyang Institute of International Education

 

Scholarships in Korea

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Scholarship Award
Global Korea Scholarship	Korean Government	Covers: Airfare, Insurance, Tuition fees, Language courses, Research support
University Scholarship Type A	Every Korean University	Covers 30% to 100% tuition fees
University Scholarship Type B	Every Korean University	Covers 30% to 100% tuition fees

 

Korea Intakes

Universities in Korea have two intakes or semesters: Spring (March-June) and Fall (September – December)

Spring Semester	Runs from March to June
	Application deadline: Sept-Nov
Fall Semester	Runs from September to December
	Application deadline: May-June

 

Korea Student Visa Eligibility

You would be eligible to apply for a D-2 Student visa if you:

• Have enrolled yourself in a regular full-time degree course or exchange program
• Meet the financial requirements specified for your study program
• Meet the language proficiency requirements
• Have met the education requirements relevant for your study program
• Have a letter of Acceptance from the University you are enrolled in

 

Korea Student Visa Requirements

The following are the documents required for Korea Student Visa:

 

• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized pictures taken against a white background
• Original and valid passport
• Certificate of Admission Letter issued by Korean authorities
• Transfer Certificates from the last attended educational institution
• Documents demonstrating financial affordability
• Recent bank statements (issued not more than 2 weeks prior to your application date)
• Certificate of Scholarship (if applicable)
• Business Registration certificate of the Korean educational institute you are enrolled in
• Exchange Student Agreement (for exchange students only)
• Proof of relationship with your family members

 

Financial requirements

The Korean government has recently brought down the minimum bank balance required to be eligible for a Korean student visa. The table below lists the details of the amount of funds required for different study programs in Korea:

Study program	Min. Bank Balance Required (in USD)
Bachelor's, Master's, PhD programs in Universities in the national capital region	15,000
Bachelor's, Master's, PhD programs in Universities in local region	13,000
Exchange students (less than 12 months)	Enough money to cover the whole cost of your stay in Korea

 

Note: The bank statement provided with your application form must reflect the minimum amounts as per your study program specified above.

 

How to Apply for a Korea Study Visa?

You can follow the steps listed below to apply for a Korea study visa:

Step 1: Apply for a Certificate of Admission from Korean authorities

Step 2: Gather all other documents required

Step 3: Apply for the D-2 Student visa

Step 4: Migrate to Korea upon visa approval

Note: You must apply for a Registration Card within 90 days of your arrival in Korea.

 

Korea Student Visa Fees

The visa fee for D-2 Student Visa for Korea is around $60- $90.

 

Korea Student Visa Processing Time

Korea Student Visa applications are generally processed within 4 to 10 working days.

 

Post-Study Work Visas for International Students

• D-10 Visa: Up to 2 years for job search in Korea
• E-7 Visa: For specialized study fields
• H-1 Visa: Working Holiday option
• F-2 Visa: Points-based long-term residency

 

Job Market in Korea

• 75% of international students secure jobs within six months
• Home to giant companies like Samsung and LG
• Strong in Automobile and Shipbuilding
• Average salary around $37,000; Tech sector can exceed $50,000
• Over 100,000 job vacancies reported annually

 

Average Salaries in Korea

Industry Sector	Average Monthly Salary (KRW)
Architecture	3610000
Banking	4230000
Construction / Building / Installation	2290000
Engineering	3280000
Factory and Manufacturing	2650000
Health and Medical	5800000
Human Resources	3680000
Public Relations	3910000
Real Estate	4400000
Teaching / Education	4120000

 

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, provides assistance to all students and aspirants willing to study in Korea. Our team of experienced study-abroad consultants will assist you with the following services:

 

• Y-Axis Free Counselling Services to help you with course and University selection
• Campus Ready Program to help you fly to Korea with the best and ideal course
• Course Recommendation: Y-Pathgives the best suitable ideas about your study and career options.
• Y-Axis Coaching Services to help you with IELTS and TOEFL
• Expert Assistance with acquiring a Korea Student Visa