Student Visa
D-2
The D-2 visa is for foreign students in associate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree programmes, research programmes, exchange programmes and work-learning programmes at Korean universities. Students apply at a Korean embassy or consulate with a Standard Admission Letter from the university and proof of funds. In-country they must register as foreign residents within 90 days and need immigration permission before working part-time.
Life in South Korea
Money
3
Currency
South Korean Won
KRW
South Korean Won
Cost of living
62
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
6–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 10%
Plus local income tax of 10% of national income tax (top combined 49.5%); 45% applies above KRW 1 billion.
Living
1
Happiness
#65 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign nationals admitted to a degree, research or exchange programme at a Korean university or college.
Eligibility
University admission
The applicant must hold a Standard Admission Letter issued by the university president or dean.
Sub-categories
Your visa falls under one of eight D-2 sub-categories, depending on your study type.
- D-2-1 associate, D-2-2 bachelor's, D-2-3 master's, D-2-4 doctoral
- D-2-5 research, D-2-6 exchange
- D-2-7 work-learning linked, D-2-8 short-term study
Official wording
D-2-1 associate, D-2-2 bachelor's, D-2-3 master's, D-2-4 doctoral, D-2-5 research, D-2-6 exchange, D-2-7 work-learning linked, D-2-8 short-term study.
Financial ability (degree programmes)Degree programmes
Show proof of funds, set in won, if you are applying for a degree programme.
Money to show (degree programmes)
- Degree studentsequivalent proof
- 20 million won
- Some regional universitiesuniversities struggling to recruit
- 16 million won
- Requirement set by Korea's Ministry of Justice
Official wording
Korea's Ministry of Justice set the funds requirement in won: proof equivalent to 20 million won for degree students, or 16 million won for students at some regional universities that struggle to recruit.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementAccredited universities
- Document checklistVisa application form
- FeesVisa fee - single entry, 91 days or more
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 4 more requirements
- 10 documents
- 4 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Programs and scholarships Members
Study programs here that can lead to work and settlement, grouped by route and ranked for your background, with scholarships matched to your profile.
Places to visit in South Korea
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
- Study in Korea (NIIED) - Student visa and stay status
- Study in Korea (NIIED) - Residence eligibility and stay duration
- Korea Policy Briefing - Easing of financial review for student visas
- Korea Immigration Service - Residence card fee increase from 1 Jan 2025
- Korea Law Information Center - Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act (fees)
- Ministry of Justice press release on accredited universities (12 Feb 2026)
- Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the UK - D-2 visa
Other routes to South Korea
- Visit & tourismShort-term tourist visa (C-3-9), with K-ETA for visa-free visitors
- Work permitsJob Seeker Visa
- Permanent residencePermanent Residence
- FamilyMarriage Migrant (F-6) Visa
- Work permitsSpecially Designated Activities (E-7) visa
