South Korea Study Visa Support

D-2 or D-4

D-2 covers degree programmes at recognised universities — Bachelor's, Master's, doctoral. D-4 covers language training at a university language institute, and is the common entry route for students who need Korean before starting a degree.

Moving from D-4 to D-2 inside Korea is normal and expected, but it is a change of status with its own requirements, and attendance on the language programme is monitored closely in the meantime.

Language requirements

• Korean-taught degrees commonly require TOPIK level 3 or above for admission.
• Some universities admit at a lower level with a mandatory language year attached.
• English-taught programmes exist, particularly at postgraduate level, and accept IELTS or TOEFL instead.
• Graduation requirements are often a level higher than admission required, which students discover in their final year.

Financial evidence

Korea expects funds covering tuition and living costs, and prefers them held in the student's own name. Balances that appeared shortly before the application draw the same scrutiny they do everywhere, and the immigration office has become notably stricter about it.

Universities also grade their own international admissions by visa risk, and a weak financial file can cost you the admission before it ever reaches immigration.

The process

The university issues a standard admission letter and a certificate of admission, which you take to the Korean embassy with your academic documents, financial evidence and health declarations. After arrival you register for an alien registration card within the required period.