How to Get Student Visa for South Korea (Requirements)

South Korea is a top choice for international students, boasting one of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive education system. South Korea has a literacy rate of 97.3%, with 68% of the population having a Bachelor’s degree.

The three most sought-after universities in South Korea are “SKY” –the Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University. If you want to study abroad in Korea, you need to obtain a South Korean student visa. The type of visa you need to obtain depends on the type of course or training you will undertake in Korea.

Generally, applicants who seek a degree higher than a professional school, research course or exchange students need a Student D-2 visa. For those studying the Korean language, you need a D-4 visa.

The visa application process and the list of the required documents may change at any time in South Korea. Aspiring students must get the latest information on the visa regulations directly from the Korean embassy in your home country. For more information on student visas, visit the Korea Immigration Service website.

SEE ALSO: How to get a Student Visa in France

Which are the types of South Korean student visa?

1. Student visa (D-2)
You need to obtain a student visa if you want to pursue your studies in South Korea. The maximum length of stay in Korea for those with a D-2 Student visa is up to 2 years. The applicant must submit their application to any Korean diplomatic mission in their home country or in a country their last school is located.

Conditions

• For students who want to conduct study and research at educational and academic institutions such as community colleges
• Students who want to research or enrol in a full-time program such as Bachelor’s, Master, and PhD at any academic institutions established under either the Higher Education Act or the Special Act.

2. General Trainee (D-4)

A general trainee (D-4) visa is issued to students who want to study the Korean language and other conditions that apply below. Aspiring students can apply through any immigration branch or online at the Korea Visa Portal. The visa issued can last up to 2 years.

Conditions

• • Research, study or train at an educational organization, or an academic research centre
  • Belong to a private enterprise and other groups that do not fall under D-2 categories.

Eg.

• • Students who are learning Korean at a university-affiliated language centre
  • Students who are studying at an educational organization or an academic research centre that does not fall under D-2 categories
  • Students who are practising skills/techniques at a public/private research institute or training centre
  • Students who are performing on-the-job training, researching, or is an intern at a foreign investment company or foreigner-invested company.

*Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance
This document is obtained after a request for visa issuance of a foreign visa applicant or a Korean national who wants to invite a foreigner. The Minister of Justice or the Immigration Office is responsible for the issuance of this document after careful inspection. This certificate is issued before the actual student visa is issued.

Conditions:

• A foreigner who intends to enter Korea
• A Korean national trying to invite a foreigner

How to get this document?

• Apply for a certificate of visa issuance approval to the competent Immigration Office or branches in Sejongno, Ulsan, or Donghae along with the required documents (see below)
• Send the certificate of visa issuance approval to the person intending to enter Korea
• Upon receiving the certificate of visa issuance approval, obtain the student visa by presenting it to the Korean consulate

SEE ALSO: How to get a Student Visa in UK

What are the requirements for a South Korean student visa?

1. Student Visa (D-2)

• Visa application form or Form #34, photocopy of passport, one standard size photograph, fee
• Photocopy of Business Registration Certificate of a respective education institution
• Standard Acceptance Letter that is issued by the dean/president of the university
• Documents proving your family relations if your parent’s certificate of balance is submitted

2. General Trainee (D-4)

• Application for a visa issuance confirmation or Form #21, a copy of passport, one standard size photograph, fees
• Copy of business registration of the education institute or a photocopy of distinct number card
• Standardized acceptance letter or FIMS Information Confirmation that is issued by the President/Dean of university
• For scholarship student, an Invitation Letter from the National Institutes for International Education
• Enrolment letter or duplicate copy of the graduation diploma of your final level of education
• Proof of financial support (eg. balance statement issued within the past 30 days, bankbook, scholarship receipt, deposit/withdrawal statement)
• Family relations certificate
• Training Plan such as Schedule, lecturers, etc.

Please note that the head of the immigration may ask for additional documents to examine the authenticity if the qualifications of both the sponsor and the applicant.

*Additional information and documents for German students
German citizens are exempted from the application fee for a student visa. Applicants are advised to visit the embassy or mail the application documents and your passport to the Korean embassy.

Documents required for German students:

• A Korean contact person’s address and contact number
• For non-German citizens: proof of permanent residence in Germany is required

*Additional information for summer school students
For students who want to attend summer school, you don’t need to obtain a student visa. You can get a visa on arrival (a stamp on the passport) at the airport to be granted access to stay in Korea for 3 months.

Do you know someone who wants to apply for a student visa in Korea? Share this article with them!