D-2 Degree study visa

Who this applies to

Anyone admitted to an associate, bachelor, master or doctoral programme at a Korean university

What to know

• Sub-codes follow the programme: D-2-1 associate, D-2-2 bachelor, D-2-3 master, D-2-4 doctorate, D-2-5 research, D-2-6 exchange.
• A certificate of admission from the university comes first. Admission precedes the visa.
• You must show proof of funds. There is no single fixed figure — it varies by university, nationality and the consulate handling your case. Figures around KRW 10-20 million (roughly USD 20,000) are often quoted, but do not treat that as the rule.
• Whether the university holds the government international-education certification changes both the documents required and how closely the case is examined.
• After arrival you must register as a foreign resident.

How it works

1. 1

   Apply to a university, receive an offer, and obtain the certificate of admission.

2. 2

   Prepare proof of funds and your academic records.

3. 3

   Apply for the visa at the Korean mission with jurisdiction over you, or change your status if you are already in Korea.

4. 4

   Enter Korea.

5. 5

   Register as a foreign resident within the set period.

Common questions

If a university admits me, does the visa follow automatically?

No. Admission and the visa are separate decisions made by different bodies — the university and the Korean mission. An offer does not guarantee a visa if there are problems with your documents or your proof of funds.

Exactly how much money do I need to show?

There is no single figure. The amount and the acceptable form of proof depend on the university, your nationality, and the mission handling your case. Treat anyone who states a flat number as a warning sign, and confirm the current requirement with your university and the relevant mission.

What is the difference between D-2 and D-4?

D-2 covers programmes that award a degree. D-4 covers non-degree training such as a language course. Starting on D-4 for language study and changing to D-2 on entering a degree programme is a common route.