How to Apply for a South Korea Student Visa in 2025 – Requirements & Tips

Quick Overview (D‑2 vs. D‑4)

• D‑2 (Student) visa: For full‑time degree and exchange programs (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, research, exchange). Valid for study periods longer than 90 days. Issued as subtypes like D‑2‑2 (undergrad), D‑2‑3 (master’s), etc.
• D‑4‑1 (Korean Language Trainee): For long‑term Korean language programs at approved institutions. Often used as a pathway into a later degree.
• Single‑entry by default: Most student visas are issued as single‑entry with stay length matching the official study period. If you exit and re‑enter, you’ll need a multiple‑re‑entry permission (or a multiple‑entry visa if eligible).

Who Needs a Korean Student Visa?

You must apply for a long‑term visa if you’ll study in Korea for more than 90 days in a qualified program:

• University/college degrees (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD)
• Exchange or visiting student programs
• Long‑term Korean language study at an approved institute (D‑4‑1)

Short programs under 90 days may use other visas, but most recognized study paths require D‑2 or D‑4.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply (2025)

Step 1: Secure Admission and Your School Documents

1. Offer of Admission: Receive your official acceptance from a Korean university or language institute.
2. Certificate of Admission (CoA) or Visa Issuance Number (VIN):
   • Many universities issue a CoA; some apply domestically to immigration so you get a Visa Issuance Number. Either serves as your core proof to apply at the embassy/consulate in your country.
3. Enrollment & Tuition: Pay any deposits/tuition required for visa support documents.

Pro Tip: Start early. It can take 2–6+ weeks for schools to finalize CoA/VIN and courier originals.

Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents

Exact requirements can vary slightly by embassy and program level, but this is the standard D‑2/D‑4 checklist you should expect in 2025:

• Visa Application Form (completed and signed; many posts accept online e‑forms you print and sign)
• Valid passport (with blank pages), plus a passport bio‑page copy
• ID photo (3.5×4.5 cm, white background, taken within 6 months)
• Certificate of Admission or Visa Issuance Number
• Proof of academic background (e.g., diploma, transcripts; sometimes apostilled or embassy‑verified)
• Proof of financial means (bank statement, scholarship letter, sponsor letter)
• Proof of residence (required by some posts)
• Criminal record (only if requested for specific programs; not common for D‑2 undergrads)
• Medical/TB screening (required for applicants from designated countries or if your embassy mandates it)
• Health insurance proof (if requested pre‑arrival; post‑arrival national health insurance is mandatory after a period—see Post‑Arrival)
• Application fee (amounts vary by nationality and embassy)

For D‑4‑1 (language school): Add enrollment certificate, tuition receipt, and sometimes attendance commitment documents from the institute.

Financial Sufficiency (typical): Many universities and consulates expect a personal or sponsor bank balance around KRW 20,000,000 (≈ USD 15,000–20,000), or a scholarship/funding letter covering tuition + living costs. Some schools specify an exact figure—follow the higher of school vs. embassy requirements.

Document Verification: If your last school is outside Korea, your diploma/transcripts may require Apostille (or embassy authentication if your country isn’t part of the Apostille Convention). China‑educated applicants often need CHSI/CDGDC verification.

Step 3: Prepare TB Screening (If Applicable)

Korea requires tuberculosis (TB) screening from applicants of certain nationalities or at specific embassies. If applicable:

• Do the test at an embassy‑designated clinic
• Ensure reports are recent (often within 3 months)
• Bring the original TB certificate / chest X‑ray report to your visa appointment

Your embassy’s website will list whether TB screening is required for you.

Step 4: Complete the Visa Application

• Fill out the Visa Application Form (online or paper) carefully—names must match your passport exactly.
• If you received a Visa Issuance Number, include it where indicated.
• Double‑check dates, study period, address in Korea (temporary is fine), and contact info.

Photo Standard: 3.5×4.5 cm, color, white background, no filters, no headwear (unless religious), ears visible, taken within 6 months.

Step 5: Book Your Appointment & Submit at the Embassy/Consulate

• Many Korean missions use online booking systems or Visa Application Centers (KVACs) for submissions.
• Bring originals + copies, organized by the checklist. Label your folders.
• Pay the visa fee (cash/card per local instruction). Fees vary by nationality and entry type; long‑term single‑entry is most common for students.
• Some missions accept postal/courier applications; confirm if biometrics or in‑person submission is required in your country.

Processing Time: Varies by season and country (typically 1–4 weeks); peak intakes (Jan–Mar, Jun–Aug) can take longer. Apply early.

Step 6: Track & Collect Your Visa

• You’ll receive a visa sticker in your passport (or a digital visa confirmation if your mission issues one).
• Check details immediately: name spelling, passport number, visa type (e.g., D‑2‑2 for undergrad), school name, and sojourn period.
• Validity to enter: Student visas are often valid for 3 months to enter Korea. Once you enter, your stay period follows the study dates in your CoA.

What It Costs (Budgeting 2025)

Your total cost to get to Korea includes more than the visa fee:

• University application fees: KRW 40,000–150,000 per application (varies)
• Tuition deposit: Set by school (some require part payment before issuing CoA)
• Visa fee: Commonly equivalent to USD 60–90 for long‑term single‑entry (varies by nationality; some countries have adjusted fees)
• TB test/medical: If required, budget for clinic fees
• Courier/postage: For documents and passport return
• Translations & legalization: Apostille, embassy verification, notarization costs

Living Costs in Korea (ballpark/month)

• Housing (dorm/one‑room): KRW 350,000–800,000
• Food: KRW 300,000–500,000
• Transportation: KRW 60,000–80,000
• Phone/Internet: KRW 30,000–60,000
• Books/incidentals: KRW 50,000–150,000

Your bank statement/scholarship should realistically cover tuition + 6–12 months living.

Post‑Arrival Essentials (Don’t Skip These!)

1) Residence Card (formerly ARC) – within 90 days

• Book online at HiKorea for your local immigration office.
• Bring passport, visa, ID photo, address in Korea, and school docs (plus fee).
• The Residence Card serves as your official ID; you’ll need it for banking, phone plans, housing contracts, and insurance.

If you change address later, report the change (usually within 14 days) at your district office or immigration.

2) Health Insurance (Mandatory)

• All international students staying over 6 months must be covered by health insurance during their stay.
• New arrivals typically use private student insurance until they are auto‑enrolled in Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI) after meeting the residency threshold (e.g., after 6 months and Resident/Registration number assignment).
• Your university will brief you on when/how NHI starts and how to pay monthly premiums.

3) Bank Account & Phone Plan

• After you receive (or apply for) your Residence Card, open a bank account and get a mobile plan. Some carriers let you start with your passport plus proof of enrollment; most prefer the Residence Card.

4) Part‑Time Work Permission (Optional)

• Student work is not automatic. To work legally, apply for part‑time employment permission at immigration (through your school). Approval depends on attendance, GPA, and Korean proficiency.
• Typical weekday limits range 20–30 hours per week (varies by degree level and proficiency). Weekends/holidays often have more flexibility. Always follow your school’s and immigration’s current rules.
• Certain job categories (e.g., adult entertainment, delivery riding) are restricted or prohibited. Get written permission for each employer and update if you add a second job.

5) Extensions & Breaks

• Your sojourn period matches your study period. If you need more time for thesis, retakes, or an extra semester, apply well before your visa expires.
• If you take a leave of absence, you may need to leave Korea or switch status; talk to your international office first.

Timeline You Can Copy (Working Back from Semester Start)

Assume your program begins September 1:

• March–April: Shortlist schools/language centers; check entry requirements and scholarship deadlines.
• April–May: Submit applications; take any required language tests; prep funding documents.
• May–June: Receive admission; pay deposits; request CoA/VIN; order official transcripts/diploma verifications.
• June–July: Complete TB screening (if required); organize apostilles/embassy verifications; translate documents.
• July: Book visa appointment; submit application + fee; allow buffer for peak‑season delays.
• Late July–August: Visa issued; book flight; sort housing; buy insurance (if required).
• By late August: Arrive in Korea; apply for Residence Card; attend orientation; set up bank/phone; register for classes.

Common Embassy‑Specific Extras (Don’t Be Surprised)

Depending on your country/mission, you might be asked for:

• TB medical certificate from a designated clinic
• Police clearance (especially for graduate programs or certain scholarships)
• Sponsor letter + ID (if someone else funds you)
• Source‑of‑funds evidence (e.g., bank history, fixed deposits, loan sanction letters)
• **Proof of accommodat