Study for a degree at an accredited Korean university or college.
Stay Duration
Duration of program (typically 2–4 years; 1 year per issuance, renewed annually)
Processing
1–4 weeks
Visa Fee
$74.63 (status change) / $44.78 (extension)
Fees and processing times sourced from HiKorea & Ministry of Justice. Figures are updated periodically but may change — verify before submitting.
The D-2 visa is issued to students enrolled in accredited higher education institutions in Korea. Sub-categories include: D-2-1 (associate degree), D-2-2 (bachelor's degree), D-2-3 (master's degree), D-2-4 (PhD), D-2-5 (research), D-2-6 (exchange student), D-2-7 (work-study / 일학습연계유학), and D-2-8 (visiting student). It is the primary visa for foreign students pursuing a full degree in Korea.
Foreign nationals who have been accepted into a Korean university or graduate program accredited by NIIED or the Korean Ministry of Education. Also covers Korean government scholarship (GKS/KGSP) recipients.
Accepted into a Korean government-accredited university or graduate school
Completed required level of education (high school diploma for undergraduate, bachelor's for graduate)
Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses
No criminal record
Meets the institution's admission requirements
Online/correspondence universities (방송통신대학 etc.), vocational training institutes (한국폴리텍대학 직업훈련과정), and night-only programs without day courses are excluded from D-2 eligibility
Valid passport
Visa application form + passport photo
Certificate of admission from Korean institution
Original academic transcripts and diplomas (apostilled or verified)
Proof of financial ability (bank statement of approx. ₩20,000,000 or scholarship letter)
TOPIK score certificate (if required by institution or for certain scholarships)
Passport copy of parents (for under-18 applicants)
Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate required for nationals of 35 high-risk countries (issued by certified hospital, sealed envelope)
Apply to a Korean university
Apply directly to Korean universities or through government scholarship programs like GKS (Global Korea Scholarship). Receive an official letter of admission.
Apply for the D-2 visa
Submit your visa application to the Korean embassy in your country with your admission letter and supporting documents.
Enter Korea and register
Register at immigration within 90 days of arrival. Bring your ARC registration receipt to your university's international office.
Maintain status and renew annually
Your D-2 visa is typically issued in 1-year increments. Renew at the immigration office each year with proof of enrollment and continued financial means.
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