D-2 Student Visa - South Korea

What it is

For foreign students enrolled in degree programmes at Korean universities. Covers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral studies. Part-time work 20 hours/week with permission after 6 months. Official sub-categories: D-2-1 전문학사 (associate); D-2-2 학사유학 (bachelor); D-2-3 석사유학 (master); D-2-4 박사유학 (doctoral); D-2-5 연구유학 (research); D-2-6 교환학생 (exchange).

Key facts

Category: Study
Duration: Up to 2 years per grant (Enforcement Rule annex 1), renewable for the programme duration.
Processing time: 4 weeks
Maximum validity: 2 years
Path to permanent residence: No
Dependants: Yes

Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.

Fees

Application fee (single entry, stay 91 days or more): USD 60
Application fee (if issued as a 2-entry visa): USD 70
Application fee (if issued as a multiple-entry visa): USD 90

Key requirements

Unconditional admission letter from a recognized Korean university
Proof of financial ability (approximately KRW 20 million in bank for 1 month+)
Educational certificates and transcripts
TOPIK Level 3+ recommended for Korean-medium programmes
Health insurance

Working on this visa

Part-time student work requires prior out-of-status-activity permission from the Minister of Justice (Immigration Act Art. 20); a discounted permission fee applies to D-2/D-4 part-time work (Enforcement Rule Art. 72).

After this visa

Doctoral graduates of Korean graduate schools have a named F-5 permanent-residence route (Enforcement Decree annex 1-3, route 7).

Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 18 July 2026.