South Korea•AsiaD-2 — Student Visa (D-2)
At a Glance
1–3 weeks
USD $150
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Long-stay student visa for associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs at Korean universities with limited work authorization.
The D-2 Student Visa is South Korea's long-term visa for international students pursuing degrees at accredited Korean universities. It covers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Applicants must have acceptance and demonstrate financial capacity (at least 20 million KRW equivalent) to cover tuition and living expenses.
Students may work up to 30 hours per week during academic term (35 hrs/week for graduates) with no restrictions on weekends and vacations. The visa lasts up to 2 years, renewable for program duration (up to 8 years for doctoral). Fees are $60 USD (single-entry) or $90 USD (multiple-entry). Spouses may work freely, dependents may accompany you, and processing takes 10–21 days.
This visa is ideal for international students committed to completing a full degree program at a Korean university.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
South KoreaSouth KoreaRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be accepted for enrollment at a Korean academic institution (associate degree, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program).
Must possess the required level of academic credentials for the chosen program.
Must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition and living expenses (typically at least 20 million KRW).
Must not have a history of visa rejection or illegal stay in South Korea.
Must meet language proficiency requirements (TOPIK or English proficiency) if mandated by the specific university.
Must be in good health (TB test certificate required for nationals of high-risk countries).
KEY CRITERIA
Education
high_school or higher
Min. Savings
20,000 USD
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Visa application form
Valid passport
Passport-sized photograph (3.5cm x 4.5cm)
Certificate of Admission issued by the Korean university
Copy of the university's business registration certificate
Proof of highest level of education (diploma/transcripts, apostilled or verified)
Proof of financial ability (bank statement, scholarship letter, or financial aid certificate)
Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if applicable)
Family relation certificate (if using parents' financial documents)
Visa application fee
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Competitive visa fees at $60 USD for single-entry and $90 USD for multiple-entry
- Up to 30–35 hrs/week work allowed during academic term for graduate students with local immigration approval
- Unlimited work during weekends and vacation periods with local immigration approval
- Extendable throughout doctoral studies tied to program duration
- Multiple-entry option enables easy travel to and from Korea throughout studies
- Pathway to permanent residency after completing degree
- Dependents allowed to accompany on family D-2 visa
- Renewable status throughout duration of academic enrollment
Worth Knowing
- Work authorization requires advance permission from local immigration office
- Initial stay limited to 1–4 years per program; must renew for extended programs
- Minimum financial requirement of $20,000 USD (~27.6 million KRW) for living costs
- Work restrictions tied to academic calendar; limitations during term periods for undergraduates
- Must maintain full enrollment status at accredited Korean university; dropping out terminates visa
Application Process
Receive university admission
Acceptance letter from Korean university
University submits COE
Certificate of qualification from university
Receive COE
From university to applicant
Apply at embassy
Submit D-2 visa application
Visa processing
2-4 weeks
Visa issuance
Student visa granted
Application Forms
| D-2 Student Visa Application | — |
Related visas
More visas in South Korea
Study visas in other countries
- Student Visa (Type D)
Netherlands
- Exchange Visitor
United States
- Student Residence Permit (إقامة دراسية)
Jordan
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