← Back to Visa Guide
D-2

D-2 Student Visa

Duration

⏱ Duration of study program (renewable)

The D-2 visa is issued to foreigners enrolled in degree programs at Korean universities and colleges. It is the standard visa for international students studying in Korea and covers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

International Summer/Winter Campus

Who Qualifies?

  • Foreigners accepted into a degree program at a Korean university or college

  • Covers undergraduate (학사), master's (석사), and doctoral (박사) programs

  • Also covers associate degree programs at junior colleges (μ „λ¬ΈλŒ€ν•™)

  • Exchange students enrolled through an official university exchange program

  • Must maintain satisfactory academic progress to keep visa status

Documents Required

  • Valid passport

  • Visa application form

  • Certificate of admission β€” from your Korean university

  • Proof of financial ability β€” bank statement showing minimum 10,000,000 KRW or equivalent (or scholarship proof)

  • High school diploma or bachelor's degree certificate β€” apostilled or notarized

  • Official transcripts β€” from your previous institution

  • Passport-sized photos

  • Application fee β€” around 60,000 KRW

  • Health certificate β€” required by some universities

SUNY Korea provides career education to middle schoolers - The Korea Times

Application Process

  • Step 1: Apply to and receive acceptance from a Korean university

  • Step 2: Your university will provide a Certificate of Admission (μž…ν•™ν—ˆκ°€μ„œ)

  • Step 3: Apply for D-2 visa at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country

  • Step 4: Arrive in Korea and apply for your Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days

  • Step 5: Register for National Health Insurance through your university

Part-time Work Allowance

D-2 visa holders are permitted to work part-time under the following conditions:

  • Maximum 20 hours per week during the semester

  • Unlimited hours during vacation periods

  • Must apply for a part-time work permit at your local immigration office β€” bring your ARC, student ID, and enrollment certificate

  • Working without a permit can result in visa cancellation

  • On-campus jobs (teaching assistant, research assistant) are generally easier to obtain

Working as an International Student in Korea

Renewal

  • D-2 visa is typically valid for 1–2 years and must be renewed while in Korea

  • Apply for renewal at your local immigration office before your current visa expires

  • Required documents: passport, ARC, enrollment certificate, academic transcript, proof of tuition payment

  • Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher (varies by university) for renewal

  • Excessive absences or academic probation can result in visa cancellation

After Graduation

  • After completing your degree, you can apply for a D-10 (Job Seeker) visa to stay in Korea and look for work

  • Graduates from Korean universities receive preferential treatment when applying for D-10

  • If you secure employment, convert to the appropriate work visa (E-7, E-2, etc.)

  • Korean university graduates with strong academic records may qualify for expedited work visa processing

Top Universities for International Students

  • Seoul National University (SNU) β€” Korea's most prestigious university. Strong English programs.

  • Yonsei University β€” Large international student community. Strong English curriculum.

  • Korea University (κ³ λ €λŒ€ν•™κ΅) β€” Part of the SKY universities. Excellent business and law programs.

  • KAIST β€” Top science and technology university. Many programs taught in English.

  • Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) β€” Backed by Samsung. Strong engineering and business programs.

  • Ewha Womans University β€” Korea's top women's university with a large international student body.

Useful Resources

Tips

  • Apply for the GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) β€” fully funded scholarship covering tuition, living expenses, and airfare

  • Most universities have an International Student Office β€” use their services for visa help, housing, and cultural adjustment

  • Learn Korean before arriving β€” even basic Korean makes daily life significantly easier

  • Apply for your part-time work permit early β€” the process takes 2–4 weeks

  • Join your university's buddy program to connect with Korean students and practice the language